In one of our previous articles, we shared about the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the medical and aesthetic field – to support wound healing and target signs of ageing. This time around, we’ll be sharing about microneedling with PRP treatment for face.
PRP facial treatment, also known as the vampire facial, involves the use of your own blood’s platelets and plasma on your face to stimulate natural healing and collagen production. This is thanks to our body’s reformative and regenerative aspect.
You see, platelets are cells found in the bloodstream that allow blood clot. When there’s a clot in our bloodstream, platelets emit enzymes that boost healing and aid in tissue regeneration by drawing stem cells to the area to help repair the damage.
In this article, learn more about microneedling with PRP treatment for face, its facial benefits, the precautions, and the difference with normal microneedling.
What is microneedling with PRP?
Microneedling with PRP is a cosmetic facial treatment that stimulates your skin’s collagen production by rolling fine needles over your skin and applying platelets extracted from your blood.
That said, microneedling on its own (without PRP) works to stimulate extra collagen production which helps to heal scars and reduce aging signs. With the addition of PRP to microneedling, this facial treatment is more effective in healing wounds and injuries.
During this facial treatment, your skin specialist will draw a sample of your blood and use a centrifuge to separate the PRP from the rest of your blood sample. The sample amount taken depends on where your treatment is targeted.
If necessary, your skin specialist may administer anaesthetic to your treatment area to ensure better comfort during the procedure.
Once your skin is ready, your skin specialist will use a microneedling tool to prick your skin, making tiny holes in the skin’s surface. He/she will then apply PRP to these tiny holes to stimulate the natural process of collagen production and cell reproduction.
How is this different from regular microneedling?
Regular microneedling is used to treat a variety of condition such as wrinkles, age spots, scars, and hyperpigmentation. It is also used to treat joint injuries as the treatment makes use of our body’s reformative and regenerative aspect to stimulate natural healing and collagen production.
Similarly, microneedling with PRP works to boost these effects and reduce the downtime of the procedure. This PRP treatment differs from regular microneedling as it’s usually focused on the face instead of other parts of the body.
Who’s a suitable candidate for microneedling with PRP?
Most people are excellent candidates for this procedure as PRP treatment for face uses cells from your body to treat:
- Dark eye circles
- Crow’s feet
- Fine lines
- Coarse skin texture
- Dull skin tone
- Sun-damaged skin
- Acne scar
- Large pores
However, it may not be the best option if you have blood-related disorders, anaemia, cancers of the blood or bone. Aside from these, PRP treatment may not be suitable if you:
- Are pregnant
- Take medications for your acne
- Still have active acne
- Have certain skin conditions like eczema
- Scar easily
- Have a history of poor wound healing
- Have undergone skin radiation in the last 12 months
Before the procedure, your skin specialist will evaluate your medical history to determine whether you’re a suitable candidate for microneedling with PRP.
How to prepare for microneedling with PRP treatment for face?
If you’re deemed suitable for this procedure, your skin specialist will advise you on how to prepare for your treatment. This may include:
- Avoiding unprotected and excessive sun exposure several weeks before your treatment appointment.
- Abstaining your alcohol intake and drinking lots of water in the days up to your appointment.
- Minimising your supplement and medication intake a week before your treatment appointment.
- Arriving with a bare face (no makeup or moisturiser).
Tips to Improve Your PRP Facial Treatment
Now that you’ve learned all there is that you need to know about microneedling with PRP, it’s time to improve the outcome of your PRP treatment for face.
Although PRP treatment for face on its own offers highly satisfying results, there are very few people who get to see the desired results after a session or two. This is because the healing and regeneration factor differs from person to person.
Depending on your health, age, dietary habits, activity levels, and medication intake, you may or may not notice the PRP facials benefits. Therefore, we’re sharing some tips for you to improve the results of your PRP treatment for face.
1. Eat nutritious foods
You are what you eat. While this saying generally reflects that your dietary habit is evident in your body, changing your diet for the better is often the most difficult thing to do. But by doing so, you can achieve increased immunity, better circulation due to lower cholesterol, and regulated hormone – all for the best of your PRP facial.
2. Avoid smoking and drinking
There’s a reason why your skin specialist will advise you to avoid smoking and drinking. It’s because the substances in alcohol and cigarette can affect the outcome of your PRP facial. They can reduce the volume of PRP you can get from the same amount of blood and the toxins in cigarette smoke can impede the stem cell’s ability to function.
3. Increase vitamin and water intake
By increasing your intake of vitamins, especially vitamin B12, and staying hydrated before your PRP facial, you can increase your red blood cells and haemoglobin. Supplementing your body with these after the treatment will also work to improve the results of your PRP treatment.
4. Follow your post-treatment routine
Your skin specialist will discuss with you the best facial routine to follow after your PRP facial to help produce the best results. Therefore, it’s crucial that you follow this routine to the best of your ability.
Looking to improve your skin condition with PRP treatment? Choose a safe and licensed skin specialist at LiV Clinic
When it comes to microneedling with PRP, it’s best to look for skin specialists, such as the ones you can find at LiV Clinic, to evaluate your skin’s suitability for the treatment and determine the right facial treatment for you.
Our dermatologists will take the time to listen to your requests and requirements as well as analyse the suitability of our treatments before recommending them to you. Book an appointment now at https://www.livskinspecialist.my/ if you are looking for PRP treatment for face.