Signs of aging can begin to appear long before you are ready to consider surgical rejuvenation. Fine lines, skin laxity and age spots are some of the most common concerns we hear about at Barrett Plastic Surgery. These changes are often the result of collagen depletion within the dermal structure. As the skin loses the support of this essential protein, it can become loose, and wrinkles can develop. At the same time, exposure to UV rays over time can add to the damage, creating brown spots and other pigmentation irregularities. Fortunately, we can address both aging and sun damage with a revolutionary treatment known as PRP microneedling.
PRP microneedling is a three-step medical treatment used to counter the adverse effects of skin aging utilizing your blood. The entire procedure is performed in one hour or less in our office and does not involve anesthesia or downtime afterward. While you may see some early improvement in your skin after treatment, the real results will appear in the weeks and even months following the procedure as the process stimulates natural healing within the body to turn back time on your complexion. Dr. Barrett and his team have been offering this effective treatment to patients desiring natural, long-lasting rejuvenation that will last.
What is Microneedling?
Microneedling is also called collagen induction therapy because the process triggers collagen production by the body. The device used for this procedure creates micro-channels in the dermal structure that jumpstart the skin’s healing function. In addition to increasing collagen levels, the treatment encourages the regeneration of new skin cells for a rejuvenated, more youthful appearance. The microneedling process is both quick and comfortable. With the ability to customize the length of the needles used to your precise concerns and desired results, this treatment provides you with just the amount of correction you need – no more, no less. The needles are delivered via a small, pen-like or roller device that is smoothly run across the surface of the skin in the treatment area. Most patients head back to their routine as soon as they leave our office. What is PRP? Our blood consists of two different components – red blood cells and plasma. The plasma is comprised of both white cells and platelets, which offer a variety of healing and restorative properties. Platelet-rich plasma or PRP is the plasma contained within the blood that is rich in growth factors that stimulate cell renewal to regenerate the treatment area and reverse the aging process in some respects. PRP is easy to obtain through a simple blood draw in our office. The collected blood is placed into a centrifuge that separates the plasma from the rest of the blood so that it can be used as a part of a microneedling treatment.
Once the plasma is prepared, it can be applied topically to the skin. The microneedling step in the procedure delivers the platelets deep into the dermal structure where they can provide the most significant benefit. While either of these treatments offers positive results alone, when they are combined, the outcome is even more dramatic and long-lasting.
Is PRP Microneedling Right for You?
The skin rejuvenation procedure can be performed on a variety of skin types and conditions. Our happiest patients use this procedure to correct the following issues:
- Scarring left behind from acne and surgery
- Sun damage and pigmentation disorders
- Early signs of aging, including subtle lines and skin laxity
- Dull skin tone
- Irregular skin texture
- Stretch marks
PRP Microneedling is most frequently used to treat areas of the face. However, it is useful in treating aging symptoms around the neck and chest as well. In addition, injections of PRP are now used to restore hair in men and women experiencing thinning hair on the scalp. Dr. Barrett offers this treatment as well and is happy to talk with patients about how PRP can naturally stimulate the follicles to grow hair once again.
Selecting a Plastic Surgeon for Your Treatment
PRP microneedling is not a “one-size-fits-all” procedure. This treatment can be carefully customized to the unique issues and aesthetic goals of each patient. To ensure your PRP microneedling session produces the expected outcome, you want to work with a plastic surgeon that will take the time to understand your concerns and create the best effect. Dr. Barrett is known for the attention he gives to each of his patients, making them feel comfortable and well cared for no matter what procedure they undergo. You can rest assured you will receive the highest standard of care when you select Dr. Barrett for all your cosmetic treatment needs.
Treatment Overview
PRP microneedling is a multi-step process that involves the following:
- Step 1: Dr. Barrett draws a small bit of blood from your arm.
- Step 2: Your blood will be placed into a centrifuge where it will be separated into platelet-rich plasma, platelet-poor plasma and red blood cells.
- Step 3: The platelet-rich plasma is collected and applied topically to the skin.
- Step 4: Microneedling is performed to stimulate the body’s regenerative processes and deliver the platelet-rich plasma deeper into the dermal structure.
All the steps of the process are performed in sequence during a single treatment session. You should not feel any pain during your procedure, thanks to topical numbing cream that is applied before the treatment. A gel is also placed onto the skin to allow the device to glide smoothly across the dermis. Treatment times vary somewhat depending on the size of the area you want to address but typically take well under an hour to complete. You will be able to walk out of our office and directly back to your daily routine.
After Your PRP Microneedling Treatment
You will likely experience some redness and tenderness after your microneedling procedure, which many patients compare to a bad sunburn. Dr. Barrett will advise you to hold off on applying makeup for at least a few hours to avoid irritating the skin. It is also critical to protect vulnerable, treated skin from harmful UV rays for a few weeks to avoid damaging the dermis.
While patients will often see improvement after the first treatment, more significant results do not appear until after two to three treatments (to coincide with the body’s natural collagen production). Skin will continue to improve over the next six to twelve months post-treatment, and Dr. Barrett will provide you with a list of necessary precautions and a proper skin care regimen to ensure optimal results.
Fresh, Natural, Beautiful Skin
PRP microneedling is one of the most natural and effective methods of nonsurgical skin rejuvenation available today. In a series of treatment sessions, you will enjoy skin that is smoother, softer and more youthful. Aging symptoms like fine lines and brown spots will also be visibly diminished. If you want more information on PRP microneedling, contact Barrett Plastic Surgery today at 310-598-2648.
The information about microneedling was reviewed by Dr. Daniel Barrett. If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us using our contact form below.
