What is PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy? Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) is a relatively new cosmetic treatment. You may have seen it featured by Kim Kardashian on Instagram – yes, it’s the vampire facial you’ve heard so much about. What you may not know is that it is doctor recommended and promoted by research and science. So, what is the science behind it? Put simply, Dermatologists tapped into the body’s innate ability to heal its own tissue damage and amplify natural growth factors in the body by using platelet loaded plasma. Plasma, which is the colorless, liquid part of blood contains water, proteins, and fats. It provides a medium for immunity cells, including red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to travel through the body. Platelets are blood cells that are responsible for blood clotting and other important growth healing functions. These platelets help deliver high concentrations of growth factors to areas of the body for healing. The side effects of PRP injections are few and far between. This is because your body will not reject or react negatively to the PRP injections, as they were created from your own blood. What is PRP used for?
Platelet-rich plasma therapy is used in a few different areas of medicine. In dermatology, PRP treatments show remarkable results in improving skin’s tone, texture, and quality. The treatment may follow a facial or microdermabrasion session. It is commonly used in different areas of the face, and is often used for the following:
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Rejuvenation under the eyes Improving texture in the hands Improving acne Reducing scarring Stimulating hair growth. Outside of cosmetic medicine, it is also used to treat inflammation and injury. Soft tissue injuries, such as rotator cuff tears and Achilles tendon pain have been treated by PRP. It has also shown promising results for tendonitis, tennis elbow, golfer’s elbow, injured tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints. One of the most important advantages of PRP being used in this way is that it reduces the need for pain medications that can be addictive. What should I expect during a PRP treatment?
PRP treatments start with blood being drawn from the arm. The injections are then prepared by running the drawn blood through a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. Once the platelets are “activated” in this way, they are then injected directly into the area that is identified as needing treatment. Once the injection reaches the area, it both stimulates stem cells in the skin’s follicle and releases growth factors that increase the number of repairing immune cells for rejuvenation and repair. Ultrasound imaging may be used to guide injections. It is a relatively painless procedure, but some individuals opt to use a topical anesthesia. Mild inflammation in the area is to be expected, as that is what triggers the healing response. With the inflammation, minimal swelling, bruising, and redness may be expected for a brief period after treatment. Collagen is produced, and as it matures, it begins to shrink, tighten, and strengthens the skin. Improvements to the skin are often noticed within 3 short weeks, but full collagen regeneration takes up to 3 months.
Treatment results often last up to 18 months, depending on the individual. Lucere Dermatology and Laser Clinic has been providing PRP treatments to many clients, and remarkable results and improvement have proudly been achieved. We will gladly answer any questions about this new procedure and will give you a nocost consultation to see if this treatment is right for you.