Microneedling is also referred to as “collagen induction therapy.” It’s a minimally invasive service that can improve acne scars, wrinkles, enlarged pores, stretch marks, and help tighten lax skin. Research has even shown that melasma can be successfully lightened using microneedling treatments!

So, how does it work? Microneedling causes minuscule and controlled injury to the skin. First, our nurse practitioner Ashley Pontenberg applies a numbing cream to your face. Then, using a device that looks a bit like a pen, she creates hundreds of tiny micro-channels in the skin. (This is another way of saying that she makes teeny little pinpricks all over your face.) Don’t worry though; it only sounds painful. Many patients actually report that it tickles. These micro-injuries activate the wound healing response, which stimulates the formation of new collagen. Also, as each micro-injury in your skin heals, there is an overall tightening effect that occurs, leaving you with smoother, firmer, more even looking skin.

Thanks to all the micro-channels created in the skin, any subsequent product applied can penetrate deeper than it would have otherwise. Active ingredients reach layers of the skin they usually wouldn’t. For this reason, a therapy such as platelet rich plasma (PRP), epidermal growth factors, and/or hyaluronic acid is often used along with microneedling.

Platelets are the cells in the blood that help tissue to heal and encourage the growth of new cells within our bodies. Your platelets are an abundant source of growth factors!

To obtain PRP, Ashley will take a small sample of your blood and place it in a centrifuge. The centrifuge helps separate the platelet rich plasma from the rest of the blood. This part of the blood has powerful collagen stimulation properties. When used in conjunction with microneedling, it is stamped into the skin, often along with hyaluronic acid for plumping or some other targeted treatment for acne or hyperpigmentation. Microneedling with PRP is sometimes referred to as a “Vampire Facial” which Ashley is certified in.

PRP penetrates the micro-channels in the skin, and once there, it causes a localized stem-cell response. Over the weeks and months following treatment, collagen-producing cells called fibroblasts replace tissue that has been damaged or lost through the aging process with healthy skin that looks refreshed and rejuvenated.

PRP also accelerates the healing process after your microneedling. The result is a reduction in fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars, improved skin texture and tone, and increased collagen.

PRP has such potent growth factors; it is even effective to help regrow thinning hair in both men and women.

One advantage of using PRP is there is no need to worry about it causing an adverse reaction. There should be no issue, since the treatment comes from your own body. It also poses none of the risks of treatments that use lasers, while delivering a similar benefit.

There is minimal downtime with microneedling. You may be a bit red or swollen right after, but most people see their skin return to normal or just slightly pink within 24 hours. Ashley recommends that you don’t wash your face or apply makeup until the day after your treatment.

For best results, four to eight sessions is recommended with an occasional appointment after that to maintain your results. Ashley will put together the ideal treatment plan for your particular skin concerns.