The benefits of PRP therapy
PRP therapy can improve the texture and appearance of your skin by reducing fine lines and wrinkles. This skin rejuvenation method works especially well around the eyes, lips, and neck. PRP therapy stimulates and revitalizes skin cells, exposing your skin’s youthful vitality once more.
What is PRP?
PRP, or Platelet Rich Plasma, is a high concentration of platelets surrounded by its own plasma. Platelets are tiny blood cells that release enzymes and growth factors that promote healing and play a role in tissue regeneration. They accomplish this healing by attracting stem cells to aid in the repair of a damaged area.
PRP therapy uses the healing platelets from blood plasma separated from a patient’s own blood and injects them into the body to enhance healing. PRP therapy has been used successfully for more than thirty years in orthopedic surgery and more recently in the field of cosmetic surgery.
How is PRP therapy performed?
PRP therapy for facial rejuvenation typically uses two methods: PRP is applied topically (in association with a microneedling procedure) or is injected. In either instance, a patient’s blood is drawn, treated, and activated to obtain platelet-rich plasma. With topical application, the PRP is applied directly to the patient’s face during the course of a microneedling procedure. Microneedling enhances the absorption of PRP by creating small channels in the skin. PRP injections are made using very small needles and injecting PRP directly into strategic areas of the face. Commonly treated areas include:
- Crow’s feet beside the eyes
- Dark circles around the eyes
- Fine lines around the mouth
- Acne scars
- Crepey skin in the eye, neck, and décolletage areas
It is not unusual to combine these methods during a facial rejuvenation treatment. Firstly, PRP is injected into the identified treatment areas followed by topical application of PRP to the entire face. With either method, PRP therapy encourages skin healing and renewal through new collagen production and fresh skin cells full of human growth factors. This increase in collagen and growth factors creates a more youthful, plumper, and firmer appearing skin.
What is recovery like after PRP therapy?
PRP therapy requires little recovery time. Whether receiving injections or topical treatment, there may be redness and some tenderness on the first day that appears much like sunburn. Occasionally some bruising may occur. The redness typically subsides on the second day. Some patients notice some swelling and a sandpaper texture to the skin after treatment. Swelling should diminish within a few days, though the sandpaper texture to the skin may persist for up to a week. Patients can go back to their regular daily activities immediately after treatment and any residual redness can usually be covered with a light makeup application.
What can a patient expect?
Within a few days, patients begin to see noticeable results. Within 2 to 3 months, when the greatest benefit is seen, individuals report fully refreshed skin that looks and feels more youthful. These results can last between 1 to 2 years afterwards depending on the individual.
How should a patient care for their skin after treatment?
After PRP therapy, skin hydration and sun protection are paramount. A daily skin care regime that includes a good quality moisturizer and multiple applications of sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher throughout the day is critical.
Who is a good candidate for PRP therapy?
Because PRP comes from one’s own body, there is virtually no risk of an allergic reaction or rejection. So in theory, anyone who wants to improve the quality and appearance of his or her skin is a good candidate.
Is there anyone who is not a candidate?
This procedure is not recommended for those with blood-related conditions, anemia, or blood or bone cancers. Patients who take blood thinning medication or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) will need to discontinue their medication for a few weeks prior to their treatment and for a few days afterwards. The decision to stop any medication should be made under the guidance of the patient’s primary care physician.
What is the difference between PRP and dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid like Restylane® and Juvederm® are gels that fill in distinct lines and folds on the face. The body absorbs these product within 6 to 12 months, and a repeat treatment is then required.
PRP stimulates the body to create its own new collagen and tissue to create youthful volume and improve tone and texture. It can often be used in areas where dermal fillers are not safe. PRP treatment does not target individual lines and wrinkles, but improves the overall quality of an area.
How often does a patient need treatment?
Best results are obtained after about three treatments spaced a month apart, though a single treatment can be effective for some individuals. Annual treatment is recommended.
