What is microneedling?
Microneedling stimulates your body’s natural healing processes by creating dozens of micro injuries in the surface of your skin. These controlled wounds trigger the release of natural growth factors, collagen, and elastin – all compounds that enhance the look and health of your skin. Microneedling also increases cell turnover to revitalize the look of your skin.
The automated microneedling process, or percutaneous collagen induction therapy, uses a device equipped with dozens of tiny needles that glides across your skin. The depth and size of the needles are adjusted to your skin type and goals.
What is microneedling with PRP?
PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a compound derived from a sample of your own blood. After a conventional blood draw, Dr. Brownell uses a centrifuge to concentrate the platelet content. Platelets contain numerous growth factors and other healing compounds that accelerate your skin’s repair. These growth factors are essential for new cell generation and cellular function.
Following microneedling, Dr. Brownell applies the PRP to your treated skin. The microchannels created mean the PRP can seep deep into the surface of your skin and improve your results.
What are the benefits of microneedling?
Microneedling is a gentle procedure, especially when compared to dermal rolling or other ablative treatments. It provides for quick healing and long-lasting results.
Microneedling rejuvenates your look and addresses specific skin concerns. Patients opt for microneedling to:
- Reduce the look of lines and wrinkles
- Smooth acne scars
- Improve overall skin texture
- Minimize the appearance of sun damage
- Even out skin tone by fading hyperpigmentation and sun damage
- Shrink enlarged, visible pores
Microneedling also creates superficial micro-channels that allow topical serums and creams to be absorbed more effectively into the skin. This means your skin products penetrate deeper and thus work better.
How many microneedling treatments will I need, and do I need to schedule downtime?
Microneedling with or without PRP is an advanced procedure that gives you fantastic results. You’ll notice an improvement in your skin’s texture and radiance in just one to two weeks after treatment – sometimes even sooner – and these results just continue to improve over the course of several months. Careful skin care prolongs your results.
Dr. Brownell usually recommends three to six microneedling treatments spaced about four to six weeks apart. If you have deep wrinkles, significant sun damage, stretch marks, or scarring, you may need six or more treatments to get the best results.
Following treatment, your skin will look pinkish or slightly red – like you’ve had a sunburn. Usually, these side effects subside within about 24 hours. You may want to take a day of downtime following microneedling, but there are no official limitations on your activity.
If you’re ready to experience microneedling for yourself, call Westport Medispa for an appointment today.
