Dear readers, in this week’s article, I would like to give information about the microneedling procedure, one of the skin rejuvenation processes, and the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) applications, which have been mentioned together with this procedure many times.
Microneedling is a method that can be considered as the initial step for skin rejuvenation processes with the device. Although it is not as effective as the applications with power-based laser and radiofrequency devices, it is still used because of the low probability of side effects and being a relatively inexpensive application. Its effect can be further increased with mesotherapy cocktails and PRP containing some vitamins and growth factors.
Microneedling process 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 road stimulates the restructuring of components such as collagen, which forms the connective tissue of the skin, and PRP and some drugs used for different purposes can also be applied into the skin through micro channels formed. Microneedling can be done with the aim 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 blemishes 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. In Dermaroller, the curved entry and exit of the needles into the skin causes some unwanted damage, so there is less bleeding in the applications with motorized devices (Dermastamp / Dermapen) where the needles enter and exit the skin perpendicularly, and the application is more comfortable and relatively less painful.
PRP application is based on the separation of a small amount of blood taken from the individual into its components after it is subjected to the centrifugation process by placing it in a specially produced tube, and the small amount of “platelet-enriched plasma” (PRP) obtained is given back to the individual by injection.
Platelets, also known as platelets, are blood components that contain the “growth factors” necessary for the repair of damaged tissues in our body. When a random damage occurs in our tissues, our blood collects platelets in this tissue and initiates a repair process. The aim of PRP application is to deliver much more platelets to the tissue than can be carried by the blood circulation, so the repair of the damaged tissue starts faster and stronger and results faster, 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 back to him; Due to the fact that a random infectious disease such as HIV or hepatitis is transmitted to another individual, it is not the subject of the word, since nothing other than the patient’s own blood is added to the equipment used, this application can be considered as credible.
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 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 on the skin. It is applied with aims to ensure that it is regained.
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, are repeated once a year, a longer lasting effect will be achieved.
I wish you all healthy days.