Microneedling

Microneedling

Also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling may help those looking to reduce the appearance of acne scars, large pores, fine lines/wrinkles, postoperative scars, reduced skin elasticity, uneven skin tone, and stretch marks. Pinpricks from the procedure cause slight injury to the skin and that the skin responds by making new collagen-rich tissue. This new skin tissue is, in turn, more even in tone and texture, firmer. Skin treated with multiple microneedling sessions spaced 4 - 6 weeks apart can produced up to a 400% increase in collagen and elastin six months after completing treatment. It is important to realize that microneedling is not a quick fix, as it involves the growth of new skin. It can take several months for a person to see the full results of the procedure.

Microneedling with PRP

The addition of PRP (platelet-rich plasma) from one’s blood may make microneedling more effective since PRP contains proteins—including growth factors and cytokines—that help skin tissue repair itself. A practitioner will take a blood sample and then use a spinning tool called a centrifuge to separate the PRP from the rest of the blood.

The practitioner will then use a microneedling tool to prick the skin—making tiny holes in the skin’s surface—and apply PRP to these tiny holes to encourage collagen production and cell reproduction. The addition of PRP to microneedling may speed up the healing process and stimulate skin renewal, potentially producing better results than microneedling alone.