PRP has many modern uses, from a vampire facial to a specialized breast lift. Recent trials have been seeing how significant the procedure is in the process of minimizing the appearance of stretch marks. Can microneedling with PRP fix stretch marks? The answer is a resounding yes – but also a no. Continue reading to see what we mean.
PRP stands for ‘Platelet Rich Plasma.’ It refers to a process where blood is drawn from the person undergoing microneedling and is then separated so the plasma is isolated. The plasma contains high levels of platelets, which are responsible for healing the skin thanks to high levels of growth hormones.
When the PRP is injected into the skin before or after microneedling, it prompts a quicker and more effective healing process. This is key in why microneedling works, which shows why the use of PRP in vampire facials makes them so much more effective.
With all this being said you would think that PRP would always be beneficial in fixing stretch marks. Unfortunately, this is not always the case. You can read below about when patients are not good candidates for the procedure.
If stretch marks are recent, however, PRP is a great choice for fixing them. This is because the body is already working towards healing the marks. The introduction to platelet rich plasma helps to make the process both more efficient and quicker.
When PRP is done within about a month of the stretch marks becoming visible, then the effects are that few remain. They will slowly fade over the course of several months, and what stretch marks do remain will be a very light purple or blue reminiscent of veins noticeable beneath the skin.
If the stretch marks are older than a month old, PRP does not fix them the way most patients would like. Once the stretch marks have begun to fade the body is not actively working to heal them. They will become less noticeable over time, naturally, but the introduction of platelet rich plasma has the opposite effect most patients are looking for.
Instead of getting rid of them or having them fade, PRP can make them appear silvery in color. This contrasts with the skin so that the marks are more noticeable, despite the skin itself being healthier.
The best way to treat stretch marks is to stop them from every becoming an issue. The generous use of lotions or shea butter during pregnancy or when you notice the very first signs of marks is the best method.
Ensuring you keep weight gain or loss at a slow, steady pace is also important. This allows the skin time to adapt to the changes.
Finally, it is of the utmost importance that you always maintain proper hydration and a healthy, well-rounded diet rich in necessary nutrients and vitamins.