What is Microneedling with PRP?

Microneedling with PRP (platelet-rich plasma), also known as a “Vampire Facial,” is a powerful treatment designed to reduce fine lines and wrinkles while enhancing the skin’s natural glow. This innovative procedure begins with a blood draw from your arm, which is processed in a centrifuge to separate your blood into three layers: red blood cells, platelet-poor plasma, and platelet-rich plasma. The platelet-rich plasma, rich in growth factors and proteins, is then applied to the treatment area after microneedling is performed using SkinPen. As the microneedling creates micro-injuries in the skin, the PRP penetrates deeply, stimulating collagen production and delivering nourishing elements to the skin. The treatment is quick, with minimal discomfort (numbing cream is available) and low downtime, making it convenient for those with busy schedules. Results are long-lasting and continue to improve over time. With collagen and elastin production naturally decreasing after age 25, microneedling with PRP offers a safe, effective way to maintain youthful, vibrant skin. Performed in a series of three treatments, our experienced providers will carefully monitor your progress to ensure the best possible outcomes for radiant, rejuvenated skin.

How It Works

After a small blood draw, your clinician will apply a topical anesthetic to your face. Then they’ll pass over it with a microneedling pen or derma-roller. These devices prick tiny holes in your skin, stimulating its natural healing processes – and creating channels for the PRP. In addition, the tiny breaks in the skin stimulate collagen production in the deeper layers of the skin which allows for facial rejuvenation by reducing the appearance of facial wrinkles and scars.

The microneedling portion of the procedure typically takes about 30 minutes – giving your clinician plenty of time to centrifugate that blood sample into PRP.

 

Next, your clinician will massage the PRP into the treated areas of the skin.. This helps the platelets and beneficial growth factors in PRP penetrate deep into your skin so they can work their rejuvenating magic.

 

Finally, your clinician will apply a balm to your face to reduce redness and irritation. The treatment usually takes less than two hours in total, and it has little to no downtime. Many patients return to work the next day.

microneedling PRP treatment on woman's face

FAQs

What skin conditions can Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treat?

Microneedling (with or without PRP) can improve a variety of skin conditions, including:

  • Acne scars
  • Age spots
  • Wrinkling
  • Sun damage
  • Scarring caused by injuries such as burns
  • Hyperpigmentation

Even if you’re lucky enough not to have any of these issues, you may want to consider microneedling with PRP to improve your skin’s tone, texture and overall appearance.

The treatment is usually well-tolerated in adults, and has very few side effects other than minor irritation for a couple of days. For best results, patients should avoid direct sunlight and minimize their use of personal skin care products for the first few days of recovery.

In sum, microneedling with PRPis a powerful treatment for a variety of common skin concerns.

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?

In this setting, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is derived from a small sample of your own blood.  PPR is used because it contains a variety of growth factors and other beneficial proteins.

On the day of your treatment, a small sample of blood will be drawn and then spun in a centrifuge for roughly 15 minutes.

Centrifugation causes the various components of blood – including platelets – to separate by density. Your clinician will then extract the PRP in order to harness its powerful skin-healing effects.

Your Best Skin Awaits

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Our team provides thoughtful, expert care for all your skin health needs. We are proud to offer the most advanced general, surgical, and cosmetic dermatological services in the Mid-Atlantic and Southeastern regions.

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