Is the hype around the 'Dracula facial' just that or is there supporting evidence to prove it works?
I often have clients who are sceptical about certain treatments and rightly so; I'm also a sceptic.
My background in advanced medical practice requires me to understand medical evidence before making a decision. This is even more important when it involves a medical procedure.
Here, I take a look at the medical evidence behind the pioneering PRP treatment.
The origins of skin needling date back to 1905 in Germany and some serious advances have been made since then thankfully. Most recently, two dermatologists in America attempted to release scars from underneath with needles; the principle has not changed but it has taken time for the technology to catch up.
The needles used nowadays are roughly 300 microns in diameter - until recently it had been very expensive and difficult to manufacture the equipment.
The principle behind microneedling is that your body will recognise the multiple very small puncture holes in the dermis as a wound and trigger the healing process. Part of the healing process is to increase the production of collagen to the area.
"Collagen is the foundation of a youthful complexion."
With technological advances the devices used for microneedling have improved. Derma rollers have been replaced with needling devices. But the difference between needling devices can be massive and variations in user operation can also impact on the results.
There have been multiple studies published that evidence the benefits of microneedling. A study in the International Journal of Surgical Reconstruction 2017 (Ramaut et al) undertook a systematic review of the literature surrounding skin needling. It focused on the benefits for acne scaring, fine lines and wrinkles, loss of facial volume melasma, allopecia and skin rejuvenation. The review revealed that microneedling is a safe and effective treatment option for the above indications although it did also suggest that more research was needed to explore how different manufactures and needle gauge would affect the outcome.
The overriding conclusion from the review was that multiple microneedling sessions were needed for optimal results. It suggested three or more treatments, one month apart.
The Kardashians' gory vampire facial selfies had the ability to attract hundreds of thousands of likes and comments - this demonstrates that the treatment is becoming popular globally and the evidence would suggest for good reason.
PRP or platelet rich plasma is a blood product derived from whole blood when a centrifugal force is applied. Within PRP there are steam cells, HA, collagen and growth factors. A sample of blood approx 11mls in ideal conditions provides 6mls of PRP.
A recent study published in the respected Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 2015 aimed to determine the benefits of microneedling with and without PRP. The study used a microneedling pen-like device to superficially needle the PRP into the epidermis and dermis. It found a significant improvement in favour of PRP when half of the face was treated with PRP and half without.
True face Aesthetics have been undertaking microneedling for many years and have recently added PRP to our treatment portfolio.
Thanks to overwhelming medical evidence and a visibly improved outcome when PRP is used, this is a treatment we both enjoy doing and trust.
We will start your journey with a comprehensive consultation including a review of your medical history. We'll discuss the advantages of the treatment with a focus on your areas of concern.
Your face will be thoroughly cleaned and topical anaesthetic will be applied to make the process painless. A sample of blood will be taken from your arm and placed in our centrifuge.
The anaesthetic cream will then be removed and the treatment started. Normally the treatment takes around 45 minutes. Once the treatment is finished we clean your face again.
Typically the initial redness dissipates within 48 hours - an antihistamine can be taken if needed to reduce the redness. We recommend a course of treatments, one month apart.
To book your free, no-obligation consultation, please call Richard or David on 07402 774 111 or 07740 584 884 or email info@trueface.co.uk.