When Kim Kardashian showcased her Vampire Facial while filming Kim & Kourtney Take Miami, the rise in micro-needling procedures skyrocketed. MedSpa expert Dr. Christie Prendergast sat down with Haute Beauty to discuss the benefits of micro-needling procedures, who qualifies, and how to maintain results.
What is Microneedling with PRP for the face?
Microneedling involves a device that contains needles that are used to puncture the skin. The depth of puncture is controlled based on desired results, downtime, and treatment area. Depths will range from 0.1-2.5 mm and the results vary depending on the frequency of treatments and depth of needle penetration. The needle punctures stimulate collagen, elastin, and neovascularization which in turn results in improvement in pores, texture, and fine lines.
PRP (Platelet-Rich-Plasma) is a concentrated serum that is rich in growth factors that further enhance the stimulation of collagen and promote healthy skin. PRP’s growth factors have been used in the treatment of many medical problems including aesthetic surgery.
Can you describe the process?
Typically the process is 1-2 hours of topical numbing before the procedure. This allows a more comfortable treatment. The next step is drawing your blood and then spinning it down to isolate the platelet-rich-plasma from the rest of the blood components. After adequate numbing, the microneedle device is then passed over the entire surface of your face. The PRP is spread on top of the areas that have been microneedle which allows improved penetration of the PRP via the microchannels that are created.
Typically you can expect some skin redness for 1-2 days followed by peeling and texture changes for up to 1 week. The following week you will notice immediate improvement as the old skin is shed. The overall results will improve with time.
Which patients qualify for this procedure?
Microneedling has minimal side effects and can be used safely used in patients of all skin types (particularly effective in patients with melasma).
Microneedling is best for:
- Minimizing pore size and improving skin texture
- Surgical scarring
- Mild to moderate acne scarring
- Fine lines and wrinkles
It is best performed in a series (typically three) spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. Microneedling should generally be avoided in patients with history inflammatory dermatoses, active areas of infection, or collagen vascular diseases.
How long do results last?
Duration of the results depends on treatment goals. In general, you can expect to see permanent results.
What, if any, are the follow up procedures?
Microneedling should ideally be performed as a series for optimal collagen stimulation. Combining other treatments such as regular facials, light lasers, and skin tightening treatments will further enhance results. I particularly like to combine micro needling with PRP with chemical peels to treat difficult melasma.
*Disclaimer: Kim Kardashian's facial was not performed by Dr. Prendergast
