THE PROCEDURE
Before
Prior to microneedling, we will cleanse the skin and apply a topical numbing gel to the surface. This anesthetic is allowed to absorb for about 20 minutes. If your microneedling treatment will include PRP, we will draw your blood at this time and process out the nutrient-rich platelets in a high-velocity centrifuge.
During
The applicator tip crosses over the epidermis, making controlled micro-injuries at the appropriate depth based on the treatment area.
PRP may be applied to small areas during this process to allow the autologous serum to absorb immediately into the channels created.
After
There is no physical downtime associated with the procedure. Pinpoint bleeding, redness, or bruising may be noticeable after treatment and can last a few days.
Treatment with PRP allows these effects to dissipate quicker, as PRP is an ultra-healing agent. It is imperative to protect yourself from the sun after microneedling treatment.
AREAS TREATED
Face • Neck • Chest
Frequently Asked Questions
+ How does microneedling work?
In recent years, the demand for non-surgical facial rejuvenation has been met with the development of numerous treatment options.
Treatments, such as lasers and microneedling, improve the appearance of the epidermis by creating minor injury to the dermis. The outcome of controlled injury is what we call neocollagenesis, or collagen induction.
The microneedling technique technique involves the use of very fine needles to puncture the skin at precise depths ranging from .5 to 2.5 millimeters.
At SKIN Medical Spa in San Francisco, At SKIN Medical Spa, we perform professional microneedling using the Eclipse MicroPen, an automated device with fine, sterile needles that creates a controlled puncture every time.
+ What is PRP?
Microneedling, on its own, is a collagen inducing procedure. To amplify the healing response in the dermis, we can now include PRP in the skin rejuvenation process. PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is an autologous serum that is made from your own blood. When applied to the skin prior to, during, or after microneedling, the microchannels across the epidermis absorb the platelet-rich plasma and its subsequent growth factors. PRP is from the patient’s own blood, therefore, it is safe and there is virtually no risk of rejection or allergic reaction.
+ What are the benefits of microneedling with PRP?
Microneedling with PRP has many benefits, including the reinvigoration of cellular turnover. While your face may look red or inflamed after the procedure, it is actually soaking in all the platelet-rich plasma. Once the redness subsides, you will see a more even skin texture with smooth skin. The most common benefits from the treatment are:
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Increases the production of collagen
- Smoother skin tone and texture
- Firmer looking skin
- Reduce appearance of scars
+ What are the long term effects of microneedling?
When the skin is naturally soothed by an influx of collagen, we can expect the results to last permanently within the natural process of aging.
However, it is also important to understand that the visible manifestation of conditions such as sun spots, lines, and wrinkles originate beneath the surface.
This means that, in time, as skin cells make their way from underlying layers of the epidermis to the surface, those visible markings that had resulted from UV damage and other factors may once again be noticeable, though not to the same degree. Conditions such as stretch marks and scars tend to remain consistently better after microneedling.