Platelet-Rich Plasma
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a natural method to rejuvenate your skin and hair. During a PRP treatment, a small amount of blood is drawn and then spun in a centrifuge to isolate the platelets and plasma from the other cells. The PRP is then injected into the areas where you desire rejuvenation. Because the PRP is harvested from your own blood, there are no risks of allergic reaction or rejection.
Microneedling with PRP
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling which is also known as collagen induction therapy is the process of puncturing the skin repeatedly with tiny needles. The purpose of this treatment is to generate new collagen and skin tissue to promote smoother, firmer, and improved skin tone. Microneedling is mostly used on the face and may treat various scars, fine lines and wrinkles, skin texture, and large pores.
Is Microneedling with PRP better?
While PRP alone has many benefits on its own, when it is used in conjunction with microneedling it allows for deeper distribution of the platelet-rich plasma helping facial rejuvenation, combining microneedling with PRP treatment maximizes the collagen production and wound healing responses of the body, helping the body’s ability to create healthy, supple skin.
Thanks to the micro-punctures into the dermis created by a microneedling treatment the skin can allow the rejuvenating components of PRP deeper into the skin. PRP is like to stem cell therapy in that both can regenerate damaged tissues, but PRP is particularly useful for rejuvenating skin surrounding acute injuries, such as the micro-injuries created by a microneedling device. PRP is an incredible tool when it comes to the promotion of cell growth and skin tightening. Many patients can reduce the appearance of acne scarring or fine lines with fewer treatments via PRP microneedling than via microneedling alone, but of course, Dr. Green will work with you to determine which procedure will be best for your needs.
As Dr. Frank explains, “For PRP to work it needs to be delivered to where collagen and elastin are made so that is we inject it and apply it topically. It may cause more bruising and swelling but the treatment is more effective and delivers optimal results.”
PRP for Facial Rejuvenation
Platelet Rich Plasma contains growth factors that give it healing properties. The PRP is stimulated through contact with collagen or injured tissue, so when it is combined with microneedling or laser resurfacing the results are even more extensive. The platelets help to form a scaffold on which new collagen can be built and the growth factors help to heal and rejuvenate the skin. Facial PRP injections can improve fine lines, thinning skin, hair rejuvenation, and sun damage. This treatment has been known as the “vampire facial” in the media and has become more popular over the years for skin rejuvenation and collagen stimulation.
Microneedling vs. Microdermabrasion?
While there are many forms of skin treatments to treat similar skin conditions microneedling and microdermabrasion work at different levels of the skin to change tone, texture, and firmness. Microneedling works just beneath the skin where microdermabrasion work on the surface level of the skin.
Microneedling vs. Dermarolling
Whenever it comes to performing skincare treatments, safety is the number one concern. When you are getting a microneedling treatment at Imagen, you are getting a trained professional who will customize the treatment you receive to your skin type and desired goals. Dermarolling, which is performed at home, which everything performed would be a mere guess. If you are not well-versed on how to use micro punctures to the skin for your benefit, you run the risk of damage or infection to the skin. At home dermarolling, if not cleaned or sanitized properly can cause infection, discoloration, hyperpigmentation, or other signs of damage. Whereas in our office, the microneedling pen head is replaced so it is sharper and more effective every single time it is used.
What can you Expect During your Treatment?
After you have completed your facial skin analysis and consultation with one of our skin experts and are deemed a good candidate for the treatment we will schedule you an appointment for your treatment day.
When you come in for your treatment at Imagen, you will begin your appointment (depending on which areas you are having done) by having one of our skin experts apply numbing cream over the area that is being treated. While that is taking effect, we will draw your blood and put it in the centrifuge to separate the PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) from the red blood cells. The PRP will then be placed into a syringe and injected into the areas that need rejuvenation the most and then the rest is distributed topically over the rest of the surface area. Then we go over the area with the microneedling three times to complete the treatment. The PRP that is spread topically is left on the skin after the microneedling is complete so the skin can have maximum absorption into the skin. That is why this treatment has been termed “vampire facial” because the PRP applied topically to the face looks like blood is covering your face, but have no fear – it is completely normal!
Can you get PRP with Microneedling with a Skin Condition?
While microneedling at an Omaha Med Spa offers numerous benefits, it’s essential to note that not all skin conditions are suitable for this treatment. Skin conditions characterized by active infections or inflammation should not undergo microneedling, as the repeated punctures to the skin may exacerbate the issue by spreading the infection or increasing inflammation. Examples of such skin conditions include active acne, facial herpes, or open wounds.
Additionally, individuals with skin conditions like rosacea, eczema, hyperpigmentation, and others may have reservations about undergoing microneedling. It’s important to understand that microneedling may not cure or directly treat these underlying conditions, but it can help enhance the overall appearance and texture of the skin.
PRP for Lips
Are you looking to reduce wrinkles on your lips? PRP treatment for the lips may be the solution for you. This treatment begins with a small amount of blood being extracted from your arm or hand and placed into a centrifuge machine. This separates out the platelets from other components, creating a concentrated solution of platelets with healing growth factors which will be used in the PRP injection treatment.
Your doctor will then use a very thin needle to inject the PRP solution into the areas around your mouth with wrinkles and fine lines. Depending on how many areas need to be treated, multiple sessions may be required, each taking about 30 minutes. After treatment, you may experience some mild swelling or bruising at the injection sites, but this should pass within a few days.
PRP for Scars
PRP is also useful in treating scars. The growth factors in the PRP stimulate remodeling in the scar and can help to improve the appearance. This is done by improving the tone, texture, and contraction of the scar. PRP helps create new blood vessel growth so nutrients can be delivered to the scar, so the scar can start to transform into the healthy skin surrounding it. It is often combined with lasers and/or microneedling for even better results*. tone texture and contraction of the scar PRP new blood vessel growth so nutrients can be delivered to the scar, so the scar can start to transform to like the healthy skin surrounding it.
PRP for Hair
PRP can also be used for hair and scalp rejuvenation. Injection of PRP into the scalp helps to awaken dormant hair follicles, leading to the production of new hairs. It also slows hair loss and improves color and brightness. It can be combined with microneedling of the scalp, topical hair loss treatments, and low-level lasers for hair stimulation.
How Often can you get PRP?
Depending on your skin concerns, treated area, and your desired results, you can get PRP injections as often as you would like or as recommended by your provider. The healing process has no downtime because PRP is not an invasive procedure so you can return to normal activity on the day of your injections.
Side Effects
Although most patients have no side effects from their PRP treatment with microneedling, there can be some swelling and redness after your treatment. If swelling, redness, pain, or increased inflammation occur after 24 hours let your provider know.
Other Skincare Treatments Offered at Imagen
When it comes to skin rejuvenation and prevention Imagen has you covered whether that be fully-body or facial. As for other treatments available at Imagen for rejuvenation, we offer chemical peels, botox, Dysport, fillers, hyperpigmentation, and specialized skincare products. These treatments can help with age spots, dark spots, sun damage, sun spots, resurfacing, and everything in between.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are interested in learning more about PRP Injections or PRP with microneedling being used as a non-surgical option in your treatment plan, please call us at 402-347-4433 to schedule a complimentary consultation.