What is microneedling?

Microneedling, also referred to as collagen induction therapy, is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedure that encourages new collagen production to renew skin tone and texture, improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve scarring and stretch marks, and tighten the skin. Microneedling is often combined with topical anti-aging therapies and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to enhance results. Microneedling is a safe and effective anti-aging procedure with minimal downtime.

There are two different types of microneedling. Cosmetic microneedling and medical microneedling. Medical microneedling is performed in a doctors office with medical grade miconeeding pens. These pens go deeper into the skin than cosmetic microneedling.

What is collagen?

Collagen is a key foundational component of skin that give it structural integrity, providing shape and contours for healthy, youthful looking skin. Elastin is the substance that makes the skin firm.

We naturally produce collagen in abundance until the mid 20s when production begins to decline by about 1% per year and accelerates after age 30. Sun damage deteriorates collagen and elastin and contributes to formation of wrinkles, sagging skin and hyperpigmentation. Microneedling induces the release of growth factors and stem cells for skin regeneration, and the synthesis of new collagen and elastin to rebuild the skin’s foundation.

How does microneedling work?

Microneedling works by creating micro injuries in the skin with a medical grade miconeeding pen. The goal is to initiate the skin’s self-repair mechanisms to generate new collagen and elastin for firmer, smoother and more evenly toned skin.

When is microneedling used?

It is effective treatment to improve:

• photoaged skin, age spots, sun spots and hyperpigmentation
• under eye bags, darkness and wrinkles
• the appearance of acne scars, surgical scars and other types of scarring, stretch marks, and enlarged pores
• severe lines and wrinkles around the eyes and mouth
• skin tone and texture erasing sun damage, smoothing fine lines and wrinkles, and thickening and firming the skin.

What is platelet rich plasma (PRP)?

Our blood is made of many components, one of which is platelets. Platelets are best known as essential for blood clotting; but platelets are also a natural reservoir of proteins called growth factors that are used to regenerate tissues including collagen and elastin, and skin cells.

PRP is a natural product created from you own blood designed to harness the benefits of platelets for skin rejuvenation. A small amount of blood is drawn and prepared in our in-office lab. The platelets are isolated from the whole blood and concentrated. Microneedling creates tiny wounds that become channels for delivery of PRP into the deep layers of the skin to increase absorption and deliver a healthy, glowing complexion.

The growth factors in PRP stimulate the stem cells to regenerate tissues, enhance blood flow to tighten and firm sagging skin, induce collagen production to increase volume to naturally sculpt the face for a more youthful appearance.  The result is rejuvenation without surgery or laser skin resurfacing. Enhancements continue for about three months and the effects last over a year.

PRP therapy with microneedling is safe and effective and a natural way to induce collagen production for dermal remodeling. PRP therapy improves skin tone, texture and strength, soften lines and reduces pore, smooths scars and other visible signs of aging without the risk of adverse reaction or disease transmission.

Dr. Swetha Kandula is a board-certified dermatologist in Parsippany New Jersey. Contact her at  Dermatology Skincare Arts to schedule a consultation. She has the procedural expertise and artistic eye to create subtle and natural results for youthful enhancement.