Microneedling is a way to treat blemishes and the signs of aging on the skin of your face and neck. It is FDA-approved for the treatment of skin in people over the age of 22.1
What Is Microneedling with PRP?
The microneedling process involves tiny needles used to penetrate the skin and cause it to produce more collagen and elastin as it heals. These needles may be attached either to a flat device or, more commonly, a roller. The treatment consists of the clinician rolling the needles back and forth over the skin. 2
PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a serum made from the patient’s own blood, so there is no chance of an allergic reaction or rejection. It’s obtained from a blood sample drawn and run through a centrifuge to separate the components. 3
When microneedling is combined with PRP, the platelets that have been separated out of the patient’s blood are introduced to the microneedling device. As the device is moved across the skin, each needle prick administers a small amount of PRP into the skin.4
Why Is Microneedling with PRP Better Than Microneedling Without?
Microneedling works to improve the appearance of skin because the needle pricks stimulate the production of collagen under and within the skin. The collagen naturally fills in folds, divots, and wrinkles, giving the skin a more youthful appearance.5
Adding PRP to the treatment has been shown to shorten recovery time and reduce the incidence of swelling and bruising. Platelets, the component of blood that makes up the majority of PRP, help with clotting. It is thought that by introducing platelets to the stimulated areas under the skin, any bleeding that occurs will stop faster and cause less swelling and bruising. 6
A review of microneedling with PRP treatments published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology looked at patients using the treatment to help with acne scarring.7 It found that those who received PRP with their microneedling treatment reported greater satisfaction with the reduction of their acne scars and shorter recoveries.8
What Are the Benefits of Microneedling with PRP Treatments?
Microneedling with PRP can be used to treat many cosmetic issues on the face and neck. These include 9:
- Acne, surgical and injury scarring
- Wrinkles and fine lines
- Dark blotches and discolorations
- Sun damage
- Large pores
- Uneven skin texture
- Loose or drapey neck skin
Perhaps the biggest benefit of using microneedling with PRP is that it is a non-surgical procedure with a low risk of side effects or complications. It is done in the clinic, showing rapid results with only a short recovery time.10
Risks and Side Effects of Microneedling with PRP
The risks of serious complications from microneedling with PRP treatments are very low, but as with any treatment that breaks the skin, there is a chance of infection. This can result in swollen lymph nodes, excessive swelling, scarring, or skin discoloration. These complications are most often associated with failures on the part of the doctor or his staff to adequately clean and sterilize the equipment.11 To avoid these risks, be sure to find a highly experienced, reputable doctor for the procedure.
Even when everything goes according to plan, there are some common temporary side effects to microneedling skin treatment. These include12 :
- Bruising
- Swelling of the treated area
- Redness
- Itching or burning sensations in the treated area
- Sensitivity to sunlight
- Small white papules on the surface of the skin
- Acne
All of these conditions should clear up within four to six days after treatment. If they persist, contact your doctor.
Who Shouldn’t Get Microneedling with PRP Treatments
While microneedling with PRP treatments are considered extremely safe for most people, some with specific conditions or ailments should avoid them. These include13:
- Those who are pregnant
- Anyone who has recently used Accutane to treat acne
- Anyone who currently has large breakouts of acne
- Those who have rosacea or facial eczema
- Anyone who has undergone skin radiation treatments in the last year
- Those with hemophilia or other clotting issues
Preparing for a Microneedling with PRP Treatment
Taking a few steps before your trip to the clinic should help your treatment go more smoothly and reduce the risks of side effects.14
- Avoid tanning, either in the sun or in a tanning booth, for several weeks before treatment.
- Drink extra water in the days before your treatment.
- Let the doctor know if you have any history of excessive bleeding or scarring.
- Don’t use anything but a gentle cleanser on your face the day of treatment.
To find out more about this or other cosmetic facial skin treatments, My Skin Treatment has the information you need to know, including costs, side effects, safety ratings, and recommendations from doctors that can help you find the best treatments for you.
SOURCES:
- US Food and Drug Administration: “Microneedling Devices: Getting to the Point on Benefits, Risks and Safety.”
- Medical News Today: “Everything You Need to Know About Microneedling with PRP.”
- Medical News Today: “Everything You Need to Know About Microneedling with PRP.”
- Healthline.com: “What to Expect from Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP).”
- Healthline.com: “What to Expect from Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP).”
- Holladay Dermatology and Aesthetics: “5 Reasons Why Microneedling Is So Beneficial for Your Skin.”
- Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology: “Platelet-Rich Plasma and Its Utility in the Treatment of Acne Scars: A Systematic Review.”
- Medical News Today: “Everything You Need to Know About Microneedling with PRP.”
- Medical News Today: “Everything You Need to Know About Microneedling with PRP.”
- Holladay Dermatology and Aesthetics: “5 Reasons Why Microneedling Is So Beneficial for Your Skin.”
- US Food and Drug Administration: “Microneedling Devices: Getting to the Point on Benefits, Risks and Safety.”
- Medical News Today: “Everything You Need to Know About Microneedling with PRP.”
- Healthline.com: “What to Expect from Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP).”
14. Healthline.com: “What to Expect from Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP).”
