Microneedling

What is microneedling?

Microneedling is a procedure that uses very thin needles, microneedles, to gently puncture your skin. The small wounds trigger collagen production, which strengthens, tightens, and renews your skin.

Dr. Mest performs automated microneedling using an advanced device called the MicroPen®. The MicroPen’s high-speed motor automates the process and provides quick needle penetration.

The MicroPen uniquely delivers tiny needle pricks vertically. As a result, Dr. Mest can use the MicroPen to treat small areas that microneedling rollers can’t reach. The needle depth is also adjustable, so each patient’s treatment is customized for their skin.

With the MicroPen, microneedling can be performed anywhere on your body, including your face, neck, decolletage, arms, hands, legs, and abdomen.

What is microneedling with PRP?

Dr. Mest always combines microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to enhance your results. PRP is produced in the office using your own blood. After the doctor takes a blood sample, it’s centrifuged to separate platelets from other blood components.

The concentrated platelets, together with some of your plasma, create the PRP used during your microneedling.

Blood platelets are rich sources of proteins called growth factors, which promote healing and stimulate collagen production.

When Dr. Mest applies PRP in conjunction with microneedling, the small punctures allow PRP to penetrate into your skin.

PRP and microneedling can:

• Diminish fine lines and wrinkles
• Eliminate brown spots and skin discolorations
• Shrink large pores
• Tighten and tone skin
• Fade acne scarring

Since both procedures boost collagen production and PRP accelerates healing, you’ll get better results when they’re combined.

What should I expect during and after microneedling?

Your provider applies hydrating gel to your skin before microneedling. The gel together with the MicroPen’s speed generally makes the procedure tolerable.

Your treatment takes about 15-30 minutes, depending on the size of the area treated. After your session is finished, your skin will appear bright red.

Healing time varies for each person. On average, skin redness goes away in two to four days. However, some patients heal in as few as 24 hours.

Collagen production takes some time. You’ll begin to see changes in your skin over the next several weeks, but your results continue to improve for up to six months as collagen production continues.

Can I combine PRP with other laser procedures?

Yes, you can combine PRP with a variety of cosmetic laser treatments. When used in layering treatments, PRP complements the effect of lasers to boost your results.

If you’d like to renew your complexion with microneedling and PRP, call Pier Medical Aesthetics or book an appointment online.