Platelet Rich plasma (P.R.P.)
WHAT IS PRP?
PRP treatment for the face has become one of the most popular treatments for people who want a natural solution to skin care. Also known as The Vampire Facial, PRP is effective at smoothing out fine lines and wrinkles, improving the appearance of sun damage, and getting rid of acne/acne scarring, scars, and other things like dark circles under the eyes. It has also become increasingly popular as an adjunctive therapy to improve hair growth post hair transplant.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
PRP Platelets release growth factors that help the body repair itself by stimulating cells to generate new tissue. When injected into the skin, this treatment promotes healthy skin and hair growth, and has been shown to be effective at improving fine lines, skin tone and dull skin. The plasma can be injected at different depths depending on the results the patient wishes to achieve. To add volume, the plasma is injected deeper into the dermis. For rejuvenation, it is injected more superficially, in smaller amounts, or it can be applied topically and a dermal roller or microneedle pen used to help it penetrate into the skin.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF PRP?
- PRP face treatment uses your own natural resources, minimising the risk of side effects and allergic reactions.
- Natural collagen production typically reduces or eliminates lines, folds and wrinkles in a gentle process with little or no swelling, bruising or lumping.
- The organic nature of the procedure is ideal for those who wish to avoid synthetic products and processes.
- PRP therapy is non-gender-specific, so both men and women are able to benefit and enjoy a natural, more youthful look.
- PRP face treatment require no surgical interventions.
- The improvement to the skin’s appearance after PRP treatment is subtle and natural, with lasting results.
WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED WITH PRP?
PRP is a very versatile treatment as it is simply re-injecting your own plasma. It can treat fine lines and wrinkles on the face, a "crepey" neck, as well as smaller areas, such as the under eye. It can also be used to rejuvenate the décolletage, elbows, backs of hands, knees and even the feet.
WHAT IS THE PROCESS?
- A sample of blood is taken from your arm, similar to a routine blood test at your GP practice.
- The blood is then placed in a centrifuge for a few minutes and spun to separate out the blood components.
- A sterile syringe is used to withdraw only the PRP (platelet rich plasma) layer from the sample.
- The PRP is then either injected or microneedled back into your cleansed skin or scalp (depending on treatment aims).
- The whole procedure takes approximately one hour to complete.
DOES PRP HURT?
There is some minor discomfort and a very mild stinging sensation may be felt but these are done with a very fine needle to minimise any pain.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF TREATMENT?
With any treatment that involves an injection, there is always the risk of bruising and swelling. This varies from person to person as some people are more prone to bruising than others. Other possible side effects are redness, itching and pain or tenderness at the injection site. Some patients find that their skin has a slight purple discolouration for 2-3 days; this is due to the colour of the plasma. These reactions are all normal and typically resolve on their own after a few days.
HOW SOON WILL I SEE ANY BENEFITS AFTER TREATMENT?
Results are visible approximately 3 weeks following treatment. You will see a gradual improvement over 3-6 months.
HOW MANY TREATMENTS ARE REQUIRED?
Depending on the area treated, repeat treatments may be necessary to continue the desired effects. Facial rejuvenation procedures may require 1-3 treatments yearly, depending on the treatment. Response and number of sessions may vary by client. Smokers may require more treatment sessions than non-smokers as tobacco smoke toxins may diminish cellular responsiveness to PRP..
WHY HAVE PRP TREATMENT?
Platelet rich plasma injections are an alternative to medications or surgery. Ideal candidates would be those who prefer a less invasive option to surgery or those who are unable to undergo a surgery or tolerate pain medication. It allows for a much quicker recovery period and is much less painful than a surgery.
HOW DOES PRP FACE TREATMENT DIFFER FROM OTHER INJECTABLE TREATMENTS?
PRP stimulates your own collagen to grow for total facial rejuvenation rather than individual area improvement. In contrast, hyaluronic acid fillers work by means of solid material that fill lines and skin folds in the face. 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 face treatment is more effective for softening eye hollows, improving the overall tone, tightness, and texture of the skin, and filling in areas where hyaluronic acid fillers cannot reach or are not safe to use.
WHAT TO DO BEFORE AND AFTER TREATMENT
Prior to Treatment
To ensure that you receive the best possible results, preparation prior to treatment is a vital part of the process.
- Avoid waxing or laser for 48 hours prior to treatment.
- If you are using any product/s containing vitamin A/retinol, glycolic (or any resurfacing ingredient) as a part of your skin care regime, you are advised to stop using these for seven days prior to treatment.
- Avoid anti-inflammatories (e.g. ibuprofen/aspirin) and also alcohol for 48 hours prior to treatment as this can increase the chance of bruising.
Aftercare
You will be provided with detailed aftercare information prior to leaving the salon after your PRP treatment.
CONTRAINDICATIONS
There are very few contraindications as the process is using your own plasma and platelets so unlikely to cause an adverse reaction. However there are a few groups of people who would not be suitable for this treatment including those with
- Any type of blood cancer
- Blood borne infectious disease
- anyone taking a blood thinning tablet
- Skin cancer in the area to be treated
- anyone pregnant or breastfeeding