Skin benefits from having abundant collagen, which is a protein that provides youthful structure and support. Unfortunately, collagen gradually breaks down, and production of new collagen slows over time. The result is a gradual reduction in the protein, leading to unwanted changes in texture, tone, and facial contours.
Microneedling is a cosmetic treatment that triggers renewed collagen production in the skin. Using a sophisticated SkinPen device—the only FDA-cleared microneedling device—Sood Center’s team can safely create thousands of incredibly tiny channels in the skin, each of which prompts a natural repair response. Very little to no downtime is needed.
The channels made by microneedling are too small to cause any scarring, but are significant enough to encourage specialized cells to build new collagen molecules. As collagen levels increase in the skin again, a more youthful look and feel is restored.
Microneedling can also be used to fade scars, whether from acne, injury, or surgery. This strategy works by giving the skin a “second chance” to made repairs with healthy, collagen-rich tissue that more closely matches the surrounding skin.
Since microneedling creates channels in the skin, the treatment can also be used as a “preparation” before applying topical serums and products, as well as platelet-rich plasma or PRP. This is because thousands of openings allow for better absorption and enhanced results.
What is PRP? Blood is filled with tiny cell fragments known as platelets, which help with clotting and provide other wound-healing benefits. Withdrawing a small amount of blood and concentrating the platelets in a centrifuge creates platelet-rich plasma, which packs all of the powerful growth and healing factors into a single injectable that can be used on its own or in combination with other treatments.
Applying PRP to skin can increase local blood flow and enhance skin integrity, as well as improve the results of fat grafting and more.
While this may seem like a new approach to rejuvenation, platelet-rich plasma has actually been in use for years in the medical world. Concentrated platelets have long been part of surgical settings and wound care, with one of their earliest applications serving to promote healing related to open heart surgery.
Cosmetic applications of PRP are still being studied, but patients seeking skin rejuvenation and ideal results from other treatments tend to show a significant response to platelet-rich plasma.
Direct injection of platelet-rich plasma has been seen to smooth facial wrinkles, improve circulation and clarity, stimulate collagen production, thicken the skin, rejuvenate the overall complexion, reduce the visibility of scars, provide a modest tightening effect, and more. It is also ideal for boosting the effects of fat grafting, microneedling, laser skin resurfacing, and other treatments.
In addition to PRP, other customized “boosters” can be used with microneedling, such as hyaluronic acid, which helps skin keep hydrated and plump, reducing the visibility of fine lines and wrinkles. Other boosters available at Sood Center include one that can help to firm skin, a brightening serum to help even out skin tone, and one for sensitive skin and/or rosacea.
Sood Centers uses SkinPen for microneedling. The device is well-tested, safe, and chosen for its ability to generate beautiful results with minimal discomfort or down time. The device passes directly over the skin in the treatment area, making 1,600 microchannels per second as it goes. A single session typically lasts 30 to 60 minutes, and many patients see their desired results in just one to three sessions.
For patients adding PRP to their microneedling treatment, a small amount of blood will be drawn and spun in a centrifuge to collect the necessary component parts. The platelets and plasma will then be injected into the treatment area, applied topically, or otherwise administered as appropriate. Patients typically tolerate this well, and Dr. Sood and his team take great care to ensure the experience—and results—exceed expectations.
Some social downtime may be needed after a microneedling session, as the treated skin will be sensitive, red, and slightly swollen. These are all natural responses to the microneedling treatment, indicating inflammation—and the healing process—has begun. Cosmetics and other topical solutions are restricted for a few days after the treatment. Collagen buildup is a gradual process, even when enhanced by concentrated platelets. Improved collagen production, for example, will result in a buildup of the structural protein over weeks and months. Talk to Dr. Sood about the timeline of your expected results based on your unique treatments.
Beyond microneedling, exfoliation can be an especially effective skin rejuvenation strategy, with treatment options including chemical peels, dermaplaning, microdermabrasion, and the multi-step HydraFacial®. Ask about these and other skin rejuvenation treatments when you schedule your consultation.
Ready for the rejuvenating benefits of microneedling? New Jersey-area women and men can contact Linwood and Haddonfield’s Sood Center for a consultation. Call 609.904.5390 (Linwood) or 856.403.9686 (Haddonfield) or send a message online.
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