Using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) during microneedling can stimulate collagen production by 1000% after only two treatments. This is done by mixing a small sample of the patient’s blood with a special reagent. The platelets in the blood contain growth factors that promote cellular regeneration and accelerate the healing process, giving your skin a fresher, more youthful appearance.
Before beginning the microneedling treatment, a medical provider draws a vial of the client’s blood and places it in a centrifuge. The spinning separates the platelet-rich plasma, which is then extracted from the vial.
The application of platelets stimulates different types of growth factors in the area that is being treated:
- Fibroblast growth factor for collagen production and tissue repair
- Epidermal growth factor, which helps promote wound healing, epithelial cell growth and angiogenesis
- Platelet-derived growth factor for collagen production and cell growth, as well as regeneration and repair of blood vessels
- Vascular endothelial growth factor for the generation and growth of vascular endothelial cells
- Transforming growth factor Beta 1, which promotes wound healing and the growth of endothelial and epithelial cells
- Keratinocyte growth factor for the generation and growth of new keratinocytes