I am getting married in a few months and trying to get my face ready!! I went to Dr Chen for Microneedling PRP aka Kim K's Vampire Facial, highly touted by celebrities, and for good reason!!! If you aren't familiar what that is, I'll outline the key steps. 1. A small vial of blood is taken from your arm 2. The blood is put it into a centrifuge (a spinning device that separates your blood into sections based on density, to separate the PRP - platelet rich plasma, all the good stuff that helps your body repair when you get a paper cut, for example) 3. A specialized needle/pen is used to create thousands of tiny, controlled, micro "injuries" on your face/neck. 4. Finally, your body's own healing factors are able to penetrate these channels to stimulate your body to repair, create new collagen, and reveal much more beautiful, smooth, repaired, young skin! PREP Be sure to properly hydrate 24 hours before. This will help maximize the amount of PRP retrieved. The assistant took photos of my face for the "Before" and then my blood pressure multiple times to ensure nothing was out of the ordinary. She then applied numbing cream to my face to prep for the microneedling. It started to take effect in about 10 minutes. DURING Because of the numbing cream, I honestly didn't really feel anything. I also had cotton balls placed in my hears to help with the sound of the microneedling device. Dr. Chen checked on me multiple times during the process to ensure I was okay. I asked him to turn up the intensity of the needle multiple times to get maximum results (haha). If I had to describe it, it felt very similar to microdermabrasion - like a small, spiky metal ball being rolled across my face. In the areas that Dr. Chen had just covered with the microneedling device, the assistant was dripping my PRP onto my face. The entire procedure was about 20 minutes. AFTER I was sent home with a special serum mixed with my leftover PRP (which I thought was so cool), which I applied multiple times the rest of the day until I finished the container. I was also given a sheet mask for that evening before bed. No need to wash your face the night of your procedure. RECOVERY As expected, your face will be quite red for a day or two, but no pain, just some tightness and minimal peeling. Make sure to stay completely out of the sun, and no exercise for 3-4 days or you'll metabolize the PRP, and essentially be minimizing the effectiveness of the procedure. It's been about 2 weeks since my procedure and I'm feeling good about my skin. Please remember, your skin cells turnover in 30 day cycles, so do not go looking for a miracle the next day!!! MAINTENANCE It is recommended to do at least 3 sessions, while others may require 6 sessions based on severity of acne scarring, etc. Dr. Chen will be able to advise during consultation. Overall, I cannot recommend this procedure enough if you're looking to take years off your face. There's minimal pain, downtime, and you're literally using your body's own healing factors to repair any damage/concerns you have. It's not like some of those other questionable/gimmicky skin treatments out there (you know what I'm talking about!) TLDR: Dr. Chen is extremely kind, patient, knowledgeable, and professional. The procedure is 100% backed by science and you're using your own body's healing factors to turn back the clock!! Random, but the office is absolutely stunning. I can't wait to be back for Session #2!
Jessica Chee · March 15th, 2024