So, whoever reads my blog may have noticed on my Instagram story that I put up a poll with three topics for you guys to vote on what you wanted my next piece to be about. I put Microneedling with PRP, building a regimen, and inflammation.. and the winner was…
Drum roll please…Microneedling with PRP!
If you follow me, you already know that this is my ride or die treatment. So why do I love and believe in this procedure SO MUCH? Well, let’s get into it…
First, let’s start off with the device we chose at Exhibit: SkinPen Precision. Before you decide to do this treatment somewhere, you must know, all devices are not created equally. We chose SkinPen because it is an FDA-cleared device, backed by unparalleled commitment to safety and efficacy. It uses a single-use sterile needle cartridge for each service, along with a
custom-designed BioSheath, which acts as a barrier to prevent cross contamination. The depth of the needles is super precise and regulated, it never drags or pulls, being sure to cause just enough of a controlled wound, without causing more trauma to the skin.
Now to piggyback off that thought, the phrase I want you to remember is “controlled wound” because unlike some alternatives SkinPen is clinically proven safe and effective, even for all Fitzpatrick Types I-VI, as opposed to lasers, chemical peels or RF, which can damage the skin over the long term. I have lost track of people who have gotten burns, scars, or even new pigmentation from some of these treatments. Yes, there was most likely some sort of negligence or improper skin conditioning at play… but nonetheless, SkinPen results are generally very predictable regardless of the patient, because of how much control the device has. Plus, this service can be used for years without repercussions when treatments are properly spaced apart. We recommend it be done in a series of 3 or 6, and each treatment be spaced out 4-6 weeks from each other. Then you can do a round of 3 each year to maintain results.
Back to this “controlled wound”… so we are using this device to put thousands of microchannels into the skin. These channels are essentially waking up your skin’s cell communication, prompting it’s healing response, while promoting the production of collagen and elastin. Studies have shown you can boost your collagen production up to 400% with treatments. With this big boost in collagen, you can see improvement in many skin concerns, such as acne scars, wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, sun damage, large pores, uneven texture and tone. I hate to put it so simple and lame, but your skin just looks really good post treatment, and even continues to improve with time. I find my patients have a youthful glow about them, and especially notice it the most when they come in after their second treatment!
Now, what the hell is PRP? PRP is platelet rich plasma, and we often do this treatment accompanied by your PRP. We draw your blood, spin it in a centrifuge, where it spins super fast and separates the plasma from your blood, resulting in: liquid gold. When we microneedle your PRP into the skin it enhances results and speeds up the healing process. This is because of the
concentration of growth factors found in your plasma, and by placing this plasma back into the skin, cell proliferation is encouraged. Since PRP stimulates a lot of the same cell processes as the act of Microneedling itself – think of adding PRP to your treatment as like “supercharging” your results.
A little peek into what this treatment looks like at Exhibit… we numb your face and neck for 30 minutes (yes, neck is included here!), during this time, one of our medical professionals will draw your blood so we can prep your PRP while you numb. By the time I get it from the centrifuge, it’s time to start the procedure. I basically am needling your PRP back into the skin.
Everyone is generally comfortable during treatment, sometimes at the forehead or temple you feel it a pinch just because we are right on bone there, but it should not be painful, just some vibration. Once complete, we put a sterile biocellulose mask on you for a few minutes, then you’re on your way.
For aftercare, we ask that you wait 24-hours to cleanse the skin to avoid any reactions or infections. Remember, even though you can’t see them, you have thousands of tiny open wounds on your face! You will go home with some sterile hyaluronic acid gel to apply as needed. Then you will use gentle face wash and hydrate for about a week until you heal- SPF during the day! Generally, you look and feel like you have a sunburn for a few days. I have some patients say they look fine the next day, some say it takes 3-5 days. It isn’t typically an “oh my god what did she do” kind of look, as I said, you just look sunburned. Some people will lightly flake or peel, or have minor swelling but this isn’t typical. This can be done year round, as it doesn’t sensitize you as much as a peel or laser would.
I don’t really know what else to say other than I absolutely love and believe in this procedure. I do a few of these appointments a week, and have seen stunning results time and time again. I do it to myself, I do it to my boyfriend, coworkers, family, etc. I wouldn’t sing the praises of a treatment I didn’t trust, and I think you all know that about me by now. Whether you have acne scarring, are feeling dull, or want to combat anti-aging, I highly suggest you give SkinPen Microneedling with PRP a try. You won’t be disappointed.
Before I leave you, let me just tell you a few things to stay away from/research:
Derma rollers! Please do not use these things. You can’t have full control of the depth the needles penetrate, the needles dull super fast, and it’s not super sanitary. It can leave scars if used incorrectly or too vigorously, especially on thinner skin. Since you typically reuse it, again, the needles dull so you are likely to put small tears in the skin. THIS IS NOT THE SAME AS A
CONTROLLED MICROCHANNELING FDA CLEARED DEVICE. Just had to get loud for those in the back.
Don’t risk using a non-FDA cleared device. This is your face and as I said do not confuse controlled wounds for trauma, we do not want to cause trauma to the skin, this can result in adverse events.
Microneedling with RF is not the same thing, do your own research to see what may be right for you. This could be a whole other blog but to put it simply, I am not the biggest fan, as I have seen and heard a little too many things that have gone wrong for my liking. Don’t come for me! I have said before this industry is very opinion based and that’s just my opinion. The price tags and the possible adverse events are not worth it in my opinion, when Microneedling with PRP can produce the same/similar results, with much less pain, risk, and cost. Straight up microneedling to me is just so much more predictable, and I don’t know, I like predictable when it comes to these procedures- that’s just me!