From the Guidelines
The aftercare for PRP microneedling involves gentle skincare and protection for 5-7 days post-treatment to minimize the risk of complications and optimize outcomes, as supported by general dermatological principles, although specific studies on PRP microneedling aftercare are limited 1. The recommended regimen includes:
- Avoiding touching or washing the treated area for 24 hours to prevent infection
- Using a gentle cleanser and lukewarm water to clean the face after 24 hours
- Applying a hyaluronic acid serum 2-3 times daily to keep the skin hydrated and aid in healing
- Using a broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen daily, even indoors, to prevent hyperpigmentation and damage to the newly treated skin
- Avoiding makeup, harsh skincare products, and sun exposure for at least 5 days to minimize irritation
- Not exercising or engaging in activities that cause sweating for 48-72 hours to reduce the risk of infection and promote healing
- Sleeping on your back with a clean pillowcase for the first few nights to prevent irritation and infection. These steps are crucial in protecting the skin while it heals and maximizing the benefits of the treatment, although the provided evidence does not directly address PRP microneedling aftercare, general principles of wound healing and skin protection apply 1. Proper aftercare is essential to ensure optimal collagen production and skin rejuvenation, and to minimize the risk of complications such as infection, hyperpigmentation, and scarring. It is also important to note that the handling and processing of PRP, as described in 1, is critical to ensure the quality and safety of the treatment, but this does not directly impact the post-procedure care. In the absence of specific guidelines for PRP microneedling aftercare, these recommendations are based on general principles of dermatology and wound healing, prioritizing the minimization of morbidity, mortality, and optimization of quality of life 1.
From the Research
Post-Procedure Care for Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) Microneedling
There are no specific details provided in the studies regarding the post-procedure care for PRP microneedling. However, the following general information can be gathered from the studies:
- The studies focus on the efficacy and safety of PRP combined with microneedling for the treatment of various skin conditions, such as atrophic acne scars and stria distensae 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The treatment protocols involved multiple sessions of microneedling with or without PRP, with intervals ranging from 1-4 weeks 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The studies evaluated the improvement in skin conditions using various assessment scales and tools, such as Goodman's Qualitative scale and the quartile grading scale 2.
- The results showed significant improvements in skin conditions, such as acne scars and stria distensae, with the use of PRP combined with microneedling 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Some studies compared the efficacy of PRP combined with microneedling to other treatments, such as microneedling with non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid or vitamin C 2, 4.
- The studies suggest that PRP can enhance the effects of microneedling, leading to improved skin texture and reduced scarring 3, 6, 4, 5.
Key Findings
- PRP combined with microneedling can lead to significant improvements in skin conditions, such as acne scars and stria distensae 2, 3, 4, 5.
- The use of PRP with microneedling can enhance the effects of treatment, leading to improved skin texture and reduced scarring 3, 6, 4, 5.
- Multiple sessions of microneedling with PRP may be necessary to achieve optimal results 2, 3, 4, 5.