Turns out, Angelina Jolie and Jennifer Anniston have more in common than a hunky ex-husband. They also look ravishing–and have a “fountain of youth”-like beauty secret to thank for it.

Unless you’ve been living under a rock, chances are you’ve also heard about microneedling. But what exactly is it? Does the thought of a “vampire facial” make you a little woozy? If so, this handy guide offers all you need to know about the skin treatment A-list celebrities can’t get enough of.

What is Microneedling with PRP?

Microneedling is pretty much what it sounds like–fine needles pricking the skin again and again in order to stimulate the body’s healing systems and the creation of collagen. This uptick in collagen production continues long after the procedure is over, resulting in smoother, brighter skin, fewer wrinkles and diminished hyperpigmentation and scarring.

PRP, which stands for platelet-rich plasma, is thought to make microneedling more effective. It’s commonly believed that either procedure on its own is good, but together they’re the holy grail.

PRP comes from your own blood, which is spun in a centrifuge and separated out so that it can be collected and applied topically to the skin. The PRP platelets are similar to stem cells and contain hundreds of growth “factors,” which promote clotting, cell growth and wound healing, and are especially beneficial in tightening the skin on the face.

The term “vampire facial” comes from the fact that a component of your own blood is reapplied to your skin in tandem with the pin prick-sized red spots left by the needles. Don’t let the name put you off, however. The results are anything but scary.

Why Is Microneedling Such a Hot Trend?

As we age, collagen depletion can cause fine lines and skin laxity. At the same time, exposure to UV rays causes sunspots and other discolorations. Microneedling with PRP can address all of these concerns at once.  .

Best yet, the entire procedure is performed in an hour or less–and involves no anesthesia and minimal downtime. You may experience 24 hours of redness, similar to a sunburn; however many people return to work right after a lunchtime procedure.

Furthermore, while you may see some early improvement in your skin immediately after treatment, the real results appear in the weeks following the procedure. Tight pores and lifted skin can last for up to 12 months, while age spots and acne scars will smooth out, fade away and continue to improve long after the procedure.

Despite the incredible effectiveness of microneedling with PRP, the procedure is non-invasive. It’s simply one of the most potent, nonsurgical skin rejuvenation methods available, hence its incredible popularity in Hollywood.

Microneedling Benefits

The microneedling process is quick and comfortable. Many of the patients here at Barrett Plastic Surgery are surprised by how painless the procedure is, and describe it as feeling similar to a vibrating facial. The needle length can be customized to address your specific concerns, so the treatment gives you the exact amount of correction you need, every time.

The best part? The process is natural! Microneedling triggers your body’s intrinsic wound-healing mechanisms and the production of your own new skin cells. To sweeten the deal, the tiny micro-channels in your face absorb a nutrient-rich serum of hyaluronic acid and vitamin C, which results in cell turnover and increased elastin production.

Is PRP Microneedling Right for You?

This procedure is effective for all skin types and textures seeking a softer, more youthful complexion. If you suffer from surgical or acne scars, sun damage, pigmentation disorders, fine lines, skin laxity, dull skin tone or stretch marks, microneedling might be the solution you’ve been searching for.

While most commonly used on the face, PRP microneedling can also treat premature aging on the neck and chest. PRP injections are also being used nowadays to restore hair growth in both men and women. Barrett Plastic Surgery has countless happy customers who’ve experienced the benefits of microneedling for themselves, and Dr. Barrett is always happy to answer questions about how the process works.

Downtime

Your comfort is our top priority, so we’ll give you a topical numbing agent in advance of your treatment. We also apply a gel to the skin so the device can glide smoothly throughout the procedure. Treatment times vary depending on the size of the treatment area, but typically take less than an hour. You should be able to resume your normal routine right away.

Dr. Barrett suggests you don’t apply makeup for a few hours after leaving the office. It’s also critical to protect treated skin from UV rays with a high-SPF sunscreen for a few weeks following your treatment. Our office will provide you with a list of precautions and a customized skincare regimen to ensure optimal results.

Isn’t it time you treated yourself to a ravishing reflection of your own? Give yourself the gift of luminous skin by calling us at (310) 398-2648 or fill out this virtual consultation form and we will reach out to you as soon as possible. We’re excited for you to take this next step!

‍