Microneedling with Stem cell/PRP

Microneedling with Stem cell

Microneedling is also known as percutaneous collagen induction therapy.

It involves use of a handheld rolling device with tiny needles which cause microinjuries, breakdown old collagen and induce new collagen synthesis.

It can be combined with Stem cell application which enhances the effects of microneedling by promoting tissue regeneration.

It is used for the treatment of atrophic scars, striae, androgenic alopecia and skin rejuvenation. Main advantage is the relative ease of the procedure and cost effectiveness.

About the procedure

The area to be treated, eg. face for atrophic acne scars, is anesthetised using a topical cream. 30-40 ml of patients abdominal fat is harvested, which is centrifuged and emulsified which contain stem cell called adipose stromal cells.

A dermaroller, containing multiple needles of 1.5 mm diameter is rolled 6-10 times in 4 directions (vertically, horizontally & diagonally) to cover an area of roughly 2×2 inches and causing 250-300 pricks/cm2 . This causes uniform pin point bleed, which is taken as the clinical end point. Later, the harvested stem cell solution is applied over the treated area , which gets absorbed through the microchannels created by the dermaroller.

Recovery & healing

Post procedure, antibacterial cream is applied to the treated area. Erythema and edema is seen after the procedure which can last upto 48 hours. Mild scabs may form in 2 days which fall off n 4-5 days without any visible marks. Patients are advised to use strict sunprotection and mild cleansers. Next session is done after a gap of 4-6 weeks . Usually 5-6 sessions are needed to achieve cosmetically significant results.

Risks

Mild and transient side effects such as erythema, bruising, milia, mild secondary bacterial infection and post inflammatory hyperpigmentation may be seen in few patients. Eventually these side effects subside, without any scarring.

This treatment can be combined with botox and filler application which shows immedieate effect as the effects of stem celll can take 4-5 months to appear.

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Similar treatment can also be done with PRP.