PRP Skin Treatment
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Therapy purports to rejuvenate the skin by injecting your own blood plasma under your dermis, to stimulate cell growth and collagen production. And it’s become quite a sought-after non-surgical procedure.
It promises to improve complexion and texture and restore lost facial volume. Bonus: Because your own platelets are used, there’s no risk or allergy or rejection of the treatment.
How Is It Processed?
- Most of our blood is made up of liquid plasma but it also contains many rich components including red and white blood cells and platelets.
- Platelets help our blood to clot, and they also contain countless proteins called growth factors which are key to helping injuries heal.
- The key to harnessing platelets in our blood for ‘good’, is to draw a blood sample and then process it using a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the other parts of the blood.
- Once we have this concentrated ‘liquid gold’, it can be used for several forms of treatment. Most commonly we hear about it as part of treatment for high-level athletes who may be suffering from injuries (sprained knees, tendonitis, etc.). In our industry, we use PRP to care for the skin and to promote new hair growth.
PRP Treatment For Facial Rejuvenation: Step-by-Step
PRP treatment for facial rejuvenation is an increasingly in-demand treatment at our office, not just because it is everywhere on social media and popularized by celebrities, but because patients love the results
- When patients arrive for their treatment they complete treatment paperwork and then make themselves comfortable while they have their skin numbed and their blood drawn.
- This process takes a matter of minutes and the only side effect is that some patients may feel a bit dizzy or lightheaded when blood is drawn. Something that a little water and juice will help in no time!
- Once the blood is drawn, our team takes it away to our centrifuge where it is spun to separate out the PRP solution from the rest of the blood.
- The full sample is then brought back in and the treatment provider is able to draw out the PRP using a syringe so that it can be used on the skin.
- Before the treatment begins, we make sure our patients’ skin is thoroughly clean with no remaining residue and the full numbing period has completed.
- Once ready, our team gently applies your body’s own PRP solution to the face (or body area being treated) while a microneedling pen is slowly glided across the treatment surface. The microneedling pen will be penetrating to the dermis level which will cause some surface-level blood to be visible on the top of the skin. The micro-injuries are stimulating deep collagen production, while the PRP is able to penetrate deep into the skin to promote healing, minimize inflammation and support skin rejuvenation.
- After the treatment, the skin will be quite red and may feel tight or sting. The residual redness may last for 1-3 days but will be greatly diminished within 24 hours. After a week, some patients may see some superficial flaking.
- We always advise patients on thorough post-care instructions: when to get in touch and set you up with your next appointment (if required), what to look out for, what skincare to use and what to avoid (including direct sunlight, exfoliating or retinol-based products, etc.).
- Initial results will be visible in 1-2 weeks. Skin will look brighter and brand new!