Doctor David M. Duffy Blog

Dermaroller & Platelet Rich Plasma: They are Safe, Progressive and On-Trend!

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I think of Dermaroller® Microneedling as a spin-off on FRAXEL laser technology….same principal, non-ablative, a dispersed pattern that stimulates new tissue. It’s gentle and low-risk and pairs well with fillers and Botox. And it is also an overall tightener and plumper, as it causes a revitalization and remodelling of your skin’s natural collagen (collagenesis) and vascularity (angiogenesis). Results in Europe are well-documented. There are studies abroad for Acne scars, stretchmarks and flattening elevated scars, that I find interesting.

Platelet Rich Plasma is anti-aging on the cellular level, using your body’s stem cells and growth factors, so there is no risk of allergy. PRP amplifies collagen production and improves organization, fibrin deposition and blood supply to the treated area. It’s effects are progressive. It works in the deep tissue so I pair it with surface-oriented technologies like peels, fillers, Botox and resurfacing for a wonderful update.

I think it’s important for me to put the value of these 2 new offerings in perspective for my patients. More and more, cosmetic dermatologists like me are showing interest in new directions; we’ve worked for many years with lasers, peels, ablation, fillers and neuro relaxants, all of which are “target oriented” (i.e. we use them to diminish wrinkles, pigments and imperfections that already exist).  So naturally, we are excited by therapies that can induce a new wellness and vitality in skin going forward. Dermaroller and PRP are examples of this.  They are integrative, synergistic and progressive.  What this means to patients is that by adding these new therapies to their usual regimen of fillers, Botox and resurfacing, they are not only subtracting the old surface damage at present, but also adding deep development of better quality tissue to their skin’s future. In a sense, our goal is to teach the skin to rebuild itself better and better. The energy-based treatments we added last year—Ulthera and Pelleve–were moves in this direction. This year, Dermaroller and PRP are more on the same trend!

Energy-Based Therapies: Pelleve and Ulthera

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For years, there were 4 main technological categories in restorative dermatology Non-Ablative (lasers, IPL, Fraxel, etc), Peels, Fillers and Neurorelaxants (Botox). Now, we are adding a 5th…Energy-Based Technologies, Pelleve and Ulthera!

Cleared by the FDA for treating facial laxity, they do so much more. They stimulate and firm deep layers (dermis) of the skin without damaging the top layer. It’s remarkable that significant remodelling can take place without surgery and without a hiding period.

We anticipate these new additions will be really helpful for several of our patient groups:
1. Patients in their 40’s to 50’s who have not yet had plastic surgery and want to postpone it,
2. Patients in their 50’s to 60’s who have had plastic surgery years ago and want to extend its results,
3. Patients with loose skin after weight loss or pregnancy,
4. Patients who have routinely used fillers and neurorelaxants and want something more holistic and long lasting.

Choosing the most effective treatment modality for each individual patient is key. For this, of course, we need to see you in person.