Microneedling with Platelet Rich Plasma

Many patients come to us to address, on a minimally invasive level, issues with scarring, wrinkles, or the general loss of elasticity and fullness that everyday sunlight exposure and time can take away. Across the country, there are products that can be purchased directly to try and minimize these affects at home. You may have heard of “SkinPens”, “DermaPens” and others that employ a technique called microneedling. While these products have proven effective for some, we believe that, because the process involves a series of tiny cuts into the skin, it is best to have these treatments performed in a sterile, clinically controlled environment.

How does Microneedling work?

Microneedling, also called Collagen Induction Therapy, uses a series of tiny, sterile needles to puncture the outer layer of the skin. This puncture generates a healing and recovery response in the body. It is this response, which sends collagen and elastin to fill the canals created by the microscopic needling, which produces the result – a “new” skin generation that enhances the general appearance of the areas treated – a refreshed and rejuvenated skin. The facial enhancement procedure is especially effective for those areas that would not be receptive to other treatments such as a laser or deep peels.

Is it a one-time treatment?

The collagen induction process is managed in very small, virtually microscopic, stages – essentially baby steps. Our doctors and staff will assess the current condition and the desired goals and determine how many treatment sessions are indicated. Carried out in a sterile office environment for patient safety, mild cases may only require 2-3 microneedling treatments. Where damaged skin calls for a greater induction goal, more treatment sessions would be called for. The sessions are normally spaced apart by a few weeks but the desired goals and conditions may mandate a different treatment schedule. There is no single non surgical procedure or cookie-cutter process in this arena. We assess each patient’s needs and treat individual to find the solution and program that fits their needs.

One of the newest – and amazingly effective – treatments we offer is the PRP or PRF (Fibrin) addition to the Microneedling serice or by itself injected into the skin or hairline. Kim Kardashian brought it to national attention and it is available now at Houston Dermatology and Plastic Surgery. Dr. Lin Humble, wife of the founder of Houston Dermatology and Plastic Surgery, has employed this technique and found it to be her personal favorite of the less invasive techniques employed at the center. She has dubbed it her personal “fountain of youth.”

The PRP Facial is essentially a three-step process that “reminds” your body of what it is able to do naturally.

• In the first step, the face, décolleté or other target areas are examined to determine where the rejuvenation and restoration are to occur. This step is essential in that it targets the application as appropriate to the patient’s natural contours.
• Next, in step two, a small sample (usually about two teaspoons) of the patient’s blood is taken so that the technical team can harvest plasma-rich platelets (PRPs) for completion of the last step. This part of the process is particularly important in that it uses the body’s own raw materials and bypasses the introduction of foreign blood or tissue. The harvested platelets are stimulated to encourage production of growth (and restorative) hormones. Because this is all produced using the body’s own “raw materials”, there is virtually no risk of rejection or allergic reaction.
• In the last step, the harvested platelets are reintroduced to the patient using one of the available microneedling processes or injected directly into the skin. Topical creams are applied to reduce or eliminate any discomfort during this procedure. Combining the restorative healing functions of the body with the introduction of the PRPs, the factor-rich “reminder” allows the reintroduction of collagen and fatty tissue (to produce smoothness) and the “vampire effect” begins right away. There is an immediate and noticeable difference but the longer-term effects are evident within 2-3 weeks of the procedure.