Many people looking for procedures that are not as invasive as surgery and have minimum downtime come across the choice between mesotherapy, microneedling, and PRP. All three procedures are similar and yet different, needles are used to create tiny punctures in the skin, and nutrients are delivered to facilitate natural skin regeneration and rejuvenation. How to know which one is more suitable for you?
Obviously, it is best to have a consultation appointment booked and discuss your skin condition and treatment options with the doctor, but if you wish to have some information beforehand, this article will help you understand how these seemingly similar treatments are different technical principles and goals.
Mesotherapy
In this treatment, a mix of the nutrients is injected under your skin where it is readily absorbed and helps curious your skin. Anti-aging or anti-acne benefits can also be achieved depending upon the ingredients of the injection.
Microneedling
In this procedure, well-mapped tiny whole are punctured into your skin to stimulate the regeneration procedure so collagen can be available to help rejuvenate the face. Following the microneedling with a roller, serums are applied topically, making it easier for macromolecules to be absorbed by the skin.
Platelet Rich Plasma
Blood from the patient is used to get a platelet-rich plasma which is injected under the patient’s skin to help boost the skin regeneration process. This can be used in combination with mesotherapy or microneedling to build on the results.
Microneedling and mesotherapy are different in treatment goals, administration and needle size, and the number of sessions required. PRP is more similar to mesotherapy than micro-needling in terms that similar needle size and injecting protocols are used. You can read further to know in detail so you can make better decisions.
Treat different problems
Mesotherapy reduces the appearance of early wrinkles and fine lines, it reverses pigmentation due to photodamage and essentially rejuvenates the skin, and helps in getting rid of stubborn subdermal fat. While mesotherapy injections can be prepared for helping with active acne and reducing scars, by adding antiacne solutions in the injection. Microneedle is used for diminishing acne scars. Microneedling helps with preventing fine lines and wrinkles, stimulates increases cellular turnover, giving a fresh and young-looking healthier skin.
Administration and Size of needle used
In mesotherapy, the nutrients are injected deeper into your skin layers where they are readily absorbed by the tissues. In microneedling tiny punctures into the skin are created and later nutrient-rich serums and hydrating moisturizers are applied topically, which seep through the punctured
Mesotherapy injections are administered using a device with a needle with a diameter of 27 to 31 gauge size and up to 4mm deep. Microneedling needles can range in size from 0.5 to 3mm in length and 0.1 to .25 in thickness. When microneedling is used to treat wrinkles and fine lines a needle of 0.5 to 1.0mm is used, for treating scaring or getting rid of stubborn fat a 2mm needle can be used by doctors. PRP uses the same needle sizes that are used for mesotherapy. For PRP doctors can also use a 1.5-inch cannula when using a 25 to 27 gauge needle.
Number of sessions required
Most practitioners will recommend 4 to 8 sessions of mesotherapy that are 3 to 4 weeks apart. With micro-needling, the frequency of sessions depends upon the nature of your problem and the size of the needle used. For less deep needle incisions, you can repeat the sessions twice or thrice a week but for longer needles penetrating deeper you will have to space out session three to four weeks. In most cases, PRP requires three to six-session, each session a month apart, and later follow-up sessions every four to six months.
Pain
Pain tolerance can vary from person to person but needles can not inflict pain that is unbearable. You should expect some discomfort. Mesotherapy is relatively more painful than microneedling. As the needles are larger in diameter and sometimes the needle penetrates deeper. If you are concerned about the pain you can request a painkiller before the administration of the injection.
With this information, you can make better decisions, and if you require consultation you can book an appointment with Dr. Terence Teoh.
