Facial Rejeuvination by Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP): “vampire facelift”
Human blood is comprised primarily of red blood cells (RBC), as well as white blood cells (WBC), platelets, and plasma. By initiating the first step of coagulation, platelets are the key to the body’s ability to heal wounds.
The basis for the benefit of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) lies in decreasing the RBCs count to 5% since they are less useful in the healing process while increasing the platelet count to 94%. PRP contains approximately 5 times the number of platelets found in normal circulating blood.
Activated PRP would increase vascular structure around hair follicles and hence improve the blood supply to the hair follicles thereby stimulating hair growth. It also stimulates hair shaft thickening thereby reversing hair miniaturization experienced in androgenetic alopecia.
What is PRP?
PRP is an extract of your own blood that contains three to five times more platelets, growth factors, and active proteins for tissue and injury healing. It has been used medically for years to accelerate wound healing. When PRP is placed back into the skin, it initiates a localized stem cell response. Over the weeks and months following treatment, this stem cell response recruits collagen-producing cells called fibroblasts. The fibroblasts replace the damaged tissue through the aging process with healthy skin that looks refreshed and rejuvenated & enhance the shape of the face and restore volume.
How does it work?
PRP works on the simple basis is that of utilizing your own natural platelets to instruct the body to create new collagen for smoother and better-toned skin. The platelet solutions can be introduced with injections or by using an automated microneedling system (Dermapen) or as a topical addition to resurfacing. A small vial of blood is taken from your arm – less than that normally taken for routine blood tests. The blood is then placed in a vial and spun in a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells and plasma. The process concentrates the platelet count to about 4X normal. It is this platelet-rich plasma (PRP) that is then activated and injected into the skin – or applied topically in a surface regeneration action. The serum is activated by the addition of simple calcium chloride.
What is the end result?
1- healthier bright appearance
2- thicker dermis (reducing wrinkles, sagging and scars)
3- improved skin tone
4- prolonged durability of fillers used with PRP (the PRP serum prolongs the filler correction)
Possible side effects of PRP facial rejuvenation
Minimal: Expect minimal swelling, bruising and redness for 12-24 hours. A bruise at the needle site may be visible for 2-3 days.
Are results immediate?
No. Swelling from the fluid is what you will see and feel first. Once the swelling has subsided you will not see much change at all. Over a few weeks- one month the platelets will stimulate the growth factors, which will assist in more collagen growth.
How many PRP treatments are required?
This will depend upon the health and age of your skin. Normally it is advised to have 2-3 treatments, 4-8 weeks apart. However, we will determine your treatment protocol according to your skin condition.
How long do results last?
Treatment results vary; however, in most patients the results last up to 18 months. Touch-up treatments will maintain the results.
Is PRP treatment safe?
Yes, because we are using your own blood.