For many years, the medical community has been acutely aware of the body’s natural regenerative qualities. Physicians across all fields, including orthopedics, dentistry, and sports medicine, have implemented protocols that work synergistically with the body. The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is common for promoting joint recovery and managing degenerative disease. It was only a matter of time before science discovered the value that PRP held for the body’s largest organ: the skin.
We are pleased to offer PRP treatments to help our patients address their cosmetic concerns.
What is PRP?
PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is an organic substance that has long been advocated for its ability to facilitate tissue regeneration and wound healing. The substance exists in every person’s blood, which makes it safe and convenient. PRP is obtained through a simple blood draw and centrifuge (spinning) process. Centrifugation of the blood separates nutrient-rich platelets from red blood cells and other product.
Platelets are valuable because they contain a large number of growth factors. These include epithelial and vascular epithelial growth factors as well as fibroblast and connective tissue growth factors. Each type of growth promotes vital processes such as inflammatory response, blood vessel regeneration, tissue remodeling, and cell proliferation.
What Are the Benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections?
The growth factors contained in platelet-rich plasma are involved in almost every regenerative process in the body. When PRP is injected just beneath the skin, it stimulates collagen proliferation through which a number of benefits occur. PRP injections add volume to areas of the face that have begun to droop or atrophy. The cheeks can be rounded out and under eye hollows that cause dark circles and bags can be softened. Due to ongoing collagen remodeling, PRP injections also promote softer, smoother, tighter skin over time.
Injections of platelet-rich plasma are also beneficial because they are safe for all skin types and tones. The organic nature of treatment, using your own blood product, significantly reduces the potential for side effects such as allergic response.
How Does PRP Work for Aesthetic Rejuvenation?
Platelet-rich plasma is used in two ways to improve the appearance and overall vitality of the skin. The product may be injected beneath wrinkles, hollows, and areas of deflation and it may also be applied topically in a gentle microneedling procedure.
The way that PRP improves texture, volume, and radiance is by inducing numerous regenerative processes. The various growth factors that exist within blood plasma provide essential proteins, electrolytes, hormones, and other nutrients to the skin. Proteins are integral to the formation of fibrin polymer which lays a strong foundation for firm, youthful tissue. Platelets within the plasma naturally respond to injuries in the body, prompting accelerated tissue regeneration through vascular and cellular regrowth.
How Long Do PRP Injections Take?
PRP treatment with injections takes only slightly longer than an average injectable treatment. We begin with a standard blood draw. If desired, a topical numbing cream can be applied to the treatment area while blood is processed in the centrifuge. This takes just a few minutes. The provider carefully observes the face and may mark areas where injections are recommended. The entire process is typically complete within 15 to 20 minutes. Microneedling with PRP is also brief, taking approximately 30 minutes from start to finish.
What Happens After the PRP Procedure?
Patients can resume normal activity immediately following their PRP procedure. Slight redness and swelling should be expected. Some patients notice minor bruising. These side effects typically disappear within the first day after treatment.
How Long Will It Take to See Results?
Patients who undergo microneedling with PRP may notice an immediate boost in the radiance and softness of their skin. PRP injections work beneath the surface to restructure the collagen matrix in superficial tissue, so results from injections alone become more noticeable after a few weeks.
As Healing Mechanisms Increase, Patients Notice Improvements Such As:
- Smoother texture due to improved collagen formation.
- More radiance due to new blood vessel formation.
- Fresher, younger-looking skin due to the influx of vital nutrients.
What Are the Advantages of PRP Vs. Other Injectables?
Studies have indicated that patients treated with platelet-rich plasma facials and facelifts find that their results continue to improve over time. Several months after treatment, the effects of cellular regeneration may be even more noticeable than they are right after microneedling or injections. This is because plasma stimulates cellular activity in which collagen and elastin are remodeled.
From research, we can recognize that Platelet-rich plasma progressively improves the skin while other injectables gradually degrade as the body metabolizes the foreign substance. The results of PRP treatments may continue to improve for more than a year, providing results that last up to two years or more. Furthermore, research suggests that the cellular stimulation achieved with annual PRP treatments could offset the natural degenerative aging process.
What Risks Are Associated With PRP?
PRP treatments, even when performed for aesthetic gains, fall into the category of regenerative medicine. The growth factors and nutrients within platelet-rich plasma literally stimulate cellular regeneration wherever the organic product is introduced. PRP supports the body’s natural healing mechanisms and does not include any foreign substances or chemicals. Therefore, there is virtually no risk of allergic reaction to the product.
An important note about PRP injections and microneedling treatment: patients should obtain care from a trained professional. While the risk of prolonged swelling and infection are very low, the manner in which treatment is performed can affect outcome. Our team has been educated in the safe, effective and comfortable performance of PRP treatments.
