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PRP: Why it is important during microneeding?

A tube of freshly centrifuged PRP. PRP FROM 2010-2020 Although microneedling with PRP (also known as the “vampire facial“) is a relatively new therapy, the utilization of PRP in other fields of medicine such as dentistry, orthopedics, and reconstructive surgery has been increasing dramatically over the past couple of decades. PRP’s regenerative properties are now widely accepted among researchers, doctors, and nurses. Providers can now even use it to produce new hair! So what can this powerful substance do for your skin? Over the past 10 years, dermatology researchers have discovered that PRP is quite promising in regenerating skin that has been damaged through scarring, age, or UV damage. Book Now WHAT IS PRP? For those who aren’t familiar, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) consists of a patient’s own blood plasma that has been enriched by concentrating the number of platelets so it exceeds normal blood levels. Concentrating the plasma is desirable because plasma contains various growth factors that are instrumental in repairing skin. These growth factors include platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TFG), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin‐like growth factor (IGF). PRP growth factors stimulate tissue remodeling and when they are concentrated, they are associated with enhanced healing, upregulation of collagen synthesis, and promotion of tissue regeneration. The growth factors contained in PRP and their respective roles in the body. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU COMBINE MICRONEEDLING WITH PRP? The increased growth factor activity associated with PRP is believed to multiply the effects of microneedling to promote aesthetically-superior tissue remodeling. In other words, PRP with microneedling makes the skin more young and beautiful than microneedling alone. The synergistic effects of microneedling with PRP offers unique results. Studies show that combining microneedling and PRP in the same appointment produces thicker epidermis and more developed rete ridges, compared to PRP alone or microneedling alone. PRP combined with microneedling also achieves greater patient satisfaction scores compared to microneedling alone. It is well documented that PRP combined with microneedling produces superior benefits for depressed acne scars than microneedling alone.   Rete ridges in the upper layer of the skin. What are rete ridges, you ask? Rete ridges are crucial structures in the skin that promote epidermal proliferation and provide a natural, specialized environment for our skin’s stem cells. Damaged or scarred skin lacks rete ridges. INJECTING PRP WITH MICRONEEDLING INCREASES ELASTICITY We also know from clinical studies that when injected (also known as the “vampire facelift“, PRP can nearly double skin’s elasticity. Why is this important? In photoaged skin, the skin’s network of elastic fibers has become destroyed. Elastin becomes thickened, tangled, crooked, degraded, and dysfunctional, resulting in elastosis, which is characterized by deep wrinkles, laxity, yellowing, and tough skin. To build elasticity, 3 injections of PRP are needed spaced 1 month apart. Above: Signs of photoaging include lip lines, brown sun spots, and crows feet lines next to the eye. If you have these signs of photoaging, you likely are experiencing premature elastosis (loss of elasticity). PRP DECREASES DOWNTIME For those patients concerned with downtime, PRP also accelerates healing following microneedling. In particular, it reduces redness and edema (swelling) a couple days earlier, which is a true testament to the regenerative power of platelet-enriched plasma. Since the application of PRP in dermatology is so new, it is likely we do not know yet all the benefits of applying PRP during microneedling. WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW ABOUT PRP AND MICRONEEDLING? Although the concept of PRP sounds simple (people get their blood drawn all the time, right?), how PRP is prepared can determine how much of a result you can see. To learn more about how SLK believes is the best way to prepare and purify PRP, read more here. Book Now

Microneedling vs Hydrafacial: which is better?

Microneedling and Hydrafacial Hydrafacial and Microneedling are two of the most talked about aesthetic procedures available to patients. The providers at SLK Clinic are frequently asked by our Nashville patients to discuss, compare, and explain which treatment option is better. Below are some of the most common questions we receive: Book Now WHY ARE THESE TWO PROCEDURES SO WILDLY POPULAR? Hydrafacial Infusion The hydrafacial procedure is a non-invasive technique that utilizes a suction device to extract debris in clogged pores, exfoliate, and hydrate the skin all during the procedure. The infusion aspect of Hydrafacial means serums are administered during the procedure into the newly unclogged pores. The procedure in essence is an extremely effective facial compared to traditional facial methods. The newly highly hydrated skin has the temporary effect of smoothing fine lines and wrinkles. The Hydrafacial procedure is usually performed by a non-medically licensed provider such as an esthetician.  Cleaning action of Hydrafacial using the suction device. Microneedling Microneedling is the process of causing controlled micro-injuries to the skin through the process of thousands of fine needle pokes. When there is an injury to the skin, the body begins to immediately repair itself through a process called the healing cascade. A vital component of the healing cascade is the addition of new collagen. Collagen production changes the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by resurfacing the skin. Another very important aspect of microneedling is the needle depth as the procedure is performed. The needle depth determines what layer of skin is affected by the treatment. For new collagen to form, a needle must reach the dermis layer of skin. Only medically licensed providers can microneedle at an appropriate depth for collagen resurfacing. The healing cascade of microneedling. Growth Factor infusion during Microneedling Another positive aspect of microneedling is the addition of growth factors. Microneedling provides us a window of opportunity to infuse growth factors that normally wouldn’t be able to penetrate deep into the skin on their own. Growth factors significantly drive up collagen production because growth factors act as signalers. Growth factors summon stem cells which responsible for regeneration and new growth. When topical growth factors are combined with microneedling, growth factors are allowed to penetrate deeper into the skin than typically possible, thus increasing healing properties as well as collagen production. How does microneedling with growth factors stack up against Hydrafacial infusion? Both procedures have benefits and deciding between the two varies depending on what treatment goals are. If a patient is looking for short-term reduced appearance of pores for an event with no downtime, then Hydrafacial is the best procedure. If a patient is ok with a few days of redness and is looking for a permanent solution for fine lines, wrinkles, scars, enlarged pores, and uneven skin tone, then microneedling is the best option. What does SLK Clinic offer? SLK’s mission is to deliver medical-grade aesthetic procedures that provide long-term results. Microneedling fits this treatment philosophy but Hydrafacial does not which is why SLK offers microneedling with growth factors and not Hydrafacial infusions.  VIEW BEFORE/AFTER PHOTOS OF MICRONEEDLING AT SLK Book Now

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