Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a medical, non-surgical, natural and safe method for skin rejuvenation that uses the natural, healing components of the body, aka. “Platelet Rich Plasma” (PRP) derived from one’s own blood. Using your own blood means that there is no risk of adverse reactions to the treatment.

PRP has been used for many years to facilitate wound healing, including the acceleration of healing of tendon injuries, the treatment of osteoarthritis, in some aspects of dentistry (i.e. jaw reconstruction), in cardiovascular medicine, and plastic surgery. Tiger Woods, the world’s number one golfer, used PRP therapy to recover quickly from knee surgery.
In recent years, PRP therapy was introduced as a method of non-surgical skin rejuvenation, helping to accelerate normal cell renewal and healing processes by stimulating collagen formation, revascularization (increasing blood supply) and repair. The anti-aging facial skin treatment is also known as a Vampire Facial.

Also recent studies have suggested that PRP may also serve as a safe and effective treatment option for male and female pattern hair loss.

How does PRP benefit the skin?

Platelets are cells that are designed to heal injuries through their richness of growth factors like platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor (TGF) and other bioactive proteins. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is concentrated blood plasma containing approximately 3-8 times the number of platelets found in normal circulating blood, depending on the method of processing. PRP rich in growth factors interact with local cells and signal initiation of cell division and migration, tissues regeneration, and collagen growth. The end result is thicker dermis, softer wrinkles, improved skin tone and texture, less scarring; or hair growth and regeneration.

What Is PRP Used For?

• Rejuvenation of the face, neck, chest, hands.
• Scar improvement: acne, traumatic or surgical.
• Stretch marks improvement.
• Hair thinning or hair loss improvement.

How is the treatment performed?

PRP is obtained from a small amount of blood drawn and processed in our office.PRP can be introduced by tiny injections, spreading it all over the treatment area and causing a small damage to encourage rejuvenation. Preferably though, PRP is introduced by micro-needling or radio-frequency resurfacing (Venus Viva).

We also combine PRP, micro-needling and Venus Viva in a treatment combo named THE TIME MACHINE, as it really reverses the aging effects of time on the skin. Micro-needling and Venus Viva as stand alone create a controlled injury that encourages collagen stimulation and skin rejuvenation. In combination the two of them create an additive effect and when PRP is added the recovery time is dramatically shortened and the effects are augmented, allowing for spectacular results with fewer treatments.

PRP is also injected in conjunction with hyaluronic acid fillers to enhance the filler’s volumizing effect, boost collagen formation in the area and prolong filler’s effect.

PRP is also successfully being used as a hair loss remedy.

Precautions

• Do NOT take Vitamin C, Vitamin E, Fish Oil, Omega 3 fatty acids, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Advil, Naproxen, Aleve or other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, for 7-10 days before treatment. These substances impair platelet function in the normal clotting process and thus promoting bleeding and bruising. You may take acetaminophen (Tylenol or Anacin-3)
• Limit sun exposure for one week post treatment. Always apply sun block. Do not expose yourself to long periods in the sun for one month.
• Do not use a sauna, hot tub, or Jacuzzi or go swimming for 1-2 weeks post treatment.
• Do not expose yourself to extreme hot or cold temperatures or to large swings of temperatures for 2 weeks post treatment.
• NO exercise or strenuous activity for one week post treatment.
• NO other treatments such as facials, micro-dermabrasion, peels, laser treatment, etc for at least 3-4 weeks post treatment.

What to expect post treatment

The treatment is very safe as there is no risk of any allergy or reaction to the materials being injected. The skin is being encouraged to renew itself, so you will merely have better, firmer skin, but there is no chance of looking ‘fixed’ or ‘unnatural’.

After treatment skin may be red and potentially swollen. Some mild dryness and peeling may occur, but they are short lived.
Length of healing will depend on method of introducing the PRP, depth of treatment, and own individual variations. On average, it could take 3-4 days, but it could be as early as 24-48 hours or as late as one week.

Results

Results will depend on the type of treatment and the number of treatments.

Most people require 4-6 treatments, spaced 4-6 weeks apart. For deeper wrinkles, advanced photo-aging, stretch marks and scars, you may need 6 or more treatments.

Maintenance treatments are recommended every 6 months.

Subtle results are visible from the very first treatment. Results are gradual and cumulative as they build up on the previous treatment(s). It may take 3-6 months after completion of a serial treatment to see maximum results. The skin will continue to improve as the renewal process can go on for up to a year after the treatment. With regular maintenance and proper care, the skin can potentially be rejuvenated and the aging process delayed.