Many of the most common signs of skin aging, such as fine lines, wrinkles, and sagging skin, happen with reduced collagen in the skin. Collagen production begins to slow as early as our mid-20s and early-30s and sharply declines in our 40s. Thus, skin rejuvenation treatments like microneedling that stimulate collagen production are one of the best ways to achieve a younger-looking complexion and address some of the most common skin concerns.
Here, we explain everything you need to know about microneedling with and without PRP and answer your most frequently asked questions to help you determine if this skin-boosting powerhouse treatment could be right for you.
What Is Microneedling?
Also called collagen induction therapy, microneedling uses your skin’s own natural healing processes to stimulate collagen production and rejuvenate your complexion. Using tiny needles, the small, handheld microneedling device creates microchannels within the skin, causing your skin to respond by ramping up collagen production and cell renewal. This process can improve a wide range of skin problems, including:
- Line and wrinkles
- Sagging skin
- Uneven skin tone and texture
- Melasma
- Enlarged pores
- Acne scars
- Stretch marks
What Is Microneedling with PRP?
Microneedling with PRP uses the same microneedling technology as discussed above, but adds PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, to the treatment for quicker and more enhanced results. PRP is derived from your own blood using a centrifuge, which spins the sample at high speeds, causing it to separate into distinct layers. The PRP is then extracted, sterilized, and injected into the skin during your microneedling treatment. PRP is known to contain growth factors to accelerate wound healing, making it an excellent addition to microneedling treatments.
Other topical serums may also be used in conjunction with your microneedling treatment to enhance results. Because microneedling creates very tiny channels within your skin, topical ingredients can much more easily penetrate the skin and reach deeper layers. However, these serums should always be applied or recommended by your microneedling provider, as some skincare products and ingredients should be avoided directly after your treatment.
What to Expect During and After Your Microneedling Appointment
Your microneedling appointment will begin with a topical anesthetic to ensure your comfort during treatment. Once the anesthetic has taken effect, your provider will pass a small microneedling device over your skin to gently create the tiny microchannels. This process generally takes around 30 minutes to complete. If PRP or other serums are included with your treatment, these will be applied.
Directly after your microneedling appointment, you may experience redness, minor skin irritation, or swelling. These side effects typically dissipate within a few days and shouldn’t be severe enough to interfere with your normal daily activities. However, your microneedling provider will send you home with detailed aftercare instructions, such as not applying makeup or other skincare products for the first 24 hours and avoiding sun exposure while your skin heals.
How Many Microneedling Treatments Do You Need?
Microneedling works best with a series of around 3 to 6 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. However, some treatment areas and skin concerns, such as severe acne scarring, for instance, may require more than six treatments. During your microneedling consultation, your provider will carefully assess your skin’s needs and create an individualized treatment plan for you.
How Soon Will You See Microneedling Results?
While you may notice a nearly immediate improvement in the way your skin looks after microneedling, it can take 4 to 6 weeks for your final results to develop. This is because it takes several weeks for collagen to develop. After each microneedling session, you should continue to notice a gradual improvement in the appearance of lines and wrinkles, scarring, dark spots, and other skin imperfections.
How Long Do Microneedling Results Last?
The longevity of your microneedling results will depend on a number of factors, including the severity of the skin concern and how quickly your body naturally breaks down and replenishes collagen. However, many people continue to see microneedling results six months to a year after their initial treatment.
To help prolong your microneedling results, take steps to reduce collagen breakdown, such as:
- Avoiding prolonged sun exposure.
- Wearing sunscreen.
- Not smoking.
- Following a customized skincare regimen for your skin type.
- Eating an antioxidant-rich diet.
Is There Anyone Who Should Not Get Microneedling?
Microneedling is a safe and easy skin treatment for most people with minimal side effects. However, you may not be a good candidate for microneedling if you:
- Have active acne lesions.
- Have an active skin infection.
- Have sunburn or a deep tan.
- Are currently taking prescription isotretinoin (Accutane) for acne.
- Have a blood clotting disorder or are currently on blood-thinning medications.
- Have a weakened immune system due to certain medical conditions or medications.
- Are receiving radiation treatments.
- Are receiving skin cancer treatment in the area you wish to have microneedling.
Do At-Home Microneedling Treatments Work?
There are a number of at-home microneedling or dermarolling devices on the market, and many people ask if these treatments can provide similar results as in-office microneedling. However, because these treatments involve creating small micro-wounds in the skin, it is not recommended that you use at-home microneedling devices. There are unfortunately many pitfalls that you can run into when trying to perform these treatments at home, such as infection, inflammation, and skin injury. For this reason, it is always best to seek professional in-office microneedling treatments from a reputable dermatology office.
Bottom Line
Microneedling and microneedling with PRP are common skin rejuvenation treatments best-known for their ability to treat a variety of common skin concerns. Because these treatments are minimally invasive and rely on the skin’s own healing and self-rejuvenation processes, many people prefer them to more invasive treatments and surgical procedures to achieve a brighter and more youthful appearance.
If you still have questions about microneedling or would like to schedule a consultation to discuss your microneedling treatment plan with one of our experienced skincare professionals, call our Delray Beach office at 561-463-8218 or contact us online.
