Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a therapy that uses your own cells to quickly heal and repair. It has been used by plastic and facial surgeons for more that 20 years. The growth factors in PRP have been shown to help improve skin tone, reduce acne scarring, and to even thicken and regrow hair. PRP is a small portion of the blood that is composed of a high concentration of platelets, which have the ability to help the body heal itself.
Platelet Rich Plasma has been used in facial rejuvenation around the world since 2006. The treatment is ideal for individuals looking for gradual but noticeable improvement in skin texture, tone and color with minimal or no downtime. This revolutionary natural procedure offers incredible skin rejuvenation. Platelets in your blood contain numerous Platelet Derived Growth Factors (PDGF). These growth factors stimulate proliferation of fibroblasts and keratinocytes which produce collagen and keratin. PDGF have a significant role in blood vessel formation, the cellular division of fibroblasts (the most common cells in connective tissue), and in synthesizing the extracellular matrix and collagen. Collagen production has been attributed to helping correct the visible effects of wrinkles.
This procedure is not a surgical face lift nor does it create the same effect as a face lift. The procedure helps restore or enhance areas which require volume. Improvement of skin texture and tone can be noticeable within three weeks and improvement continues for the next 8 months as more collagen and keratin is laid under skin. The results typically last 2 years or longer. Areas of treatment include cheeks and mid-face, wrinkling around the eyes, smile lines, nasolabial fold, neck and jawline, chest, acne scarring and more. The process takes between 60-90 minutes, depending on complexity. For the best result, we recommend three treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
WHAT HAPPENS DURING A FACIAL REJUVENATION TREATMENT WITH PRP?
Your skincare professional will assess the degree of skin aging, perform a simple skin analysis, and recommend a sensible treatment with a reasonable outcome. After your skin is cleansed and prepared, local anesthetic cream is applied and nerve blocks may also be given. Blood is then taken from your arm and processed. For treating the entire face, PRP is applied via a syringe and processed into the skin through our Microneedling procedure.
IS THE PROCEDURE PAINFUL?
Numbing cream is applied to the face 25 minutes before the procedure, making the treatment very comfortable. Most patients do not feel much sensation.
HOW LONG IS THE RECOVERY TIME?
Typically, there is little to no down time associated with the treatment. Some redness of the treated area may last a day after treatment. Minor bruising may occur, but clears up in about a week and can be concealed with cosmetics. Normal activity can be resumed immediately, but your face should be protected from the sun.
HOW LONG IS THE TREATMENT?
On the treatment day, the entire visit lasts about one hour.
IS IT SAFE?
PRP skin treatments are extremely safe. Because PRP is produced from your own blood, there is no risk of an allergic reaction. In addition, PRP contains concentrated amount of white blood cells, your natural defenders against infections. As a result, infection is extremely rare with our PRP treatment.
ARE THERE ANY CONTRAINDICATIONS?
Persons with skin disease (SLE, porphyria, allergies), cancer, chemotherapy, severe metabolic and systemic disorders, abnormal platelet function (i.e. blood disorders), and underlying sepsis excludes the use of PRP.