PRP has become a highly sought-after non-surgical procedure for facial and skin rejuvenation. PRP therapy is a treatment which uses your own blood platelets to stimulate new cell growth, helping to improve your complexion, skin texture and to restore lost facial volume. Cosmetic practitioners have dubbed the aesthetic facial treatment the Vampire Facelift and it’s recently become a global hit.

Your blood is essentially made up of four components; red blood cells, white blood cells, the plasma and the platelets.  Platelet’s job is the promotion of clotting and healing. The Platelet Rich Plasma encourages the skin to produce collagen and added growth factors. These, in turn, lead to a more supported skin structure. This makes skin appear fuller, tighter and more youthful. The results can vary from the subtle extra youth boost to the extremely more younger looking skin.

In Platelet Rich Plasma treatment, the patient’s own blood is extracted, prepared, and then replaced into the patient’s skin. We take your blood and spin it in a centrifuge, which enables the separation of the blood cells from your plasma and platelets. This is then re-injected into the skin to stimulate collagen and new skin cells.  PRP harnesses the beneficial functions of the patients own platelets and therefore there is no risk of allergy or rejection of the treatment. 

 

What is PRP used for?

There are multiple uses to PRP. In cosmetics, it is used to improve wrinkles or folds, and improve the overall skin condition, promoting rejuvenation of the skin and making you look younger. PRP can also be successfully used to treat thinning hair and hairloss particularly male pattern baldness.  It is important to start treatment early on and whether you are a suitable candidate will be determined during your consultation. Other uses for PRP include treatment of osteoarthritis, chronic tendon injuries, acute ligament and muscle injuries, after surgery, post fractures.

 

How is the procedure?

The Platelet Rich Plasma is not a surgical procedure. It is an injection treatment done in the physician’s office with no or minimal downtime, just like anti-wrinkle injections and fillers.

• The physician or nurse draws approximately two teaspoons of your blood.

• Depending on how many areas you want to get treated, a volume of blood will be taken. This is usually between 10 to 30 ml.  

• Your blood is then placed in a centrifuge for around 8-10 minutes. This process separates the platelets from the blood. The platelets are then isolated and prepared for re-injection.

• Once your cells have separated, the rich platelets are extracted and ready to be injected into the skin where rejuvenation is requested.

• The area to be treated is cleaned

• Before injection, a numbing cream is applied to the skin. Once injected the growth factors in the Platelet Rich Plasma causes the release of stem cells that already exist in the skin. They trick the skin into thinking it needs to heal itself – new tissue is produced with new collagen, and new blood vessels.

• The platelet rich plasma is injected in the desired area

 

What should you expect post treatment?

Platelet Rich Plasma injection requires little recovery time and usually no downtime at all. Most people will experience some mild to moderate swelling in the area of treatment, redness or heat, which are all common side effects and are part of the activation of your platelets. Because a volume of fluid has to be administered, swelling is inevitable. Bruising can occur and may take several days to disappear. On the first day after treatment there may be some redness. On the second day the redness usually subsides and the skin may swell and the texture may become rough like sandpaper. By the third day, the swelling should be gone leaving just the sandpaper-like texture for 5 to 7 days.

 

How soon will I see results?

Most patients will require three treatments at four to six week intervals. The first thing people notice is an improvement in skin turgor and elasticity. Collagen production can take up to three months to occur and the results can differ depending on the individual.  Because the injected product is 100% your own, factors such as smoking, stress and illness can affect results.  A series of three treatments can yield results for up to two years.

 

Are there any reasons why I can’t have PRP therapy?

Like the majority of cosmetic procedures, ladies who are pregnant, breast-feeding or trying to conceive are not suitable candidates. This treatment is not recommended in people on anti-coagulation treatment, autoimmune conditions, have suffered any type of cancer or who have certain implants in the treatment area. Your past and present medical history, as well as your past cosmetic history will be assessed to determine your suitability

 

Who is a Candidate for Platelet Rich Plasma?

Almost anyone can be a candidate for the Platelet Rich Plasma treatment. It is natural since it comes from the patient’s own body.