MICRONEEDLING PROTOCOL
The first procedure is to Micro-Needle the skin using a microneedling device with a penetration of 5 microns.
A small hand-held, automatic device that contains tiny micro-needles is passed over the skin creating tiny micro-wounds, or channels, on the skin. During the body’s natural wound-healing process of these channels, collagen and elastin are automatically produced.
Please carefully read and have your patient follow these instructions prior to their PRP treatment.
The patients must be advised to
AVOID: Aspirin, Motrin, ibuprofen, Aleve (all non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory agents),
curcumin, turmeric, Gingko biloba, garlic, flax oil, cod liver oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, or any other
essential fatty acids at least 1 week prior to and after treatment. This includes pain gels such as Voltaren and Salonpas, etc. for pain relief.
Remember, we are
creating inflammation.
Screen patients for systemic steroids such as; Prednisone, Hydrocortisone, etc. for at least 2 weeks prior to procedure. this includes (epidurals and other steroid injections)
Please advise the patients to avoid Vigorous exercise, sun, and heat exposure for at least 3 days prior to treatment
They should also avoid alcohol, and cigarettes for 3 days before and after treatment.
The hardest part of the procedure maybe to draw blood! so let us increase fluid intake
DIET AND FLUID INTAKE • Please increase intake of fluid the day before procedure by
drinking 2 glasses of water in the morning before PRP session, 2 glasses at lunch and 2 glasses at
dinner.
Advise them to eat a normal breakfast or lunch the day of your PRP session. Do not eat for 3 hours prior to
procedure.They should take routine morning medications as long as they are not anti-inflammatory, or
blood thinners please see list above
.
Blood is drawn from patient, to collect one RegenBCT tube (or other PRP specific tube) ~10mL of blood, tube must be inverted/mixed 25 times and then is centrifuged to separate plasma components. Plasma is extracted (~4-6 mL) and drawn up into syringes.
BLT/topical numbing cream can be applied 10-20 min prior to procedure to aid in reducing discomfort; cream should be wiped off, and the skin is cleansed with soap and water, then pat dry. Area is then cleansed thoroughly with rubbing alcohol and practitioner should be very conscientious of maintaining a sterile field during the treatment.
When procedure is ready to commence, the skin is then prepped with some plasma topically and a microneedling approved lubricating gel (ex: Skinceuticals B5 Hydrating gel) is applied to the skin before the microneedling device can be used. If patient is having their first treatment, recommended settings are: 0.5mm depth to forehead, 0.25mm depth to periocular area and nose, 0.5-1mm depth on rest of face, and 0.5mm depth on neck and chest. Practitioners may use various micro needling techniques such as stamping, or various sweeps in diversified patterns, depending on the practitioner’s preference or the micro needling device. You want to achieve uniform mild erythema and pinpoint bleeding as your endpoint. Though your subsequent sessions, depth of treatment can be increased as needed, as most microneedling devices can achieve up to 2.5mm depths, which are useful when treating atrophic scars, but always should be gradually increased to measure patients tolerability and response.
Upon completion of the micro needling treatment, another layer of plasma is applied topically (0.5-1mL total), and a micro needling approved vitamin C serum/antioxidants (ex: Skinceuticals CE Ferrulic) may also be applied topically. (It is important to only apply topical products that have been studied in conjunction with microneedling to avoid having a granulomatous reaction from occurring.)
Lastly, if looking for a better rhytid correction or volume replacement, mid dermal injection of the plasma serum can be used, injections are done similar to the various HA filler techniques, injected directly into targeted areas such as periorbital & perioral rhytids, nasal labial folds, marionette lines, accordion lines, forehead rhytids, horizontal neck lines, and also can be fanned across the décolletage to soften the severity of wrinkles, improve texture, and may aid to improve hyperpigmented skin. It is very important to use safe injection techniques, such as slow, retrograde injection techniques and a 26 gauge needle to avoid possible intravascular occlusion, and to apply firm pressure to tissue post injection to minimize purpura.
At least 3 treatments are recommended, one month apart to obtain, to obtain desired results, and one treatment, every 6 months for maintenance.
Please carefully read and follow these Instructions after your PRP treatment. There are minimal
restrictions after your PRP injections allowing you to return to your daily activities almost immediately.
Do NOT touch, press, rub, or manipulate the treated area(s) for at least 12 hours after your treatment.
AVOID: Aspirin, Motrin, ibuprofen, Aleve (all non-steroidal and steroidal anti-inflammatory agents),
curcumin, turmeric, Gingko biloba, garlic, flax oil, cod liver oil, vitamin A, vitamin E, or any other
essential fatty acids at least 3 days -1 week prior to and after your treatment. Remember, we are
creating inflammation. This includes pain gels such as Voltaren and Salonpas, etc. for pain relief.
No sunscreen OR makeup for 12 hours following treatment.
Wash the face 6 hours after treatment or before bed time. Gently massage the face with tepid water (a
shower can provide an easier ability to massage the face while washing at the same time) and remove
all serum and dried blood. Do not use any lotions, creams, or make-up for at least 6 hours after your
treatment.
24 hours post-treatment makeup can be applied. After 48 to 72 hours following treatment you can
return to regular skin care regimen.
Avoid alcohol-based toners for 10-14 days as well as excessive sun exposure for 10 days.
Avoid intentional and direct sunlight for 24 hours. No tanning beds.
Do not go swimming for at least 24 hours post-treatment.
AVOID: Vigorous exercise, sun, and heat exposure for at least 3 days after your treatment
AVOID: Alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes for 3 days before and after your treatment.
Smokers do not heal well, problems recur earlier, and results may take longer.
Drink plenty of water for 2 weeks (10 cups per day)
No Facials, Facial Massages, or Laser Treatments for 2 Weeks Afterward: Most facials, chemical peels,
laser, and light treatments may be done immediately prior to the treatment but not for 2 weeks after
the treatment. Botox® may be injected immediately before or after.
It is normal to experience: Bruising, redness, itching, soreness, and swelling that may last from 3-10 days
following your procedure. Important reminder: There should be no fever or purulent discharge (pus)
from the site. If there is, please contact us immediately
