Microneedling with PRP, often referred to as the trademarked name, "Vampire Facial," first gained attention from its association with celebrities like the Kardashians who publicly endorsed its transformative effects. This procedure involves two powerful components: microneedling and Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP), both of which are majorly effective for skin rejuvenation. Let's take a closer look at how these two techniques work together to unveil you skin's natural radiance.

Microneedling
Microneedling is a procedure that involves using a specialized device (I use SkinPen, the first FDA cleared microneedling device) which has several needles to create controlled micro-injuries on the skin's surface. These micro-injuries induce the body's natural wound healing process. This process triggers the production of collagen and elastin, two key proteins of the skin responsible for maintaining skin firmness, smoothness, and elasticity. 

As we age, the production of collagen and elastin diminishes, leading to wrinkles, uneven skin tone and texture, and sagging skin. Microneedling addresses these age-related concerns by coaxing the skin to regenerate and repair itself, resulting in a more revitalized appearance. 

Read more about microneedling here.

Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP)
PRP, derived from your own blood, is a potent component that contains growth factors and specialized proteins that are instrumental in tissue repair and cell growth. When applied or injected into the skin, PRP stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, while also expediting regeneration of tissue, cell proliferation, and healing.

Read more about PRP here.

Microneedling + PRP - The Perfect Pair
Microneedling with PRP takes the benefits of either on its own to the next level. This synergy yields a more robust production of collagen and elastin, accelerates tissue regeneration and cell growth, shortens healing time, and ultimately delivers superior results compared to either treatment on its own. 

Benefits of Microneedling with PRP:

1. Collagen Stimulation
The procedures increases collagen production, restoring skins youthful radiance.

2. Reduced Lines and Wrinkles
The appearance of fine lines and wrinkles diminishes, giving way to smoother looking skin.

3. Improved Skin Tone and Texture
Hyperpigmentation and irregular skin texture are visibly diminished, promoting an even complexion.

4, Firmer Skin
The combined effects of collagen and elastin boost skin firmness and elasticity, reducing sagging and restoring a more contoured appearance.

In Summary...

Microneedling with PRP is a dynamic duo that works together to rejuvenate the skin. As we age, our skin's natural regeneration processes slow down, leading to visible signs of aging. Microneedling with PRP boosts your body's innate healing abilities revealing a rejuvenated, radiant complexion. 

​Sarah-Kate Rems, NP
​Medical Aesthetics

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a non-invasive and effective hair restoration treatment for both men and women. It involves utilizing your blood's own growth factors to stimulate hair regrowth, enhance hair density, and prevent hair loss. This articles explores how PRP works for hair restoration, what to expect during the procedure, and why it is an effective treatment for hair loss and prevention.

How PRP Works for Hair Restoration

PRP is rich in growth factors, which promote formation of new blood vessels, induce collagen production, and stimulate cell proliferation. These effects collectively improve the overall health and vitality of hair follicles leading to thicker, fuller hair. Lets break this down further:

1. Regrows hair. PRP activates dormant hair follicles, promoting them to enter an active growth stage, leading to hair regrowth.

2. Increases density of existing hair follicles. The growth factors in PRP promote an increase in thickness of existing hair strands, leading to greater volume. 

3. Prevents Hair Loss. PRP combats hair thinning and loss overtime by improving the health of the individual hair follicles. 

What to Expect at Your Appointment

The process of PRP for hair restoration can be broken down into 4 simple steps:

1. Blood sample. A small sample of blood is taken from your arm.

2. Centrifugation. The sample of blood is spun in a centrifuge for 10 minutes. The centrifuge separates the platelet-rich plasma from the other blood components. 

3. Separation of PRP. Once the centrifugation process is complete, the platelet-rich plasma is extracted and drawn into syringes.

4. Injection. The PRP is skillfully and carefully injected into areas of the scalp experiencing thinning or hair loss. 

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

I recommend starting with 3 treatments spaced out by 4 weeks. After the initial 3 sessions, the treatment frequency becomes more personalized, but I generally  recommend to continue treatments every 4-6 months.

When Will I See Results?

Results may become visible as soon as 30 days after your first treatment. That said, it may take several sessions before significant improvement is noticed.

Summary

PRP therapy offers a non-surgical and highly effective solution for hair regrowth, density, and overall hair health. The risk of adverse reaction or complication is minimal, as PRP is extracted from your own blood. It is a relatively quick and straightforward procedure that can deliver life changing results, and is a treatment I recommend for both men and women dealing with mild to moderate hair thinning. 

Sarah-Kate Rems, NP
​Medical Aesthetics

The health of your hair is influenced by several factors, including genetics, age, and lifestyle. Nutrition also plays a critical role in maintaining strong and vibrant hair. In this article we'll explore key nutrition factors that influence the health of your hair:

1.Protein
Protein is the building block of hair. Include healthy sources of protein in your diet, such as beans, tempeh, eggs, yogurt, fish, and lean meats.

2. Iron
Iron play a vital role in blood circulation, which is crucial for healthy skin and hair. Healthy iron-rich foods include lean meat, beans, and spinach. 

3. Fat
Adequate fat is essential for keeping your hair soft and shiny. Healthy sources include salmon, nuts, avocado, and flax seeds. 

4. Zinc
Zinc is an anti-inflammatory agent and plays an important role in preventing hair loss.  Good sources include beans, nuts, oysters, lobster, and chicken. 

5. Biotin
Biotin, aka Vitamin B7, is crucial for promoting hair growth. Most foods contain some biotin, good sources include walnuts, egg yolks, seeds, and sweet potatoes. 

6. Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps in collagen production, which helps promote healthy hair. Foods rich in Vitamin C include oranges, bell peppers, strawberries, broccoli, and tomatoes. 

7. Vitamin E
Vitamin E plays an important role in blood circulation and reducing oxidative stress, and is vital for the health of your hair. Foods high in Vitamin E include avocados, spinach, nuts and seeds. 

A diet rich in nutrients is crucial for maintaining healthy hair. Try incorporating the foods above into your daily meals and snacks. 

​Sarah-Kate Rems, NP - Medical Aesthetics

Botox is FDA approved for the treatment of underarm sweating (known as hyperhidrosis), which means it has been validated and proven to be a safe and effective treatment. Read below to learn what to know before and after the treatment.

Before Treatment 

• Avoid wearing antiperspirant or deodorant for 24 hours prior to your appointment
• Avoid exercise at least one hour before your appointment
• Shave underarms at least 1 day before, avoid shaving day of the procedure
• Avoid alcohol for at least 1 day before your treatment
• Avoid over-the-counter pain medications (unless medically necessary) such as ibuprofen because these types of medications can lead to more bruising and bleeding

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After Treatment 

• No exercise until the next day
• No deodorant/antiperspirant until the next day
• Avoid alcohol for at least 1 day
• Avoid over-the-counter pain medications (unless medically necessary) for at least 1 day
• Avoid shaving the underarm area for at least 1 day after your treatment

Results

You should start to notice a difference within 3-5 days and full results take 2 weeks. You can expect results to last 6-12 months. Note that you may still have some underarm sweating, but it will be greatly reduced.

​Sarah-Kate Rems, NP - Medical Aesthetics

Vitamin C is a superstar when it comes to the health of your skin. It brightens, protects, and helps to minimize signs of aging. That said, choosing a good vitamin C serum can be tricky because there are so many out there on the market. Read below to understand what to look for when it comes to choosing an effective vitamin C serum. 

1. Form of Vitamin C
There are many different forms of Vitamin C, L-ascorbic acid is the most effective and bioavailable form for the skin. It penetrates the skin easily and promotes collagen synthesis.

2. Concentration of Vitamin C
The concentration of vitamin C is a critical factor when it comes to choosing a good serum. Look for a product that contains a concentration of 10-20%. This concentration is at optimal effectiveness without causing irritation. Concentrations that are higher may be irritating to skin. Note that those with very sensitive skin may need to look for concentrations lower than 10%.

3. Additional antioxidants
Look for a vitamin C serum that is enriched with other antioxidants that enhance the effect of vitamin C. Two in particular include ferulic acid and vitamin E, which work with vitamin C to boost its effectiveness and provide enhanced protection against free radicals and environmental damage.

4. Packaging
Vitamin C is highly sensitive to light, air, and heat as these factors can degrade its potency. Look for glass bottles with dark packaging. 

Investing in a high quality vitamin C is a must when it comes to taking care of your skin and understanding what to look for is a crucial first step. 

Sarah-Kate Rems, NP - Medical Aesthetics
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Vitamin C is a potent antioxidant that offers a range of advantages when added to your skincare regimen. Read below to learn about the many benefits of using Vitamin C serum on your skin.

1. Powerful antioxidant protection
Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps to neutralize free radicals, which are molecules that can damage skin cells and contribute to premature aging.

2. Collagen synthesis
Vitamin C plays a key role in collagen synthesis, a protein responsible for maintaining structure and elasticity of skin. Regular vitamin C application leads to more resilient skin - resulting in the decreased appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.

3. Brightens and evens out skin tone
Vitamin C helps to fade hyperpigmentation and even out skin tone. 

4. Protects against sun damage
While vitamin C is not a replacement for sunscreen, it does provide an additional layer of sun protection. 

5. Enhances skin's natural defense to environmental factors
Vitamin C helps to strengthen the skin's barrier function which protects from environmental pollutants and irritants, reducing inflammation.

6. Improves skin texture
By promoting collagen synthesis and shedding dead skin cells, vitamin C helps to improve skin texture. With continued use, Vitamin C can lead to smoother and softer skin.

7. Hydrates skin
Vitamin C has moisturizing properties that helps to increase hydration of skin. This results in skin that looks plumper and more radiant.

From brightening the complexion to protecting against environmental damage, vitamin C serum is a must for any skincare regimen. Read here to learn how to choose the best vitamin C serum.

Sarah-Kate Rems, NP - Medical Aesthetics

It is always a good idea to be prepared for any procedure, especially one involving your face. Read below to learn what to expect and how to prepare for your microneedling procedure.

What to Know Before Your Appointment

• Come to your appointment with a makeup free, freshly cleansed face
• Do not use products that contain AHA's, Retinol, or Vitamin A for 24 hours prior to your procedure
• Avoid sun exposure for 24 hours prior to your procedure
• For men, avoid shaving your face the day of the procedure as this could cause irritation and inflammation. Instead, plan to shave your face a day or two before your appointment.

Post Procedure Guidelines

• Avoid sunscreen or any other product other than the specific products given to you at your appointment for the first 24 hours after your procedure (this also means no makeup, no other face creams)
• Avoid sun exposure for 72 hours after your procedure and be most careful the first 24 hours (you won't be wearing sunscreen!)

• Avoid strenuous exercise and excessive heat for 72 hours after the procedure

What To Expect Immediately After

• Pinpoint bleeding and redness for the first 24 hours
• Your skin will be pink (like a sunburn) for 24-48 hours post procedure
• You may experience tightness, burning, peeling, and roughness for 72 hours post procedure

*Keep in mind that all skin types are different and react differently to the procedure

Not Suitable For Microneedling

• Pregnant or breastfeeding
• If you are taking oral isotretinoin (Accutane), stop using 6 months before procedure
• Open wounds to the treatment area
• Skin cancer to treatment area

Sarah-Kate Rems, NP - Medical Aesthetics

Read below to learn what you need to know before your PRP appointment:

Before PRP

• **Drink plenty of fluids**(VERY important for obtaining PRP)
• Ideally come in with a freshly cleansed, make-up free face (or freshly cleansed hair free of product if you are coming in for hair treatment)
• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment
• Avoid pain medication for at least 24 hours prior to your appointment

After PRP

• Avoid washing your face or the area injected for 6 hours (we want that PRP to stay put)
• If PRP for hair, avoid washing your hair for 6 hours and avoid hair products for at least 3 days
• Avoid extreme heat or intense exercise for 24 hours
• Drink plenty of liquids
• Avoid pain medication for at least 24 hours, Tylenol is ok

What to Expect After Your PRP Treatment

• Redness, swelling, bruising, and pain at the injection site may occur for 24-72 hours post treatment
• Area injected may feel tight

Sarah-Kate Rems, NP - Medical Aesthetics

Introduction to Microneedling
Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that targets various skin concerns. By creating controlled microinjuries, microneedling stimulates the body's natural healing process, resulting in the production of collagen and elastin. These key proteins contribute to firmer, smoother, and more even-toned skin. Read below to learn more about how microneedling can help you get the results you want and the advantages of SkinPen, the first FDA-cleared microneedling device. 

What is Microneedling?
Microneedling involves the gentle puncturing of the skin to create controlled microchannels in both the epidermal and dermal layers. This activates the body's natural wound healing cascade, triggering the production of collagen and elastin. As these proteins work together, they enhance the overall texture, tone, and elasticity of the skin. Microneedling is a versatile treatment that can address numerous skin concerns effectively. 

Common Uses of Microneedling

1. Scars
Microneedling reduces the appearance of scars by mechanically breaking down and remodeling scar tissue.

2. Uneven skin tone and texture
Increased production of collagen reduces the appearance of large pores and uneven texture, promoting a smoother and more radiant complexion. 

3. Hyperpigmentation
Hyperpigmentation and sun damage can be reversed with microneedling due to the production of collagen and the increased blood flow to the area.

4. Fine lines and wrinkles
As we age, the production of collagen and elastin decreases, leading to development of fine lines and wrinkles. Microneedling stimulates the natural production of these proteins, helping to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles.

Why I Use SkinPen
When it comes to microneedling, choosing the right device is crucial. SkinPen stands out as the most reliable and trustworthy option for achieving the desired results. Below is why SkinPen is my go-to device:

1. FDA-Cleared
SkinPen is the first microneedling device to achieve clearance from the FDA. This clearance ensures that the device has undergone rigorous testing and meets stringent safety and efficacy standards.

2. Proven Effectiveness
SkinPen has been validated to deliver on its promises. For example, it has been validated to go to the depths set, to keep its needles sharp, and proven to improve the quality of skin.

3. Safety and Versatility
SkinPen is suitable for all skin types, making it an inclusive option for everyone. Furthermore, unlike many other treatments, SkinPen can be used year-round, even during summer months.

4. Single-Use Treatment Kits
SkinPen comes with single-use disposable treatment tips to ensure sterility and sharpness of the needles, which means a guaranteed safe and effective treatment every time. 

Main Take Aways
SkinPen microneedling offers a reliable and effective solution for various skin concerns. By harnessing the body's natural healing mechanisms, this procedure encourages cell turnover and stimulates collagen and elastin production, resulting in improved skin texture, tone, and elasticity. SkinPen's FDA clearance and proven track record make it a trusted choice for me and my clients.

Sarah-Kate Rems, NP - Medical Aesthetics

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Dermal fillers offer a safe and effective treatment for restoring lost volume and contour to the face. Below are some things to keep in mind before your appointment:

Before Treatment

• Unless medically necessary, avoid over-the-counter pain relievers 2 days prior to your treatment. These include medications such as ibuprofen, aspirin, or Aleve (these drugs can increase the chance of bleeding and bruising)

• Avoid dental work 2 weeks before your appointment
• If you have a history of facial cold sores, you may be prone to an outbreak
• Pregnant and breastfeeding women should not get dermal fillers
• Avoid alcohol for at least 2 days before your appointment (alcohol increases your chance of bleeding and bruising)
• Come to your appointment with a clean face (cleansed beforehand and no makeup)
• A topical anesthetic may be applied before your appointment for your comfort
• Avoid planning major social gatherings for 1-2 weeks after your treatment (you may be swollen and bruised)

After Treatment

• Avoid alcohol for at least 24 hours 
• No facials for 1 week post treatment
• Lay on your back when you go to sleep and ideally prop your head up with 1-2 pillows for at least the first night
• No makeup until the next day
• Use gentle pressure when washing your face, and ideally wait 6 hours post treatment
• No dental work for 2 weeks after treatment
• No strenuous exercise for 24 hours
• Tylenol ok to take for pain
• Avoid rubbing the injection points for 24 hours post treatment

Keep in Mind

• Best outcomes occur when we build the product overtime
• It takes 6 weeks for the product to fully integrate into the skin
• The greatest amount of swelling will be 24 hours after your treatment
• Mild to moderate swelling may last 2-4 weeks
• Bruising is common and may last 1 week
• Lumps are common and may last around 2 weeks

Dermal fillers are a safe and effective aesthetics treatment, just keep in mind there are some parameters to follow before and after the treatment. 

Sarah-Kate Rems, NP - Medical Aesthetics