Every now and then, we witness two things that seem so different come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts, almost as if it were meant to be.
For once, we’re not talking about your typical Romeo and Juliet love story.
In fact, we’re talking about two minimally-invasive cosmetic procedures – microneedling and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy – joining hands to form one, all-star level treatment to enhance skin appearance.
It’s the type of marriage no one could object to, and you’re invited to the wedding!
Here at Phoenix MedSpa in Lutz, FL, we’re excited to introduce you to the incredible benefits that come when you bring microneedling and PRP therapy together. We think they’re one of the hottest power couples around.
Let’s take a closer look at what these two love birds are, and why they’re so compatible.
What Is Microneedling and How Does It Work?
Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a non-surgical, minimally-invasive skin care treatment that utilizes the body’s natural healing process to stimulate the collagen and elastin production.
How does it accomplish this, you ask?
A licensed healthcare provider (that’s us!) uses a small, handheld device to puncture the surface of your skin with superfine microneedles, creating tiny injuries that trigger a natural healing response. The needles penetrate just enough to stimulate that response without causing any serious damage to your skin.
At Phoenix MedSpa, we use a microneedling device called MDerma by Dermapen. It features 12 perfectly placed micro-needles on a single-use, sterile tip that can be adjusted, if needed.
When administered by a licensed specialist, microneedling can help reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, treat sun damage, improve skin tone, shrink pores, and contribute to younger-looking skin.
What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a minimally-invasive, non-surgical skin care procedure that uses the platelets and natural growth factors found in your blood to promote healing and increase collagen levels.
The procedure can be broken down into three primary steps:
- Step 1: Your provider will take a sample of your blood, usingally from the large vein in your elbow.
- Step 2: The platelets and plasma are isolated from the blood sample through a process known as centrifugation.
- Step 3: The platelets are injected into the treatment area, where they trigger tissue regeneration and cell proliferation.
Some people call it PRP, but we like to call it ‘liquid gold’ since it has a yellow-ish hue to it.
Because of its regenerative and healing properties, PRP is a popular anti-aging treatment that can help reduce fine lines and wrinkles and encourage collagen growth.
PRP therapy can usually be completed in less than an hour and there’s little-to-no downtime once treatment concludes. You could receive PRP injections on your lunch break and get right back to work as soon as it’s over.
How Can I Combine Microneedling With PRP?
You now know that microneedling works by creating tiny micro-injuries in the skin. Next, what if you stopped looking at them as micro-injuries and, instead, started viewing them as micro-channels?
And what if we used those micro-channels to deliver nutrients deep into your skin, where they can have a stronger impact?
Well, that’s the idea behind combining microneedling and PRP therapy – and it actually works!
Perhaps best known by the name ‘vampire facial,’ PRP and microneedling complement each other perfectly.
PRP is applied topically to the skin surface. Then, the microneedling treatment is done to push the PRP into the skin. The microneedling ensures the PRP is delivered to the areas that need it most, and the PRP enhances the rejuvenating effects of the microneedling. Together, it gives you skin that looks and feels firmer, healthier and more youthful.
Even though we’re combining two treatments, convenience doesn’t suffer. We can have it done in as little as an hour and you can get back to your day.
What to Expect From the PRP Microneedling Procedure
We know what you’re thinking…
Needles, drawing blood, micro-injuries, puncturing the skin – PRP microneedling might seem intimidating at first, but it’s a straightforward procedure and we always prioritize your comfort.
To create the PRP, your provider will only draw between 30mL and 60mL of blood to place in the centrifuge. For comparison, most people give anywhere between 450mL and 500 mL when donating blood.
Once the blood is drawn, your provider applies a topical numbing cream to your face to make sure you don’t feel any pain during the procedure. As soon as it takes effect, you’re ready for the microneedling device.
The device, which is shaped like an oversized pen, contains 12 microneedles that automatically puncture the skin as it moves across the treatment area. You’ll feel pressure and hear a buzzing sound, but that’s it.
By the time you’re done with the microneedling, you’ll have hundreds of tiny microchannels for the PRP to seep into. The PRP starts working right away, and you’ll notice gradual results over the first several weeks.
Phoenix MedSpa: Get Your Glow On With PRP Microneedling
Are you ready to get a leg up on the natural aging process? Is your day-to-day skincare routine not producing the results you were hoping for? Do you want those wrinkles and fine lines to fade?
Getting the skin you’ve always wanted shouldn’t require invasive surgery or putting your skin in harm’s way. With PRP microneedling, healthy, vibrant skin is comfortable and convenient.
Contact Phoenix MedSpa in Lutz, FL, at 813-776-1779 or book an appointment online to learn more about our microneedling and PRP treatments.
