Self-care is more important than ever with how busy everyone is, and what better way to pamper yourself than with a micro-needling facial? In this post, I'll be sharing my thoughts and experiences with this luxurious treatment. Plus we’ll be hearing from featured guest Dr. Aya Eguchi with Redlands Body Sculpting and finally get answers to why they call this, The Vampire Facial.
So, why is it called the “vampire” facial? Well, the answer is simple. Because of the blood used to do the treatment. Micro-needling with PRP involves creating tiny, superficial wounds in the skin with a device that has fine needles. This process stimulates the production of collagen, which is amazing since its the protein responsible for skin elasticity and improving the overall appearance of the skin.
The addition of PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma, makes this treatment extra effective, but how you're asking? Well PRP is a concentration of platelets, which are cells that are present in our blood containing growth factor hormones and play a key role in wound healing. When PRP is applied to the skin during micro-needling, it helps to speed up the healing process and improve the results of micro-needling. For someone in the pursuit of acne scar treatment, surgical scar improvement, or to improve their skin’s texture, tone, and color, this facial is a fantastic option.
When PRP is applied to the skin during micro-needling, it helps to speed up the healing process and improve the results of micro-needling.
Now for me, first hearing about the facial I was like “Immediately no I'm not having a bunch of needles in my face”. But after learning more during my consultation at the med spa, it made my nerves subside. I scheduled the appointment and was excited about my skin results!
The process starts with numbing for a few minutes then cleaning with alcohol to remove any oils from the face. Then it's onto collecting a sample of the patient's blood, which is then placed in a centrifuge to get that wonderful PRP.
How the Centrifuge Process Takes Your Skin to the Next Level
The centrifuge spins the blood at a high speed, separating the plasma from the rest of the blood components. This concentrate of plasma, which is rich in platelets that contain growth factors, and other healing components, are then applied to the skin during the micro-needling procedure. The speed of the centrifuge is critical in obtaining an optimal concentration of platelets in the PRP. It is generally recommended to spin the blood at a speed of 2,000-3,000 RPM for 5-10 minutes to obtain the best results.
The micro-needling device is used to create tiny punctures in the skin that help the plasma penetrate the skin.
After the PRP was transferred into a medically safe applicator, Dr. Eguchi massaged the PRP onto my skin in the forehead area first and then began going in with the Eclipse MicroPen Evo all over my face. The micro-needling device is used to create tiny punctures in the skin that help the plasma penetrate the skin. The treatment typically takes 30 minutes, depending on the size of the treatment area. I was completely numb for most of the procedure and did start to feel any pain but did feel a little raw at the end.
*Above is me the night of the micro-needling appointment*
Additionally, she mentioned how her patients describe the treatment like this:
“Some of my patients report that the feeling of the Eclipse MicroPen® EVO on their skin is similar to sandpaper being moved across the skin. While some areas of the skin are more sensitive than others, the speed of the reciprocating tip makes the treatment more comfortable. We also apply topical numbing medication before the procedure for our patient's comfort. Any discomfort is temporary and is felt only during the procedure itself.”
After the facial Dr. Aya started with the aftercare which included a take-home serum and applying a nice cool moisturizing SPF. After that, my instructions were a few simple do-and do not tasks.
Protect Your Skin: The Do's and Don'ts of Micro-Needling Aftercare
Microneedling with PRP is a minimally invasive procedure, but proper aftercare is important to ensure the best results and minimize any potential complications. Here are some general guidelines for aftercare following a micro-needling with PRP treatment:
Avoid sun exposure: It is important to protect your skin from the sun for the first few days after the treatment. Wear a hat and use a high-SPF sunscreen to avoid sunburn and any further damage to your skin.
Keep the skin hydrated: Keeping your skin hydrated is essential for healing and preventing dryness. Use a gentle, fragrance-free moisturizer to keep your skin hydrated.
Avoid using exfoliating products: Avoid using products that contain alpha-hydroxy acids, retinoids, and other exfoliating agents for the first few days after the treatment. These products can irritate the skin and slow down the healing process.
Avoid makeup: Avoid using makeup for the first 24-48 hours after the treatment to allow your skin to breathe and heal.
Avoid physical activity: Avoid engaging in physical activity that causes heavy sweating for the first 24 hours after the treatment. This can irritate the skin and slow down the healing process.
Avoid swimming and hot showers: Avoid swimming and taking hot showers for the first 24 hours after the treatment. These activities can also irritate the skin and slow down the healing process.
Avoid touching your face: Avoid touching your face or picking at any scabs or crusts that may form on your skin. This can introduce bacteria and lead to infection.
Follow up with your provider: Be sure to follow up with your provider for any follow-up appointments to assess your results and determine if any additional treatments are necessary.
If you do all of these things you are sure to be on your way to a speedy recovery. The total healing time depends on the pen position and the number of overlapping passes on your skin. On average, people experience redness for two to four days but some patients will heal almost completely in 24 hours.
From Dull to Radiant: Real Results of Micro-Needling with PRP Treatment
Like with any skincare treatment, everything is going to work differently for different people. I felt a radiant glow in my skin I haven't seen before once the redness went away the next day. Now it is priced as a luxury treatment and may not be accessible to everyone so I think a good rule of thumb is to just have great maintenance, get a daily skincare routine that works for you, and invest in facials and treatments seasonally for your specific skincare concerns and budget. Dr. Aya recommends patients receive a series of three micro-needling treatments spaced six to eight weeks apart for best results. For patients with significant skincare concerns, such as deep acne scars, it is recommended to receive six to eight sessions at six-week intervals.
The possible results and benefits of micro-needling with PRP for the skin are numerous. The procedure can help to improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, reduce scarring, improve skin texture and tone, and enhance the overall appearance of the skin. It can also help to boost the effectiveness of other skin treatments, such as topical creams and serums.
All in all, micro-needling with PRP is a safe and effective cosmetic procedure that can significantly improve the appearance of the skin. The combination of the benefits of micro-needling with the added benefits of PRP makes it a popular choice for those looking to improve their skin's appearance. If you are considering micro-needling with PRP, be sure to consult with a qualified provider to determine if the procedure is right for you. Thanks for reading.
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