Radiofrequency Microneedling with Platelet Rich Plasma


Patients young and old come to Dr. Andrews with concerns about the look and health of their skin. As we age, there are inevitable changes that occur deep in our skin that ultimately manifest as fine lines and textural changes on the surface of our skin. Years of sun exposure and inadequate skin care can cause premature aging of the skin. Repeated bouts of childhood acne can also leave our skin chronically scarred. At Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery in Coralville, we now have a new and exciting treatment that can reverse some of the cutaneous signs of aging and chronic sun exposure and can also dramatically improve the appearance of acne scars. The treatment is called radiofrequency (RF) microneedling with platelet rich plasma and we are excited that we are the first aesthetic practice in Iowa to offer this innovative technology.

Traditional Microneedling vs. Fractional Micro-Needle Radiofrequency

Traditional microneedling has been performed by physicians for many years to improve skin texture and tone for skin rejuvenation and to treat scars including acne scars. Microneedling creates tiny micro-channels in the skin, essentially a controlled injury. The body responds by making new collagen and elastin to heal the injury, which is why it has also been called “collagen induction therapy.” Microneedling has grown in popularity recently as it has been shown to produce consistent and noticeable improvements in skin quality and in the appearance of acne scars. Microneedling has also been combined with topical application of serums and platelet rich plasma as many believe that the micro-channels can be used to increase delivery of the topically applied therapies to the deeper layers of the skin. Various microneedling devices are available from simple dermal rollers that are available over-the-counter to electronic dermal pens that are used by dermatologists and skin-care specialists in physicians’ offices and medical spas.

Radiofrequency has been used in medicine for over 60 years. Radiofrequency is an electrical current that can be delivered to tissues to treat a variety of ailments. When radiofrequency energy is delivered to tissues, heat is generated which causes changes to occur in the treated areas. RF energy is used to treat abnormal heart rhythms by halting transmission of aberrant electrical pathways in the heart. It is used to treat chronic pain by preventing transmission of pain signals in treated nerve and is used to ablate varicose veins in the legs.

Fractional micro-needle radiofrequency employs microneedles to deliver RF energy deep within the skin to directly stimulate the fibroblasts to produce collagen and elastin. This is different from traditional microneedling in that there is both the mechanical injury induced by the needles but also the tips of the needles deliver RF energy to the deep layers of the skin. The heat generated by the RF energy has 2 important effects. The heat causes immediate shortening of the existing collagen fibers producing an immediate tightening of the skin, similar to the changes that occur with the fibers of a sweater put in a dryer. The second and more durable result is the induction of collagen and elastin formation which acts to enhance the neocollagenesis and neoelastogenesis produced by the mechanical injury from the microneedles. *Fractional micro-needle radiofrequency can produce dramatic improvement skin in tone, texture and tightening and significant improvement in the appearance of acne scars.

Fractional micro-needle radiofrequency can induce many of the same changes seen with ablative laser therapy with less downtime. Fractional micro-needle radiofrequency can be associated with slight redness for 24-48 hours, much less post-procedure redness than is seen with ablative laser therapy. Fractional micro-needle radiofrequency does not require antiviral therapy or post-procedure skin care regimens that are often employed after laser therapy. Because fractional micro-needle radiofrequency does not result in post-procedure hyperpigmentation, it can be performed on all skin types including darker skinned patients, unlike laser therapy.

At Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery we offer the innovative FDA-approved Intensif fractional micro-needle radiofrequency by EndyMed. The Intensif system employs tips that contain 25 gold-plated microneedles that penetrate the skin to a maximum depth of 3.5 mm to deliver the RF energy. We are the only practice in Iowa that offers this exciting treatment.

EndyMed’s Intensif treatment has been highlighted on the show The Doctors.

Platelet Rich Plasma

Platelets are the body’s first responders to tissue injury. They sense injury and enter the tissues from the blood to initiate the repair process. They contain very important proteins called growth factors. The growth factors are essentially the “telephone numbers” for the cells that facilitate tissue repair.

The PRP is produced in the office at the time of the procedure. We simply draw a sample of blood into a special tube, spin the blood in a centrifuge and harvest the “platelet rich plasma (PRP).” The PRP is a highly concentrated platelet solution that we inject directly into the skin that has been treated with our Intensif fractional micro-needle radiofrequency device. Injecting PRP immediately after the microneedling procedure can significantly enhance the effects of the procedure as we are hyper-stimulating the cells that are responsible for producing collagen and elastin and new blood vessels in response to the controlled injury induced by the microneedling. Microneedling and PRP work synergistically to tone and tighten skin. This combination has been termed the “vampire facelift” by its inventor Dr. Charles Runels.

PRP is being used by oral surgeons to promote bone healing and orthopedic surgeons to treat arthritis and tendon injuries with great success. Plastic surgeons and dermatologists adopted PRP for aesthetic skin rejuvenation after witnessing the achievements of the other specialists. At Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery, PRP can be used in combination fractional micro-needle radiofrequency to treat fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, acne scars and even mild form of hair loss.

How Many Treatments Will I Need?

Most patients require a series of 3 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart.

How soon will I see my results?

Most will see improvement several weeks after the treatment but the full results will likely take months to be fully realized.

How Long Will It the Results Last?

The durability of the results will depend on a number of factors including the age of the patient but most will require a touch-up procedure at 1 year after an Intensif treatment.

How Much Does an Intensif Treatment Cost?

The cost can vary based on the number of treatments required and on the adjunctive procedures recommended such as PRP. We now have discounted packages available for under $2000.

Am I a Candidate?

Patients who desire skin tightening and those with fine lines and wrinkles or those with acne scars are ideal candidates. We would be happy to see you for a free consultation to determine whether you are a candidate for the procedures.

Does it Hurt?

Most patients have only minor discomfort after the topical local anesthetic that is placed takes full effect.

How Long Does It Take?

The procedure takes 1-1.5 hours depending on the treated area and on the other adjunctive treatments provided.

Call Dr. Andrews Plastic Surgery in Coralville, Iowa today to learn more about EndyMed Intensif fractional micro-needle radiofrequency and platelet rich plasma and to schedule your free consultation and skin assessment today at 319-800-6877.

Dr. Andrews proudly serves the community of Cedar Rapids and the neighboring towns of Iowa City, Cedar Falls, Dubuque, Waterloo and the Quad Cities.

Click the button to the right to view more before and afters.

Before & Afters

January 11, 2017

Dear Dr. Andrews,
Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me and my family. You are trustworthy, kind and personable. We really appreciate you and your talent. Thank you!*
5.0
2017-01-11T13:02:59-06:00
Dear Dr. Andrews, Thank you so much for all you’ve done for me and my family. You are trustworthy, kind and personable. We really appreciate you and your talent. Thank you!*

Everything is great!!

Just had my surgery from Dr. Andrews and everything is great!! He is the most kindest Dr. ever!*
5.0
2017-01-22T15:30:46-06:00
Just had my surgery from Dr. Andrews and everything is great!! He is the most kindest Dr. ever!*

You change peoples’ lives!

You change peoples’ lives! Words cannot express how much I love my new girls! Thank you so much for giving me exactly what I wanted. You are amazing!*
5.0
2017-02-24T14:28:06-06:00
You change peoples’ lives! Words cannot express how much I love my new girls! Thank you so much for giving me exactly what I wanted. You are amazing!*

I am a patient at Dr. Andrews!

I am a patient at Dr. Andrews! I highly recommend utilizing their services. Very thorough consultations, educational and informative. They give you lots of options to fit your needs and guide you through it. Amazing staff that is highly trained with the most up to date procedures and tools. I can't say enough about Dr. Andrews and his amazing staff!*
5.0
2016-09-28T15:22:01-05:00
I am a patient at Dr. Andrews! I highly recommend utilizing their services. Very thorough consultations, educational and informative. They give you lots of options to fit your needs and guide you through it. Amazing staff that is highly trained with the most up to date procedures and tools. I can't say enough about Dr. Andrews and his amazing staff!*

June 26th, 2013

Dr. Andrews is an artist. His academic credentials are second to none. You can see that sensibility in every aspect of his practice, and his life. His outcomes are exceptional, and there isn’t a surgeon anywhere that I trust more.*
2015-02-10T19:25:22-06:00
Dr. Andrews is an artist. His academic credentials are second to none. You can see that sensibility in every aspect of his practice, and his life. His outcomes are exceptional, and there isn’t a surgeon anywhere that I trust more.*

May 27th, 2013

I am beyond happy with my results. I had extra skin hanging from my abdomen after gaining weight from pregnancies. Dr. Andrews was compassionate and understanding about how this affected me and my self-esteem.*
2015-02-10T19:25:46-06:00
I am beyond happy with my results. I had extra skin hanging from my abdomen after gaining weight from pregnancies. Dr. Andrews was compassionate and understanding about how this affected me and my self-esteem.*

May 27th, 2013

I can now wear bikinis! I continue to work out and can finally see the results of my hard work. Thank you Dr. Andrews – a California gem in the midwest!*
2015-02-10T19:26:11-06:00
I can now wear bikinis! I continue to work out and can finally see the results of my hard work. Thank you Dr. Andrews – a California gem in the midwest!*

June 1st, 2013

Dr. Andrews is one of the best plastic surgeons I’ve worked with! His patients are very pleased with their results. I highly recommend him!*
2015-02-10T19:26:35-06:00
Dr. Andrews is one of the best plastic surgeons I’ve worked with! His patients are very pleased with their results. I highly recommend him!*

Jan 24th, 2013

Dr Andrews was wonderful!! Great Guy… awesome job on my reconstruction!!*
2015-02-10T19:26:55-06:00
Dr Andrews was wonderful!! Great Guy… awesome job on my reconstruction!!*

Nov 2nd, 2012

I had suffered debilitating Hidradenitis. He gave me the ability to have a normal life again. My scars look amazing and he was able to close with the most beautiful lines! He was such a caring doctor who is so gifted. I hope to follow his practice wherever he may go!*
2015-02-10T19:27:28-06:00
I had suffered debilitating Hidradenitis. He gave me the ability to have a normal life again. My scars look amazing and he was able to close with the most beautiful lines! He was such a caring doctor who is so gifted. I hope to follow his practice wherever he may go!*

Oct 29th, 2012

Dr. Andrews was the absolute best doctor for me - very informative, sensitive, and caring with just the right amount of humor during the appointments.*
2015-02-10T19:27:54-06:00
Dr. Andrews was the absolute best doctor for me - very informative, sensitive, and caring with just the right amount of humor during the appointments.*

Extraordinary doctor

Before saying that you are an extraordinary doctor, I want to tell you that you are an extraordinary human being. Thanks for showing me so much care and concern.*
2015-03-30T12:00:04-05:00
Before saying that you are an extraordinary doctor, I want to tell you that you are an extraordinary human being. Thanks for showing me so much care and concern.*

You Rock!!

I wanted to write you a thank you letter because I would never be able to find the words to say how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Thanks to you I can feel normal and not always worry if people will find out about my problem. I can’t even begin to say thank you enough or to show my gratitude. You’re an amazing person, wonderful doctor, and my hero. All in all, you ROCK!!!*
2015-03-30T12:00:42-05:00
I wanted to write you a thank you letter because I would never be able to find the words to say how much I appreciate everything you did for me. Thanks to you I can feel normal and not always worry if people will find out about my problem. I can’t even begin to say thank you enough or to show my gratitude. You’re an amazing person, wonderful doctor, and my hero. All in all, you ROCK!!!*

You all are the best!

Thank you so much for ALL of your help in my recovery thru “sometimes emotional” journey with my cancer. You all were always professional and took the time with my long list of questions. I can n0t thank you enough! Easter is my favorite time of the year and I pray God will continue to strengthen your gift and skills in healing because you all are the best!*
2015-03-30T12:02:02-05:00
Thank you so much for ALL of your help in my recovery thru “sometimes emotional” journey with my cancer. You all were always professional and took the time with my long list of questions. I can n0t thank you enough! Easter is my favorite time of the year and I pray God will continue to strengthen your gift and skills in healing because you all are the best!*

Amazing!

I’m ecstatic with my new body. It is PERFECT! I can’t even put in wordshow we feel, You are so compassionate unlike any Doctor I’ve met. I realize I’ve been a needy patient and you handled me well. You’ve gone above and beyond with me after hours for medications and issues. Also more quotes than necessary, but you did it! Your work ad attentiveness to my expectations I can’t say enough!! Now to pu the finale pictures in your gallery to show how complete I am now! You are AMAZING! Thank You! It’s been a very long, hard journey! Now to live life with the new ME!*
2015-03-30T12:02:20-05:00
I’m ecstatic with my new body. It is PERFECT! I can’t even put in wordshow we feel, You are so compassionate unlike any Doctor I’ve met. I realize I’ve been a needy patient and you handled me well. You’ve gone above and beyond with me after hours for medications and issues. Also more quotes than necessary, but you did it! Your work ad attentiveness to my expectations I can’t say enough!! Now to pu the finale pictures in your gallery to show how complete I am now! You are AMAZING! Thank You! It’s been a very long, hard journey! Now to live life with the new ME!*

With appreciation

With appreciation for putting me back together!*
2015-03-30T12:02:40-05:00
With appreciation for putting me back together!*

I am forever grateful

I consider myself blessed to be under your care as I navigated the stormy sea of breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, reconstruction, and recovery. I cannot thank you enough and am so pleased with the results! You have all been wonderful, and I will miss seeing you even though I am thrilled to be healed and moving on! The impact you have on patients who are scared and overwhelmed cannot be overstated...and I am forever grateful.*
2015-03-30T12:03:02-05:00
I consider myself blessed to be under your care as I navigated the stormy sea of breast cancer diagnosis, surgery, reconstruction, and recovery. I cannot thank you enough and am so pleased with the results! You have all been wonderful, and I will miss seeing you even though I am thrilled to be healed and moving on! The impact you have on patients who are scared and overwhelmed cannot be overstated...and I am forever grateful.*

Thank You

Thank you. For me, you are as similar as God because you created me again. It’s an amazing feeling. I feel my earlier life back again. Once again thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.*
2015-03-30T12:03:24-05:00
Thank you. For me, you are as similar as God because you created me again. It’s an amazing feeling. I feel my earlier life back again. Once again thank you very much from the bottom of my heart.*

April 12, 2016

Since my hysterectomy, sex has been extremely painful. I suffered from extreme dryness and discomfort. I had no sex drive and was no longer able to experience an orgasm. Until, recently, when a friend told me about Courtney Albritton and the ThermiVa treatment. I have had 2 of the 3 treatments and immediately experienced positive results. I am still in awe of the results I have experienced. The procedure was painless. Until ThermiVa, I had come to the realization that my sex life would no longer be what it once was pre-hysterectomy. I highly recommend this procedure.*
2016-05-05T11:40:35-05:00
Since my hysterectomy, sex has been extremely painful. I suffered from extreme dryness and discomfort. I had no sex drive and was no longer able to experience an orgasm. Until, recently, when a friend told me about Courtney Albritton and the ThermiVa treatment. I have had 2 of the 3 treatments and immediately experienced positive results. I am still in awe of the results I have experienced. The procedure was painless. Until ThermiVa, I had come to the realization that my sex life would no longer be what it once was pre-hysterectomy. I highly recommend this procedure.*
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