What is microneedling?
Microneedling uses a tool with ultra-fine needles to create controlled, uniform, micro-wounds or channels, in the skin at different depths around your face. This encourages production of collagen, elastin and new capillaries through your body’s natural healing process. This helps with acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, texture, wrinkles, fine lines and general discoloration.
Most providers will recommend a series of three to four microneedling treatments for best results. Four treatments might be recommended for those with severe pigmentation and scarring. I used Cypress-based Jamey Adams with Vibrance Beauty & Wellness for my three treatments. If you are looking for microneedling in Cypress, scroll to the bottom to learn more about Jamey and her business!
What is Microneedling with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?
The plasma (liquid gold) that settles at the top of the tube is rich in platelets and growth factors. This PRP is removed with a sterile technique and applied during the Microneedling, allowing your own concentrated nutrients and growth factors to repair your skin. Using microneedling in conjunction with PRP allows the platelets to be pushed deep into the skin so they can work their magic! Jamey provides you with a take-home vial of PRP for you to continue to apply for the next 24 hours.
What does the microneedling with PRP process look like?
You can get an idea of how the process works by watching this Instagram reel I made! You can also watch all the Instagram stories I posted documenting the process from start to finish here.
- Numbing cream:
- When you arrive, the first step is to get your numbing cream put on. It feels like a normal cream, but after about 30 minutes your face starts to feel a little tingly. There is no pain, but it does feel a little weird when it starts to kick in!
- Numbing cream is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers. You do have the option to discard the milk you pump shortly after the treatment, which is what I did for the first treatment since I was still breastfeeding. Microneedling itself is safe for pregnancy and breastfeeding, but I have tried it without numbing cream (from a different provider) and I would not personally do it again.
- When you arrive, the first step is to get your numbing cream put on. It feels like a normal cream, but after about 30 minutes your face starts to feel a little tingly. There is no pain, but it does feel a little weird when it starts to kick in!
- Blood draw:
- The second step, if you are opting to add on the platelet-rich plasma is to have a quick blood draw. It is a very small amount (just one tube) and takes about a minute. There is very minimal discomfort assuming you have someone who is experienced (which Jamey is!). After the blood is drawn it goes into a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells from the plasma.
- Microneedling
- Jamey sets up the EVOpen microneedling device with a BRAND NEW, sterile microneedle cartridge for each client. If you are using PRP, that will be applied to the face before and after the microneedling. The provider slowly slides the microneedling device along the face. She will be able to adjust the depth of the punctures based on the area of the face, your tolerance, and your desired results. This part only takes about 10 minutes.
- Aftercare
- Your skin will be very flushed immediately after the treatment (I compare the look to a bad sunburn), but I promise the redness subsides pretty quickly. This is sometimes referred to as the “Vampire Facial” which makes people think you are going to be bloody, but that was far from the truth in my experience.
- Fun fact: The PRP isn’t red like I expected, it’s yellow (and goes on clear). Any red blood you see is from the microneedling itself, not the blood draw.
- After the treatment, your provider should give you thorough instructions on how to take care of your skin in the coming days.
- Your skin will be very flushed immediately after the treatment (I compare the look to a bad sunburn), but I promise the redness subsides pretty quickly. This is sometimes referred to as the “Vampire Facial” which makes people think you are going to be bloody, but that was far from the truth in my experience.
What does aftercare look like?
Jamey gave me very clear instructions for how to take the best care of my skin post treatment.
- Change pillowcase that night
- No makeup for 24 hours
- No active skincare ingredients (like salicylic acid or retinol) for four days
- If you have any leftover PRP, she will send it home with you to apply after your treatment.
- Details on what products to use and how often
- Jamey includes a high-end aftercare product in the treatment price!
How much downtime is there?
You are able to resume normal activities immediately, however, I would not schedule anything big, like an event or photos, for 48 hours or so after the treatment. Makeup is not recommended for 24 hours. Your skin will need some time to calm down and begin to heal.
I suggest planning these treatments around your life, and when you know you will have some time at home. You also won’t have on SPF the first day immediately following treatment, so I suggest avoiding any outdoor plans.
In my experience, my downtime decreased with each visit. My third microneedling session, my skin was back to normal in about 24 hours.
What does microneedling usually cost?
As listed on her website, a regular microneedling treatment cost is $450 for 1 or $1100 for a series of 3. A microneedling with PRP treatment costs $700 or 3 treatments for $1800. Jamey runs promotions from time to time and also offers a membership program where clients can get 10% off all services and 15% off botox.
Does microneedling hurt?
This is something that is going to be a little different for everyone based on things like your own tolerance, the different parts of the face, what depth of needles you are using, and the skill of the person doing the treatment. With the numbing cream, I found it to be a light tickle in some areas/depths, while uncomfortable but manageable in others.
The most sensitive spots for me were right around my mouth. The cheeks were less sensitive because the skin is thicker. A good provider will understand the face and make choices on depths accordingly.
Don’t be afraid to speak up if you are uncomfortable! They can go slower, change the depth and take breaks. I recommend starting with a shallower depth and increasing slowly to find your sweet spot.
After the treatments, my skin would feel very tight for the rest of that first day. The PRP is also very sticky, which is a bit uncomfortable.
How long does it take?
The microneedling itself is only about 10 minutes. Its really the numbing cream that needs about 30 minutes to kick in. Whether or not you add on the PRP, the whole appointment should take around an hour, 75 minutes max.
Pros and Cons of Microneedling
PRO: To me, microneedling feels like one of the most natural treatments you can do for your skin. Through the micro-injuries, you are encouraging your body to heal itself and produce more collagen on its own. This is great for someone who wants to try out a skin treatment without committing to something outside of their comfort zone.
CON: Microneeding is not recommended for those with active breakouts. If you have one or two blemishes, your provider can avoid those areas. If it’s affecting a large portion of your face, it’s best to postpone. We had to reschedule one of my treatments due to me breaking out. Luckily, Jamey was very understanding and willing to work with me on timing!
My Microneedling with PRP Results
I am very pleased with my microneedling with PRP results! I have seen the biggest improvement in hyperpigentation on the sides of my face. This includes sunspots and freckles from past sun damage and many, many years of acne scarring. It is definitely not completely gone, but seeing the side-by-side images makes me so happy and encouraged. We really made a dent in it, and I feel much more confident going makeup free these days!
I also notice a difference in the pitting and texture issues in the middle of my cheeks. Lastly, I feel like my skin has more of an overall glow to it, especially from the front view!
All pictures in this post were taken with zero makeup on. The before photos were taken on 7/2/22 and the after photos were taken on 11/11/22. All were taken in Jamey’s medspa under the same lights.
Jamey Adams with Vibrance Beauty & Wellness
Jamey (who is local to Cypress, TX) began her nursing career in 1998 when she graduated with a double Bachelors degree in Physiology and Nursing. Her passion for learning prompted her to continue her education. She graduated from Baylor College of Medicine as a Nurse Anesthesiologist (CRNA) in December of 2010. She has since worked in the Houston area at various hospitals and surgery centers. Her background makes her very comfortable around needles and extremely knowledgeable about the body and face. She really understands the treatments she performs and continues to obtain new trainings and certifications.
In addition to microneedling, Jamey also offers chemical peels, botox, fillers, PDO threads, Aquagold, WiQo peels and Ultherapy. You can read more about her services here. She takes the time to help you understand the treatments she offers and explains which would be best for you and your skin goals. Jamey is low pressure, friendly, and just a joy to be around. I have used her for microneedling, chemical peels, and botox so far, all of which have been a positive experience.
You can request a FREE consultation with Jamey here! You can find Jamey on instagram at @be_vibrant_texas and at www.vibrancetexas.com.
I received these treatments in exchange for thoroughly documenting my microneedling with PRP process. All opinion are always my own!
Interested in another beauty transformation? Read about my experience with Invisalign here!
