PRP is not a new practise, it has been used to promote healing in athletes with sports injuries and in surgery for many years. Cosmetic Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Facial Rejuvenation is a leading-edge procedure that uses the healing power of platelets and growth factors from your blood to stimulate a stem cell response. These stem cells help you to grow new collagen and blood vessels, repair and regenerate damaged skin and help slow and reverse the signs of ageing.

These signs can include:

  • Crow’s feet
  • Lip and frown lines
  • Deep depressions around the nose and mouth
  • Volume loss in the cheeks
  • Sagging around the jawline
  • Dehydrated skin
  • Acne scarring
  • Overall loss of healthy, youthful skin texture and tone

 

How the PRP process is carried out

When you attend a PRP treatment your medical professional will take some blood from you, that blood is processed using a mechanical device to separate the platelets from the rest of the blood making them the concentration of three to five times the normal level found in blood circulating around your body, the platelets also contain growth factors, and active proteins for tissue and injury healing.

The blood is separated in the machine from the platelet rich plasma that will be used in your treatment. After numbing the area to be treated, the PRP is injected or reapplied to the skin using a micro-needling device. The injection entry point causes a small wound which activates the platelets and lets them get to work repairing the tissue in that area.

 

The effects of PRP

You will find that there may be a mild swelling or bruising for 3 to 7 days after the injections but the effects will last anywhere from 12 months to 2 years depending on the individual. Within a few weeks of treatment, an overall improvement in skin hydration, texture and tone can be seen. New collagen and blood vessels begin to grow after three to six weeks, and reduction of fine lines and wrinkles and volume correction happens over the next three to six months.

Cosmetic PRP can be also safely be combined with hyaluronic acid fillers for quick volume correction. The fillers provide a matrix for building new collagen and can be used to accelerate and sustain the benefits of Cosmetic PRP, please consult with your medical professional for more guidance.

 

PRP- The natural treatment

The fact that you are using your own bodies materials mean that the results are developed over a matter of time, there will also be no issues that can occur when the body sometimes such as infections, disease transmission or rejection of foreign matter being injected into it. The platelets encourage your skin to heal itself completely naturally, although not a fountain of youth, cosmetic PRP is certainly an option for those that wish to leave surgery as a secondary option to keeping younger looks.

 

Where can PRP be used?

The face is not the only area where a rejuvenated skin may be possible. The main areas where PRP is effective are:

  • Face, especially around the eyes and eyelids
  • Neck
  • Hands
  • Knees
  • Upper Arms
  • Stretch marked areas
  • Post surgical areas with scarring
  • Acne scarred areas
  • Dry areas of skin

 

How many treatments are required?

It is generally recommended that a minimum of 4 treatments be undertaken at monthly intervals.

 

Will PRP treatment hurt?

There may be a little discomfort during treatment but every care should be taken by you professional to minimise this. The use of a local anesthetic is widely accepted as the best way to eliminate any pain. Ask your skincare specialist if you are at all concerned.

For any advice on this or any other cosmetic procedure then please feel free to contact us on 09 522 0652 or find details of your nearest Plastic Surgical Centre for a consultation.