Preparing For PRP Microneedling Treatment
One Week Prior to Treatment
- Avoid unprotected and excessive sun exposure or tanning.
- Discontinue the use of skin care products containing retinoids, glycolic acid, and salicylic acid.
- Notify your Provider of the use of blood-thinning medications and supplements such as aspirin, Coumadin, Plavix, fish oil, turmeric, ginger, cayenne peppers, vitamin E, garlic, ginkgo biloba, feverfew, grape seed extract, white willow, dong quai, aloe, meadowsweet, etc.
- Notify your Provider if you have EVER had a cold sore or diagnosed with Herpes Simplex.
Day of the Treatment
Your Provider will numb your skin before the procedure to help with any discomfort or pain. A small amount of blood is collected and processed to obtain the PRP. A microneedling device is then rolled over the area to be treated, and the PRP is applied to the skin. The procedure may take between 30 to 45 minutes. After the procedure, your Provider may apply a serum or balm to help soothe any redness or irritation and provide you with instructions for the aftercare of your skin.
Post Treatment
Normal activities can be resumed within 24 hours. Following the procedure, strict avoidance of sun exposure, tanning beds, and swimming is strongly recommended. The provided post-procedure skin care regimen and provided products should be strictly adhered to for the first 4-5 days after the procedure. The skin should not be exposed to sun, steam, or harsh exfoliative treatments during the first 1-2 weeks.
Mild swelling, redness, and some bruising are very common for the first 3-5 days after the procedure. These post-procedure changes resolve without issue if the skin is not further traumatized during the immediate healing process.
When will I see results?
It can take a few weeks to show results, as it takes the body time to produce collagen and heal itself. In two to three weeks, some visible improvement is typically noticeable, and in 4 to 6 weeks marked results in pigmentation and texture improvement become more apparent.
Depending on the condition you are treating, 2 to 3 treatments may be necessary to improve mild texture changes of the skin, whereas scarring may require 3 to 6 treatments to appreciate noticeable change. These multiple treatments are done four weeks apart to allow the skin to heal.