Is PRP Worth It?

 

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is often offered as an adjunct treatment for aesthetic treatments such as microneedling and laser or radiofrequency skin resurfacing.  It’s touted as shortening healing times and improving outcomes. And it’s not cheap. Practices typically charge $300 to $500 for the PRP treatment add-on. Is it worth it?

About PRP

PRP originated for treating sports injuries in the 1980s. PRP is inflammatory, and inflammation helps improve vascularity and oxygen uptake in non-healing chronic wounds. 

In PRP therapy, your blood is extracted, usually about 50 ml, sometimes more. Sometimes the blood is mixed with an anticoagulant before it is centrifuged. The time it is centrifuged varies as there is no industry standard. Sometimes the platelet-rich plasma layer is removed for use after the first centrifuge, sometimes there is a second centrifuge; and sometimes an activator is added. Some practices use custom made PRP process, other use one of a variety of commercially available systems.

PRP in Dermatology

Applications in dermatology were based on the premise is that platelet-rich plasma level contains the growth factors and cytokines that help make tissue grow. This would mean shorted healing times, less crusting, and improved outcomes. 

There are lots of small studies with lots of big study design problems. Most studies are not split face, meaning one side is treated and the other is the control. This is important because skin response to any treatment is individual. This is because results are affected by a mix of ethnicity, age, health, lifestyle, skin care products, and so on. 

Meta studies analyze many studies to form conclusions. Meta study In Current Evidence for Clinical Efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma in Aesthetic Surgery: A Systematic Review concluded:

Current studies produce context-dependent results with a lack of consistent reporting of PRP preparation, composition, and activation in aesthetic applications, making meaningful meta-analysis unrealistic. Thus the method of PRP preparation warrants increased attention.

One of the largest meta studies, Applications of platelet-rich plasma in dermatology: A critical appraisal of the literature found:

We conclude that, whilst the literature may be consistent with a modest benefit for specific indications, there is not sufficient evidence supporting the efficacy of PRP to justify a role in routine dermatological practice at the present time. However, since PRP is generally well tolerated with few reported complications, further study may be justified in the context of organized trials.

Issues with PRP 

That there are no precise standards for PRP in dermatology is arguably the number one issue. Preparation procedures, anticoagulant use, and activator use vary from practice to practice. Furthermore, personal blood platelet concentrations vary by day and are affected by age and medications. 

The cytokines in PRP are inflammatory, period. Everyone agrees on that. However, inflammation is not required for healing in aesthetics. Healing in an inflammatory environment is pro-fibrotic, meaning scar tissue is formed. Inflammation can also lead to abnormal pigmentation and scarring. Lastly, inflammation is linked to aging in all tissues.

PRP practitioners should be skilled phlebotomists, especially for patients who are a “hard stick” (have veins that are hard to find). PRP practitioners should have an OSHA Blood Pathogens Certification. Arizona does not have specific regulations for aesthetic or dermatology practices that provide PRP. 

A Better Alternative to PRP 

Rejuvience Med Spa provides AnteAGE MD Growth Factor Solution and AnteAGE AnteAGE MD Brightening Solution as an adjunct to skin rejuvenation procedures. The solution is sterile with high concentrations of cytokines and growth factors. The solution is applied immediately before medical microneedling and immediately after skin resurfacing treatments. Remaining solution is applied every 20 minutes until gone. 

The result is arguably faster healing, less crusting, and improved outcomes than PRP at a dramatically lower price. Even better, there are no needles, no blood handling, no bloody looking face.

AnteAGE MD Growth Factor Solution

AnteAGE MD Growth Factor Solution pro-healing, anti-inflammatory cytokines are derived from laboratory culture of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The human bone marrow is donated by healthy females. This is because bone marrow stem cells create more healing specialized cytokines than other human cell type. Note that AnteAGE MD products contain no cells or cell remnants. They are removed during ultrafiltration, the final step in the laboratory culture process.

Synthesized human TGF-B3 is added to further reduce inflammation and promote less fibrotic, more fetal-like healing. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid provides lubrication and is a powerful humectant that promotes rapid re-hydration and volume enhancement within the upper layers of the skin. 

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Human Bone Marrow Stem Cell Conditioned Media, Hyaluronic Acid, TGF-beta 3 (sh-Polypeptide-5), Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol

AnteAGE AnteAGE MD Brightening Solution

The AnteAGE AnteAGE MD Brightening Solution has tranexamic Acid and other melanin synthesis blocking actives added to improve results for those with uneven skin pigment without drying, irritation or inflammation.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Human Bone Marrow Stem Cell Conditioned Media, Tranexamic Acid, Acetyl Glucosamine, Tetrapeptide-30, Nonapeptide-1, Hyaluronic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, TGF-b3 (sh-Polypeptide-5), IL-10 (sh-Polypeptide-6)

AnteAGE MD at Rejuvience Med Spa

AnteAGE MD Growth Factor Solution and AnteAGE AnteAGE MD Brightening Solution are available with laser, radiofrequency, and Tixel skin resurfacing treatments as well as medical microneedling.

Rejuvience Med Spa is a licensed medical spa that provides skin rejuvenation and skin resurfacing treatments using state-of-the-art equipment and treatment protocols. Call or text (602) 899-7462 with questions or to schedule an appointment. See www.RejuvienceMedSpa.com for our menu of services with pricing or to book online. 

Why Knowing Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type is Important

The Fitzpatrick skin type system, also known as the Fitzpatrick skin phototype, was developed in 1975. It remains widely used for classifying skin types to indicate the risk of sunburn, risk of skin cancer, and appropriateness of both skin care and skin rejuvenation procedures. In fact, the FDA uses Fitzpatrick skin type system when evaluating the SPF values of sunscreens. It is also used aesthetic medicine practitioners to determine which skin care products and treatments are best suited for an individual.

The different skin types help quanitfy how much melanin a person has in their skin. The more melanin they have, the greater protection they have against the sun and ultra violet radiation. Likewise, the less melanin a person has, the more likely they are to burn from the sun and ultra violet radiation.

What are the Different Skin Types?

Fitzpatrick Skin Type I

People with Fitzpatrick skin type I have ivory or almost white skin. They are ethnically Caucasian and have the least amount of melanin of all of the skin types. Their pale skin burns and peels easily, never tans, and often has freckles. Their natural hair color is usually blond or red, and eyes are usually blue.

People with Fitzpatrick Type I skin are especially susceptible to damage from sun exposure and have a higher risk of developing melanoma or other types of skin cancer. They absolutely must use a mineral-based SPF of at least 30. It is also best for them to avoid sun exposure as much as possible and wear protective clothing that reflects the sun’s rays. 

People with Fitzpatrick skin type I are almost always good candidates for all skin rejuvenation treatments, from chemical peels to microneedling to laser and radiofrequency.  

Fitzpatrick Skin Type II

People with Fitzpatrick skin type II have light, fair complexions. They are ethnically Caucasian. Like Fitzpatrick skin type I, their fair skin burns, rarely tans, and often has freckles. Their natural hair color is usually blonde, red, or light brown, and eyes are blue, hazel, or green.

Like people with Fitzpatrick Type I skin, type IIs are especially susceptible to damage from sun exposure and have a higher risk of developing melanoma or other types of skin cancer. They too absolutely must use a mineral-based SPF of at least 30. 

Those with Fitzpatrick type II skin are also almost always good candidates for all skin rejuvenation treatments, from chemical peels to microneedling to laser and radiofrequency.  

Fitzpatrick Type III

People with Fitzpatrick skin type III have cream to fair complexions. Unlike Fitzpatrick skin type I and II, their skin will tan and sometimes burn. Sun exposure may result in freckles. Their natural hair color is usually dark blonde or chestnut with brown, blue, green, or hazel eyes.

Like people with Fitzpatrick Type I and IIs, they are susceptible to damage from sun exposure and have a higher risk of developing melanoma or other types of skin cancer. They should use a mineral-based SPF of at least 30 when out in the sun. They are also almost always good candidates for all skin rejuvenation treatments, from chemical peels to microneedling to laser and radiofrequency.  

Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV

People with Fitzpatrick skin type IV have a light brown or olive skin color that tans uniformly and rarely burns. Their ethnicity is often Mediterranean, Southern European, Native American, Hispanic, or Asian. They often have dark brown eyes and hair, however hair may be darker and eyes may be blue, green, or hazel. 

Fitpatrick type IVs are less suceptible to melanoma or other types of skin cancer, however they still should use a mineral-based SPF of at least 30 when in the sun, particularly between 10 am and 2 pm when the sun is usually at its strongest. 

Fitzpatrick skin type IVs are more prone to post-treatment inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This means adjustments in power settings for both laser and radiofreqency are usually needed. This also means that hose with Fitzpatrick skin type IV skin are not good candidates for deeper, more aggressive peels. 

Fitzpatrick Skin Type V

Those with Fitzpatrick skin type V have brown to dark brown skin, rarely freckle, tan very easily, and rarely burn. Eye and hair color range from brown to black. Ethnicity is often African, South East Asian, or Eastern Indian. 

The melanin in Fitzpatrick type V skin helps it tend to age better than skin types I - III that are more sensitive to photo aging. Those with Fitzpatrick skin type VI are typically not ideal candidates for laser and peels. The 1926nm LaseMD laser is an exception, however energy needs to be adjusted downward to prevent hypopigmentation. Radiofrequency treatments in general are appropriate for those with Fitzpatrick skin type VI, however as with the LaseMD settings must be adjusted downward to prevent hypopigmentation. 

Fitzpatrick Skin Type VI

Those with Fitzpatrick skin type VI have deeply pigmented skin that tans but never burns or freckles. Natural hair color is black and eyes are dark brown to black. Ethnicity can be African, Aborigines, or dark skined Asians such as Tamils. 

Those with Fitzpatrick skin type VI are most likely to have beautiful aging skin, however they are typically not ideal candidates for laser and peels. The 1926nm LaseMD laser is an exception, however energy needs to be adjusted downward to prevent hypopigmentation. Radiofrequency treatments in general are appropriate for those with Fitzpatrick skin type VI, however as with the LaseMD settings must be adjusted downward to prevent hypopigmentation. 

Your Skin Type Matters!   

Knowing your skin type is important because it is a significant factor in choosing appropriate skin rejuvenation, laser hair removal, and tattoo removal treatments and settings. It's also important for ensuring appropriate skin care products, including skin brighteners and mineral-based SPF products. 

At Rejuvience Med Spa, you'll receive a detailed skin type questionnaire as one of your intake forms. This ensures that your skin type is correctly identified so that treatment and product recommendations are appropriate. We have technologies that are appropriate for all skin types, including award winning Vivace Microneedling RF, award winning Venus Viva for skin resurfacing, LaseMD for skin resurfacing, and the new Tixel for skin resurfacing.  

If you're not sure which treatment is right for you, schedule a complimentary consultation. We'll listen to your concerns and educate you on appropriate choices. 

 

Does RF Microneedling Live Up to the Hype?

In medical aesthetics, there’s always a latest-and-greatest. Over time the newest hot trending treatments will either fall off the map or establish true legitimacy. A few years ago, the buzz was radiofrequency (RF) microneedling which takes medical microneedling to the next level. RF microneedling treatment has endured the test of time and has become an established go-to treatment for skin rejuvenation, acne scars, and softening keloid scars.

All RF microneedling machines are fundamentally the same. They insert an array of fine pins into the skin which release radiofrequency energy from the tips. This creates a microinjuries both in the surface of the skin and under the skin to spark new collagen production and remodel existing collagen. Remodeling existing collagen softens lines, wrinkles, and scars while new collagen delivers smoother, tighter skin.

RF microneedling technology is an alternative for people who can’t do laser or maybe who have had bad experiences with laser. It’s safer for those with darker skin because when the procedure is performed correctly the energy bypasses the melanin-rich epidermis. 

Is RF microneedling really safe for all skin types?

When positioned properly, the needle tips emit heat into the deep tissue without traumatizing the layer of skin that contains melanin-producing cells. This makes radiofrequency microneedling safe for those with more skin pigment who tend to be prone to laser complications or, for skin types 5 and 6 who are not candidates for laser treatments. This is especially true for correcting acne scars on those with deeper skin tone. 

While most of today’s RF microneedling devices have insulated needles, meaning the radiofrequency energy is only emitted from the tip of the needles, it’s a good idea to confirm this feature with your provider. The older, non-insulated needles are much more aggressive resulting in less operator control and more patient downtime.

What skin concerns can RF microneedling treat?

Like medical microneedling pens and dermal rollers, RF microneedling leverages the body’s natural healing response to create new collagen by creating microinjuries. The heat injury under the skin makes RF microneedling more effective at improving skin texture (smoothing fine lines and enlarged pores), diminishing some pigment, fading acne scars, and providing some skin tightening.

RF microneedling can help treat hyperhidrosis. Hyperhidrosis, or excessive sweating, is a clinical ailment. RF microneedling works on the same principals as MiraDry – damaging the sweat glands to diminish wetness and the odor it causes over the course of four to six monthly treatments.

RF microneedling is touted for treating stretch marks. Typically, only moderate results can be expected when using RF microneedling alone, and it does take multiple sessions to reduce their appearance. Laser is more effective for diminishing redness in fresh stretch marks. Laser or radiofrequency skin resurfacing is arguably more effective at diminishing stretch marks. Five to six monthly RF microneedling treatments a month apart will make less noticeable. It’s important to keep your expectations for RF microneedling stretch mark results in check.

What kind of results can I expect and when?

With all RF microneedling devices, you can usually see some signs of improvement within a week, with more dramatic results developing over the next three or four weeks. You may notice a brighter, smoother, and firmer complexion in as early as two weeks. You will likely notice that your moisturizers, makeup, and sunscreens go on much smoother. 

It does take at least three months after a radiofrequency microneedling treatment for enough collagen to form to see skin tightening. A series of three treatments are usually recommended for optimal results.

 

How do I choose between RF microneedling and other treatments?

Fractional skin resurfacing lasers such as the LaseMD generally give a better overall refresh on fair complexions when there is significant discoloration. Radiofrequency microneedling does provide an excellent alternative to laser for those who have darker skin types. It also excels at softening laser-resistant keloid scars and and shrinking crepey skin.

Fractional skin resurfacing with laser, radiofrequency, or thermal devices are arguably preferable for treating stretch marks. For those with more significant skin laxity, a series of a combination of fractional skin resurfacing and radiofrequency microneedling treatments is often recommended for optimal results.

What are the RF microneedling risks?

Operator error is the biggest risk. If the operator rushes through the treatment or doesn’t select the right needle depth energy can be discharged into the top layer of skin. This can cause little bumps that look like chicken skin for a few months. For darker skin types, operator error can result in burns, scars, and/or hyperpigmentation when the needles are not fully inserted during the treatment pulses.

It is important to understand that no heat-based technology is 100% risk-free for deeper skin colors. Procedure safety is ultimately determined by the person holding the handpiece. If the microneedles are not inserted properly, heat can be mistakenly delivered to the top layers of the skin. This can cause burns, scars, and pigment changes.

There is a chance that RF microneedling heat can possibly dissolve or evaporate dermal filler that has been placed superficially. Dermal fillers are usually placed more deeply so they are unlikely to be affected by a RF microneedling treatment. However, when dermal filler is used close to the surface of the skin, such as Belotero to smooth fine lines around the mouth, the heat from the radiofrequency can dissolve the filler.

RF microneedling can theoretically disturb freshly inserted threads. It takes about two months for threads to dissolve, and RF microneedling should not be performed during that time. If you want both procedures, schedule the threat lift after the RF microneedling treatment or at least two months after your thread lift procedure.

Which RF microneedling device is best?

Devices available today differ in the number and size of pins and the degree of control for adjusting needle depths and radiofrequency energy time. These nuances affect treatment pain and downtime, as well as ultimate outcome. 

There are the big guns, namely the Profound and the Morpheus8. Treatments with these machines are more painful and involve greater downtime but deliver more results in a single treatment. Profound and the Morpheus8 treatments require a topical anesthetic cream plus lidocaine injections. An anti-anxiety medication is usually prescribed to make the needle sticks more bearable. This means you must arrange for someone you know to drive you home after treatment. Post procedure you can expect to be swollen, red, and bruised for up to two weeks.

Milder radiofrequency treatments, such as with the Vivace, Secret, or Genius, minimize pain and downtime. They do require topical numbing cream and a series of treatments to achieve the same results as the big gun procedures. Post procedure you can expect the treatment area to be pink that diminishes over one to three days. If your face is treated, keeping it elevated at night can greatly reduce any swelling. You can wear mineral makeup the next day to cover any remaining redness or pinpoint scabs, and bruising is rare. 

Of the milder radiofrequency microneedling machines, the Vivace has received the most awards for excellence. The ability to make precise, incremental settings for tolerable and versatile treatments set it apart. 

Vivace Microneedling RF at Rejuvience Med Spa

The Vivace was chosen above other available RF microneedling machines for several reasons. First was its well-earned award-winning status which continues to grow. Next was the the ability to precisely tailor treatments to the individual’s skin type and skin issues. Many people don't want the significant pain and downtime that accompanies with the "big gun" RF microneedling treatments. Vivace RF microneedling treatments don't require injections or sedation, and mineral makeup can usually cover up any fading redness the next day.   

Rejuvience Med Spa provides the full Vivace Experience. This means that the Boost Serum and Soothe Mask are provided in addition to the Vivace Microneedling RF treatment. The Boost serum contains tripeptide and hexapeptide technology, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and hyaluronic acid to help speed the healing process. The Soothe Mask is provided to apply at home. Its tripeptide technology in an anti-inflammatory cooling fluid to promote fast, effective recovery

In addition, a complimentary LED Light Therapy treatment, a $50 value, is provided immediately after the Vivace microneedling RF treatment. LED Light Therapy helps jump start the healing process as well as new collagen production. 

Still have questions about RF microneedling treatments? Call or text Rejuvience Med Spa at (602) 899-7462 or book a complimentary consultation.

About Rejuvience Med Spa

Rejuvience Med Spa is a licensed boutique medical spa located in Paradise Valley Village at Cactus and Tatum. We use award winning non-invasive equipment to deliver laser and radiofrequency skin rejuvenation, medical microneedling, scar revision, skin tightening, body sculpting, body contouring, and weight loss services. Our mission is to help you both look and feel your best. We love what we do!

Vivace Microneedling RF | Rejuvience Med Spa Phoenix Scottsdale

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