Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) – a highly concentrated solution of growth factors – is a powerful tool in the world of aesthetics, offering a range of potential benefits for those looking to improve their skin’s appearance.
Microneedling involves the use of a device that creates tiny punctures in the skin, which can stimulate the production of collagen and elastin. This can help to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars. When PRP is applied to the skin after microneedling, it can help to speed up the healing process and increase the overall effectiveness of the treatment.
What can PRP with Microneedling Treat?
PRP with microneedling is a versatile treatment option that can be used to address a wide range of skin conditions. In addition to treating aging and sun-damaged skin, PRP with microneedling has been shown to be effective in reducing the appearance of scarring, including acne scarring, stretch marks, and surgical scars (1). It can also be used to improve the appearance of enlarged pores, uneven skin tone and texture, and hyperpigmentation.
PRP with microneedling has also been used successfully to treat a number of hair-related conditions, including hair loss and alopecia. The growth factors in PRP can help stimulate hair growth, leading to thicker, fuller, and healthier-looking hair (2).
PRP with microneedling can also be effective in reducing the symptoms of rosacea, a chronic skin condition that causes redness, swelling, and bumps on the face. The growth factors in PRP can help improve the appearance of rosacea-affected skin, reducing redness and swelling and promoting a more even skin tone.
What can I expect during treatment?
A PRP with microneedling treatment typically begins with a consultation with a healthcare provider, who will assess the patient's skin condition and determine if PRP with microneedling is an appropriate treatment option.
Before the treatment begins, the provider will draw a small amount of blood from the patient, which will be processed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets and growth factors from the other blood components.
During the microneedling treatment, the provider will use a device such as the InnoPen to create small, controlled injuries in the skin. The PRP solution will then be applied to the treatment area, where it will be absorbed into the skin through the microinjuries.
The entire treatment typically takes less than an hour, and the patient may experience some mild discomfort during the procedure. After the treatment, the provider will provide the patient with instructions on how to care for their skin to promote optimal healing and minimize the risk of adverse effects.
What is the difference between Microneedling and Dermarolling?
Microneedling and dermarolling are similar treatments that involve the use of a device with small needles to create microscopic punctures in the skin. However, microneedling is generally considered to be more effective than dermarolling for multiple reasons.
First, microneedling devices are typically more advanced and are able to create smaller, precise, punctures in the skin. Dermarolling devices cause needles to perforate the skin at a 45-degree angle as they roll over, creating unnecessary skin trauma and lacerations.
Additionally, microneedling treatments are often performed by trained professionals, whereas dermarolling is a treatment that is usually performed at home. This means that microneedling treatments are tailored to the individual needs of the patient and combined with other treatments, such as PRP, that can enhance overall treatment efficacy.
How to Optimize Results of PRP with Microneedling?
A key factor in the effectiveness of PRP treatments is the concentration of platelets in the solution. This is because the growth factors contained in platelets are essential for promoting cell proliferation and differentiation, as well as supporting stem cell recruitment and angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels). More platelets = more growth factors.
A high concentration of PRP is considered to be at least four times above baseline, and pioneering work by Giusti has determined that the most effective concentration of platelets for the stimulation of angiogenesis is 1.5 million platelets/μL, which is roughly 6x above baseline (3). Common "tube-based" single-spin PRP systems do not offer a concentration above baseline. As such, these systems will not produce the same benefits as a dedicated, double-spin, PRP system. Not all PRP systems are created equal!
Regarding microneedling pens, one of the best systems on the market is the InnoPen. This revolutionary microneedling device uses a patented disposable needle cartridge called InnoTip, which is a precision apparatus that is designed with a double-protective tip system, consisting of an inner protective wall and an outer safety covering made of sterile, medical-grade polycarbonate resin.
This double-protective tip system ensures 0% tolerance of error, requiring perfect centering, precise spacing, and meticulous uniformity in the vertical lining of the needles. This ensures a perfect stamp with no risk of additional trauma, every time. The InnoTip allows users to intensify transdermal delivery for cosmetic, topical, photo aging, and PRP treatments, while minimizing the risk of adverse effects.
The Bottom-Line
PRP with microneedling is an effective treatment option for a range of skin conditions, including aging and sun-damaged skin, scarring, and hair loss. The key to its success is the concentration of platelets in the PRP preparation, which should be at least 4x above baseline, as well as selecting the appropriate microneedling device.
REFERENCES
Asif M, Kanodia S, Singh K. Combined autologous platelet-rich plasma with microneedling verses microneedling with distilled water in the treatment of atrophic acne scars: a concurrent split-face study. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2016 Dec;15(4):434-443. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12207. Epub 2016 Jan 8. PMID: 26748836.
Yepuri V, Venkataram M. Platelet-Rich Plasma with Microneedling in Androgenetic Alopecia: Study of Efficacy of the Treatment and the Number of Sessions Required. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2021;14(2):184-190. doi:10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_33_20
Giusti I, et al., Identification of an Optimal Concentration of Platelet Gel for Promoting Angiogenesis in Human Endothelial Cells. Transfusion 2009; 49 (4): 771–778.