Microneedling & PRP

Microneedling & PRP

What is Microneedling?

Woman undergoing microneedling treatment on her forehead

Many people are interested in facial rejuvenation that does not incur weeks of downtime for recovery. Microneedling fits into a category of non-surgical treatments that rejuvenate the skin through the creation of dermal injury. The intent is to prompt neocollagenesis and wound healing. The microneedling technique utilizes a small device with a needle-clad tip. The fine needles mechanically puncture the uppermost dermis at varying depths ranging from 0.1 to 2.5 millimeters.

Alone, microneedling stimulates the production of healing chemicals like cytokines and growth factors. These, in turn, stimulate the production of more collagen and elastin than the body has been making. Neovascularization also increases through the treatment area, delivering more oxygen and nutrients to the skin.


What is PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) product found in the blood that contains high concentrations of cytokines and growth factors. Some of the rejuvenating substances in PRP include insulin-like growth factor, transforming growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, and vascular endothelial growth factor. Each substance fulfills a role in tissue regeneration. They affect functions such as cell migration and regulation, attachment proliferation, and the accumulation of extracellular matrix. The healing capacity of PRP has been well-proven in therapeutic areas of medicine such as gastrointestinal surgery, wound healing, bony defects, and more.


How Is Platelet-Rich Plasma Collected?

For aesthetic treatment, we obtain PRP by taking a small vial of blood. This is the same technique you undergo when having blood drawn for a routine physical. After collecting blood using this routine method, we then insert the vial into a high-speed centrifuge. This piece of equipment spins the vial of blood at a rate that causes PRP to separate from red blood cells and other blood product.

Benefits of Microneedling with PRP

Beautiful young woman with smooth skin looking down and smiling

PRP enhances the neocollagenesis and wound healing effects of microneedling collagen induction therapy. By applying nutrient-dense PRP immediately after micro-injury, we capture the window of regeneration for optimal results.

Microneedling with PRP can address numerous concerns simultaneously. That alone is an enormous benefit. Some of the improvements we see with this treatment include:

    • Less prominent spider veins and broken capillaries
    • Reduction in pore size
    • Acne scars become less noticeable
    • Smoothing of fine lines and wrinkles
    • Improved skin firmness and elasticity
    • Reduction in sun damage such as spots and rough texture
    • Improved dermal circulation results in a healthy glow

Candidates for microneedling treatment

Most adults are good candidates for microneedling. The gentleness of this technique makes it ideal for all skin types and appropriate even for individuals with darker skin. While suitable for people who are not good candidates for laser treatments, microneedling is not recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding. To find out if you are a good candidate, schedule a consultation at our St. Louis office.


Real Patient Testimonial

“I saw Dr. Holds for a cosmetic consultation. He explained everything in detail and was very kind. I will definitely recommend him to family and friends.” – Patient of Dr. Holds

Click Here To Read More Reviews!


Microneedling With PRP Treatment

Young woman undergoing microneedling treatment on her cheek

Microneedling with PRP begins with a quick blood draw. This takes only a minute or two. While the blood is spinning in the centrifuge, we cleanse the skin and apply topical numbing medication. This will remain on the skin for several minutes to adequately desensitize nerve endings.

You will lay comfortably on the treatment table for your microneedling treatment. One small area may be treated at a time. The depth of microneedles is adjusted for each area. For example, needle depth is shallower on the forehead and deeper in the midface where there is more fatty tissue. After the handheld device has been passed over the skin, PRP is immediately applied. The substance soothes the micro-injuries and enhances the healing response beginning immediately.

Your provider continues to treat individual areas of the face or another part of the body in this manner until all surfaces are touched.


What to Expect after Microneedling Treatment

You should expect to see noticeable swelling and redness after the microneedling treatment. Though PRP is a very soothing substance, swelling and redness can sometimes linger for a few days. While tissue regeneration is ongoing, it is important to avoid harsh treatments or skincare products and to also avoid direct sun exposure. Our staff provides post-treatment recommendations to support optimal healing.

When will I see my results?

Young woman with smooth skin smiling

Both microneedling and PRP begin to work immediately. Studies have indicated that patients see more radiant skin right after their treatment. Some notice smoother and tighter skin right after their session or within a few hours.

As time passes and collagen remodeling occurs, the appearance of the skin continues to improve. It takes approximately 3 months for collagen remodeling to take place. As this protein rebuilds the dermal matrix, the skin should appear tighter and firmer.


How often are microneedling with pRP treatments needed?

Microneedling with PRP can be repeated every month or two. How often you want to repeat this treatment will depend on your objective. Your provider can consult with you about your goals and how to achieve them utilizing microneedling with PRP alone or with other treatments.

Side Effects of Microneedling

The risk of adverse side effects from microneedling with PRP is very low. Because PRP is derived from your own blood, the absorption of this product into the dermis is ultra-healing, not irritating. In most cases, the only side effects patients see from their microneedling treatment is transient swelling, redness, and mild bruising.

Schedule A Consultation

If you are interested in Microneedling with PRP, contact Ophthalmic Plastic & Cosmetic Surgery, Inc. Call our office at 314-567-3567 to schedule a consultation, or fill out and submit the email contact form below. Our practice serves St. Louis, St. Peters, and surrounding areas in Missouri.
For more information on our services, call our office to make an appointment.

Request An Appointment

  • * All indicated fields must be completed.
  • This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.