How a PRP and Microneedling Combo Can Naturally Rejuvenate Your Skin

Summer is fast approaching, and that often means one thing: You want to look good as you relax at the pool, socialize at a picnic, or otherwise enjoy the fantastic, warm weather in the great outdoors. With this desire, however, comes the need to feel and look good and to be able to enjoy every aspect of the skin you’re in.

If you’re not happy with how your skin looks, Dr. Carolyn Kochert recommends using two impressive and effective procedures for skin rejuvenation: platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and microneedling. This combo helps you look younger and fresher — improving skin texture, reducing lines and wrinkles, and diminishing scars — with a natural, nonsurgical treatment process that has very little downtime.

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a procedure that utilizes extremely small needles to make tiny holes in your skin’s surface. The team at Dr. Kochert Pain & Health can perform microneedling on your face as well as anywhere else on your body.

When the needles penetrate your skin, your body responds by healing itself. This healing response stimulates the creation of fresh collagen, which makes your skin thicker. In the process, your skin starts to look younger and plumper — this helps to smooth out those fine lines and wrinkles.

What is PRP?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a serum created from your own blood that is rich in growth factors. It’s often used in tandem with microneedling, as the PRP can be administered through the microneedling process to get into your skin and get to work. The natural plasma solution helps with your internal healing process and also promotes the growth of new cells as well as fresh collagen.

What is the effect of the two procedures when used together?

When used alone, microneedling can create dramatic results, but when paired with PRP — a combination also known as the vampire facial — the results are even more impressive. Also, PRP is more effective when it is used along with microneedling because the platelet-rich plasma can penetrate more deeply into your skin.

In addition, the PRP-microneedling combo can be used to treat several skin issues, such as scarring. According to a small study published in 2017 in the International Journal of Research in Dermatology, the combination of these two procedures was used on patients with acne scars. All of the patients experienced satisfactory results.

Is the process painful?

The Eclipse MicroPen™ used for microneedling only comes into contact with the top layer of your skin. In most cases, patients don’t feel any pain. You might notice some discomfort, so we can use of topical numbing cream during the procedure to ensure you stay comfortable. Generally, the whole process takes about 20-30 minutes.

It usually takes only a day or so for any post-procedure pinkness or puffiness to subside, and while it’s best to avoid excessive sun exposure or using makeup for about a week after the procedure, the natural yet impressive effects of microneedling and PRP are difficult to ignore. This makes the process worth the minimal downtime.

Why is microneedling with PRP natural?

The PRP and microneedling combo is a natural choice for skin rejuvenation because it employs your body’s own ability to heal itself, rather than attempting to alter the skin with synthetic products. In addition, the PRP comes from your own platelets, which helps reduce the potential for side effects.

If you’re ready to give your skin a natural, beautiful boost in time for summer, call our office or request an appointment online. We’re happy to answer your questions about these procedures or to help you schedule your first treatment.