PRP Microneedling

Conveniently located to serve the areas of Los Angeles and Santa Monica, CA

PRP microneedling is a skin rejuvenation treatment that uses the regenerative properties of your body to restore the appearance, health, and elasticity of your skin. This treatment combines the natural benefits of both PRP and microneedling treatments, allowing you to achieve a more refreshed, youthful-looking complexion with ease.

At the Dermatology Institute and Skin Care Center, our team of dermatologists is dedicated to helping each patient elevate their skin. Treatments like PRP microneedling are performed with care and thoughtfulness.

To start working with our team, please schedule a consultation online. Alternatively, you may reach our Santa Monica office by calling (310) 829-4104.

About PRP Microneedling

PRP microneedling is a non-surgical treatment that stimulates the production of collagen to address various skin concerns, including visible signs of aging, facial scarring, hyperpigmentation, and more. By combining these two treatments, you can effectively revive your skin.

About Platelet-Rich Plasma

Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a concentrated solution of platelets in a small volume of plasma. This solution contains four to seven times higher platelet concentration than that of whole blood. PRP has quickly become a popular skin rejuvenation option. Your specialist will administer the serum to targeted areas, where the growth factors and small proteins promote tissue repair, cellular proliferation, the formation of new blood cells, and more, each of which can contribute to more youthful, healthier-looking skin. (1)

About Microneedling

Microneedling is a minimally invasive treatment that can restore the elasticity and appearance of the skin by stimulating the production of collagen. This treatment consists of using fine needles to create controlled micropunctures in the treatment area. In response, the body starts producing more collagen, leading to healthier, firmer, and more youthful-looking skin. (2) Our dermatological team can safely and effectively perform this treatment on all skin types and tones, making it an inclusive treatment that most patients can enjoy.

About PRP Microneedling for Acne

PRP microneedling is highly effective for addressing acne-prone skin and acne scars. Acne is a chronic skin condition that primarily affects adolescents and young adults, but it can begin in or persist throughout adulthood. (3)

PRP microneedling confronts these concerns by reducing inflammation and the physical effects of acne. The growth factors in your PRP solution can promote tissue repair, which can resolve pimples more quickly while simultaneously lowering your risk of developing any acne scars or post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. Additionally, microneedling creates microchannels that stimulate your body’s collagen production. This can reduce the appearance of acne scars, rough skin texture, and enlarged pores, all while improving your skin’s thickness, appearance, and overall health.

Benefits

Our patients experience several benefits with PRP microneedling, such as:

  • Stimulated Neocollagenesis: PRP microneedling can stimulate the production of collagen in the treatment area, which can elevate the appearance, health, and overall elasticity of your skin.
  • More Even Complexion: This treatment can correct pigmentation irregularities to restore a more even and bright appearance.
  • Smoother Skin: PRP microneedling can effectively soften and reduce rough or uneven patches of skin to restore a smoother appearance and feeling to the treatment area.
  • Reduced Signs of Aging: Your dermatologist can perform PRP microneedling to address the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and creases.
  • Non-Surgical Techniques: PRP microneedling provides lasting, significant effects without the use of general anesthesia, incisions, or a lengthy recovery period.
  • Elevated Self-Confidence: Refining the appearance and texture of your skin may lead to improvements in your self-esteem and body positivity.

Candidates

You may be a candidate for PRP microneedling if you are interested in restoring the health, firmness, and appearance of your skin using the natural, regenerative properties of your own body. This treatment is effective when addressing visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles, creases, and fine lines, as well as unevenly textured or toned skin. Microneedling can also reduce and soften the appearance of various facial scars, including acne scars, burn scars, traumatic scars, varicella scars, and hypertrophic scars.

If you are interested in PRP microneedling, you should be in good general health and maintain realistic expectations regarding your results. This treatment may not be ideal for those who are immunosuppressed, have chronic skin diseases in the treatment area, or have certain blood conditions. (2) Our dermatological team will finalize your candidacy during your consultation.

Personal Consultation

Before scheduling your treatment session, you will need to attend a personal consultation with our dermatology team. During this consultation, your dermatologist will meet with you to explain what PRP microneedling is, as well as the benefits and limitations of the treatment. They will converse with you openly about your medical history, skin concerns, and ideal outcomes. They will also perform a physical evaluation to assess your facial anatomy and skin quality. Your dermatologist will use these shared details to create your one-of-a-kind treatment plan.

To schedule this consultation and start your journey towards healthier, more youthful-looking skin, please contact us online or call (310) 829-4104.

Preparation

Your dermatologist will provide you with a set of comprehensive preparation instructions before your treatment. These instructions are fairly simple, but you must follow each one. Your dermatologist may direct you to:

  • Refrain from taking blood-thinning medications and supplements.
  • Protect your skin with sunscreen when leaving the house.
  • Avoid direct or excessive sun exposure.
  • Adjust your skin routine to avoid harsh or irritating products, such as retinoids, retinols, or chemical peels.

You will also need to arrive with clean skin that is free from any skincare products, makeup, or facial jewelry. By following these guidelines, you can ensure a smooth treatment and the best possible results.

Procedure

Our dermatologists perform PRP microneedling in-office with a topical anesthetic. Each treatment session can last between 15 and 20 minutes, with the exact duration of your appointment varying depending on the details of your personalized treatment plan.

Your dermatologist will first collect a small sample of blood from your arm, a process similar to that of a regular doctor’s appointment. They will process the sample through a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the other blood components. While processing the sample, your dermatologist will use a small handpiece fashioned with rows of fine needles. As they pass the handpiece over the skin, the needles will create micropunctures. Your dermatologist will repeat this motion several times until they evenly address the treatment area. They will then apply the PRP solution over the treated areas, allowing it to absorb into the microchannels.

Recovery

PRP microneedling requires little to no downtime, which means you will be able to return to most of your daily activities immediately. However, there are certain guidelines and restrictions you will need to follow as your skin heals.

It is common to experience some redness or tenderness in the treated areas. These effects are temporary and will dissipate on their own within several days. You will need to wear proper sun protection when leaving the house, and you should continue to avoid direct or excessive sun exposure. You will also need to avoid certain skincare products, as well as refrain from wearing makeup.

Your dermatologist will provide you with a full set of recovery instructions after your treatment. These instructions will guide you on when you may reintegrate certain products into your routine, as well as general best practices.

Results

PRP microneedling offers gradual results, which means you will be able to see your skin improve as your collagen levels continue to rise. You will be able to enjoy softer, smoother, and clearer skin, with visible signs of aging, pigmentation concerns, and textural irregularities softened and reduced. You will also be able to experience improvements in the overall firmness and elasticity of your skin.

It may take several months for the full effects of your treatment to develop, with most patients benefitting from a series of three to six treatment sessions. However, you can see significant improvements after just one treatment session.

Corresponding Procedures

Laser Skin Resurfacing

Laser skin resurfacing is a minimally invasive treatment that administers laser energy to enhance the appearance, elasticity, and texture of your skin. Laser skin resurfacing can address various skin concerns, such as visible signs of aging, sun damage, and facial scarring. At the Dermatology Institute & Skin Care Center, we offer both ablative and non-ablative lasers to transform your skin.

  • Ablative Lasers: Ablative lasers remove the outermost layer of your skin to stimulate collagen production, eliminate dead and damaged cells, and reveal fresh skin underneath.
  • Non-Ablative Lasers: These lasers stimulate the production of collagen by heating the underlying layers of tissue, all without affecting your upper layers of skin.

To learn more about the other procedures that can enhance your PRP microneedling treatment, we encourage you to read our blog!

Cost of PRP Microneedling in Santa Monica, Los Angeles

The cost of your PRP microneedling treatment can vary depending on several factors, such as the number of treatment sessions you undergo, the type of concerns you are addressing, or the extent of the treatment. During your consultation, your dermatologist will help you create your personalized treatment plan. Once the two of you agree upon the treatment plan, your dermatologist will provide you with a cost estimate.

To learn more about the cost of your personalized PRP microneedling treatment, please schedule a consultation online or call (310) 829-4104.

FAQ

How will my dermatologist collect PRP during the treatment?

Your dermatologist will collect a small sample of blood at the beginning of your treatment. They will process the blood through a centrifuge to separate the plasma from the platelets.

How many treatment sessions will I need to see my ideal results?

The number of treatment sessions necessary for your desired results will vary depending on the type of corrections you are addressing, as well as the severity of your concerns. Most patients experience their best results after a series of three to six treatment sessions.

How long will the results of my PRP with microneedling treatment last?

PRP microneedling offers lasting results, with many of our patients experiencing their results lasting between several months and over a year. These results can also be maintained with an effective skincare regimen and proper sun protection.

Will my PRP microneedling treatment hurt?

PRP microneedling is typically well-tolerated, with many of our patients describing the feeling as a light prickling sensation. Our dermatologists will also apply a topical anesthetic to the treatment area to enhance your overall experience.

Can my PRP microneedling treatment be combined with another skin rejuvenation treatment?

Yes, your dermatologist can combine your PRP microneedling treatment with another to revitalize your skin further and achieve a more glowy complexion. We recommend discussing combined treatments with your dermatologist during your consultation so they may assess your candidacy or our other rejuvenation options.

References

  1. Pincelli TP, Suha Zawawi, Shapiro SA, et al. Evaluation of Platelet-rich Plasma and Microneedling for Facial Skin Rejuvenation. Plastic and reconstructive surgery Global open. 2024;12(5):e5829-e5829. doi:https://doi.org/10.1097/gox.0000000000005829
  2. Litchman G, Nair PA, Badri T, Kelly SE. Microneedling. Nih.gov. Published September 26, 2022. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459344/#article-38285.s4
  3. Sutaria AH, Masood S, Saleh HM, Schlessinger J. Acne Vulgaris. Nih.gov. Published August 17, 2023. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459173/#article-17101.s4