Dear readers, in this week’s article, I would like to give information about the microneedling method, one of the skin rejuvenation processes, and the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) applications, which are often mentioned together with this method.
Microneedling is a method that can be considered as the initial step for skin rejuvenation procedures with the device. Although it is not as effective as the applications with energy-based laser and radiofrequency devices, it is still used because of the low probability of side effects and being a relatively inexpensive application. The effect can be further increased with mesotherapy cocktails and PRP containing some vitamins and growth factors.
Microneedling can be defined as creating microscopic channels in the skin with the help of special medical devices. Controlled damage created with the help of this method stimulates the restructuring of components such as collagen, which forms the connective tissue of the skin, and also PRP and some drugs used for different purposes can be applied into the skin through micro channels. Microneedling can be done for the purpose of tightening the skin, increasing its volume, regaining its elasticity and brightness, reducing wrinkles caused by years and exposure to sunlight, and removing acne, blemishes and scars. The possibility of undesirable conditions such as spots and scars after microneedling is lower than fractional laser and radiofrequency applications, and microneedling is safe for all skin types.
Microneedling can be applied with hand devices such as Dermaroller consisting of needles of a certain number and size on a cylindrical drum, or with motorized microneedling devices such as Dermastamp/Dermapen. The curved entry and exit of the needles into the skin in Dermaroller also causes some unwanted damage, so there is less bleeding and the application is more comfortable and relatively less painful in applications with motorized devices (Dermastamp/Dermapen) where the needles enter and exit the skin perpendicularly.
PRP application is based on the separation of a small amount of blood taken from the person into its components after it is centrifuged into a specially produced tube and the small amount of “platelet-enriched plasma” (PRP) obtained is returned to the same person by injection.
Platelets or platelets, in other words, are blood components that contain the “growth factors” necessary for the repair of damaged tissues in our body. When any damage occurs in our tissues, our blood collects platelets in this tissue and initiates a repair process. The purpose of PRP application is to deliver much more platelets to this target tissue than can be carried by blood circulation, so the repair of damaged tissue begins faster and stronger and results more quickly, because the density of platelets obtained with PRP is 2 to 4 times higher than that in the blood.
PRP application is “autologous”, that is, the patient’s own blood is given to him; therefore, any contagious disease such as HIV or hepatitis cannot be transmitted to another person. Since nothing other than the patient’s own blood is added to the material used, this application can be considered reliable.
In dermatology, PRP is generally used alone in hair loss or to strengthen the effect of other treatment options, to provide rapid structuring of the skin immediately after applications such as laser, peeling and microneedling, and to improve wrinkles, eliminate depressions, elasticity and shine in a way that reverses the results of years and sun exposure in the skin. used for purposes such as reintroduction.
PRP can be injected under the skin by means of filling or mesotherapy, or it can be applied directly on the skin after other medical applications such as fractional laser and microneedling. When the cures, which consist of 3 applications with an average of one month intervals, are repeated once a year, a longer lasting effect will be achieved.
I wish you all healthy days.
