Are fine lines and wrinkles, scars, and sun damaged skin getting you down? While these issues are a natural result of aging, it doesn't mean you have to accept them. Various treatments exist that can lead to younger, clearer looking skin, including microneedling with platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy.
At PRP in Philadelphia, located in Huntingdon Valley, Pennsylvania, Dr. Stuart A. Kauffman specializes in cutting edge treatments in platelet rich plasma and stem cell therapy. As a board-certified family physician and osteopathic medicine specialist, he offers safe and effective conservative solutions for everything from chronic pain and sports injuries to hair loss and skin concerns.
Microneedling and platelet rich plasma therapy are two distinct treatments that can be combined for better results. Microneedling is a skin rejuvenation therapy that uses fine needles to puncture the skin at minimally invasive levels to cause controlled skin injuries. These punctures create pores which stimulate new collagen production and reduce the signs of aging (microneedling is also known as collagen induction therapy for this reason).
When added to microneedling, platelet rich plasma therapy may help boost skin improvements and shorten the amount of time before seeing results. Used for years to heal sports injuries, PRP treatment can also provide a more natural and long-lasting solution for younger looking skin.
During platelet rich plasma therapy, blood is typically drawn from a vein and placed in a specially-designed centrifuge that separates the platelets from the red blood cells. This process creates a concentration of platelets that can be five to ten times the amount found in regular blood.
Platelets serve several purposes, including to encourage blood clotting and help in healing. By adding PRP therapy to microneedling, it further promotes the growth of the body's collagen and results in skin that looks naturally smooth and radiant.
One reason microneedling with PRP therapy has become so popular is because it is natural and safe. Since it uses a person's own blood, there is no chance of an allergic reaction. In addition, unlike some other procedures, there are no chemicals being injected into the body.
Microneedling with PRP treatments is an excellent option for most people who are in good health and seeking younger, clearer looking skin. It may not be ideal for those who are pregnant, use Accutane for acne, or have skin conditions like rosacea or facial eczema.
People who scar easily, have issues with wounds healing properly, or have had skin radiation within the last year also may not be the best candidates.
Leading up to the procedure, there may be certain steps to take, like avoiding direct sun or tanning and drinking lots of water. The treatment itself typically involves a topical anesthetic followed by microneedling. Blood is drawn early in the process and prepared for application before being massaged into the treated area. A serum or balm may be applied following the procedure to aid in soothing any redness and irritation.
Some people see improvement as quickly as after the first treatment, while others take a few procedures over several months to reach success. Unlike some options, like Botox and other fillers, microneedling with platelet rich plasma provides permanent results.
If you're looking for smoother, naturally glowing skin, call or click to book an appointment with Dr. Kauffman today and explore whether microneedling with platelet rich plasma is right for you.
