PRP and microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, are some of the most innovative and successful treatments for the negative effects of aging. They both use your body’s natural healing processes to stimulate the production of important proteins and the rejuvenation of your cells. Here at Prizant Dermatology in Pittsburgh, PA, we use the two therapies individually or in combination with each other to create optimal results.
If you’re struggling with certain signs of aging like sagging skin or fine lines in the facial area, it may be time for treatment. However, you don’t have to use drastic or damaging methods. Neither collagen induction therapy nor platelet-rich plasma uses any chemical ingredients. Instead, they help your body to deliver healing agents to the desired area so it can create fresh tissues naturally. Let’s explore how the treatments work and whether it’s best to combine the methods.
You may have heard of the two treatments individually, but did you know that collagen induction therapy and platelet-rich plasma can be combined? While they are both effective individually, the two methods can create an even greater effect together. By using both at once, we can effectively restore your features to their youthful and glowing state.
Platelets are some of the most important healing agents in your blood. They are first to arrive on-site when you’ve had an injury, where they help with blood clotting. In addition, they release chemicals that stimulate the production of new, healthy cells to replace the old and dead ones. It is this last function that we harness during platelet-rich plasma treatment.
During this type of therapy, we extract the beneficial platelets and the plasma that holds them in place from your blood. Then, we inject this mixture into the area where you’d like to see improvement. The increased number of platelets will encourage your body to produce new cells and replace the older or dying ones. As a result, your wrinkles, sagging skin, and scars will disappear. This same method is also used to treat the effects of hair loss.
During collagen induction therapy, we make microscopic punctures in your skin by using a handheld device called the SkinPen. This encourages your body to send platelets and other healing agents to the area. However, the body won’t use up all its resources on healing the injuries because they are so tiny. In addition to wound healing, new cells will be created, and collagen production will be stimulated, so your skin appears smooth and blemish-free.
Collagen induction therapy is used in a wide range of situations. You may benefit from this kind of treatment if you’re seeing the first signs of aging, have acne scars, large pores, stretch marks, or sun damage.
While both treatments are very effective on their own, they can be used in combination to augment the effects. The platelet-rich plasma is applied topically and can easily penetrate your skin’s top layers because of the microscopic injuries caused by collagen induction therapy. Together, the results will be stronger than if only one of the treatments is used.
Another major benefit of combining them is that the platelet-rich plasma will speed up the initial healing process. While the injuries are minute, it may take a few days for them to heal and for your results to show up. However, by using platelet-rich plasma, this can be achieved quickly and without the risk of side effects.
You may wonder whether a combination of microneedling and PRP is the right choice for you. This will depend on several factors, including the current condition of your skin, the results you’re expecting, and the general state of your health. Before deciding on a course of treatment, we will invite you for an initial consultation, during which we will decide whether this is the right choice for you.
Collagen induction therapy on its own might be enough if your symptoms are very small. It can effectively treat many skin conditions and signs of aging, but it may not be enough if your damage is more significant. In such a situation, combining both methods can help to create more immediate and durable results that you’ll be happy within the long run.
Our patients come to us with a wide range of concerns and wishes. During your initial consultation, we will speak to you about what you’re hoping to get out of the treatment, and then we can make a recommendation about the best course of action.
If you’re looking for a natural, but significant change in your appearance, you will be a great fit for a combination of the two treatments. If, on the other hand, you’re hoping to start with a very subtle change, we might suggest that you try one treatment first. You can always combine them later on, once you’re ready for a bigger change.
Because all of the substances and processes are very natural, both treatments are a good fit for the majority of candidates. Nevertheless, there are certain general health concerns that may preclude you from one or both treatments. In particular, we will tell you to wait if you are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, or if you have an infection in the treatment area.
Although you are getting a double treat when you combine PRP and microneedling, you won’t have to stay at the clinic for a long time or worry about a lot of preparation or aftercare. In fact, the two treatments are very simple, and you may spend as little as 30 minutes at our clinic. This includes extracting your blood and creating the platelet-rich plasma, numbing your treatment area, and applying the two methods.
When you arrive at the clinic, your blood will be drawn, then spun in a syringe so the platelet-rich plasma can be extracted. At the same time, we will apply some numbing cream to make the treatment pain-free for you. Once this local anesthesia has taken effect, we can get started. We will apply the platelet-rich plasma serum to your face, then create the micro-lesions with our handheld SkinPen.
The tiny injuries create a channel for the platelets to enter the deeper layers of your skin, where they can start to rejuvenate your features. As soon as the treatment is over, you can get cleaned up and leave the clinic. Because it is a non-invasive method, you can even drive yourself home.
While it isn’t much you’ll have to do before you come in for your session, we do ask that you avoid applying certain products to your treatment area and stop taking blood-thinning medications. In addition, it’s best to keep your face away from direct sunlight and protect it by using sunscreen. You should come to your appointment with a clean face that’s free of makeup or skincare products.
After your session, you can resume your normal activities within a few hours. However, you should keep applying sunscreen and skincare products that are approved for use after this treatment. Avoiding damaging UV rays and staying hydrated can also help to speed up the recovery process. We will give you more guidance that’s specific to your situation at your initial consultation.
Microneedling Pittsburgh and PRP are two natural, but powerful treatments that rejuvenate your skin. They treat the effects of aging, but also other skin problems like large pores or acne scars. When used together, their effect is magnified, so you can expect a much more significant change in your appearance. To book your first appointment, call or message us at Prizant Dermatology in Pittsburgh, PA. We will help you achieve that glowing, youthful look you’re seeking.
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