PRP is a natural product created from your own blood. A small amount of blood is drawn from you and placed in a sterile tube that is spun down in a centrifuge to separate the different components of the blood. Red and white blood cells are divided from the platelets and the plasma (the clear fluid). This plasma now contains a higher than normal number of platelets and is called platelet rich plasma, or PRP.
Why Platelets Rejuvenate SkinPlatelets are the cells in the blood that help tissue to heal and grow new cells. The PRP, injected into specific areas of the skin, act as a matrix that promotes your own collagen to grow, regenerates tissue, and thus acts as to naturally smooth and tighten the skin. In this way, PRP softens wrinkles and creating smoother skin texture and tone.
The History of PRP
PRP has a long history of being used in orthopedic medicine, dentistry,and reconstructive surgery, and now its benefits are being applied to other fields of medicine such as dermatology, skin wound healing, and cosmetic facial rejuvenation. Scientific studies dating back 30 years have documented that PRP grows new collagen when injected into the skin, and newer studies show that PRP can soften sun damage and aging skin issues.
How does PRP therapy differ from other injections or fillers
Hyaluronic acid fillers, such as Restylane and Juvederm , are composed of solid material that fills lines and skin folds. These fillers are indicated to soften deeper lines such as the folds around the mouth area, or to plump lips. They usually last from 6-18 months; repeated treatments are required to fill the area again.
PRP stimulates your own collagen to grow for total facial rejuvenation rather than individual wrinkle improvement. PRP is used for volumizing faces that are beginning to look drawn, to plump out cheek indentations, soften under eye hollows , improve the skin tone, tightness, and texture, and fill in areas where hyaluronic acid fillers cannot reach or are not safe to use.
Restylane and Juvederm can be used with PRP as the two types of treatments are meant for different purposes; they supplement each other to give the best final outcome of a more youthful looking face. Restylane and Juvederm fill specific lines and folds; PRP improves overall volume, fullness, and skin tone. PRP acts to improve overall quality, tightness, and texture of the skin rather than filling individual deeper wrinkles.
What to expect during and after the PRP procedure
A small amount of blood will be drawn from you. While the PRP is being prepared, your skin will be cleansed and prepared for the treatment. The injections take a few moments, and are only mildly uncomfortable. The procedure is quick (15 minutes total), relatively painless, and requires no post procedure care or time off from daily events. Mild swelling, redness, or bruising fade within 1-3 days. The PRP is made from your own cells, virtually eliminating the possibility of negative side effects.
Results
The goal of PRP skin rejuvenation therapy is to improve skin tone and texture, tighten skin, soften lines and pores. Results begin to show 3-4 weeks after the treatment session and continue to improve with time. Three treatment sessions are generally recommended, spaced 1-2 months apart, to achieve the best outcome.
PRP therapy can be combined with Medical Micro Needling, Restylane, Juvederm, Neuro-modulatores (Botox, Xeomine, or Dysport) to best target a patient’s unique issues and thus achieve the final goal of younger looking skin. Maintenance PRP treatments should be given over time.
