Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: Skin rejuvenation using your own cells

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) obtained from your blood contains platelets which work in the body to clog up cuts and tears. Platelets also have growth factors on the surface which stimulate collagen production when injected into the skin.

What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) has been used in many medical procedures over the years, and its safety is well established. Examples include wound healing, during joint surgery, etc.

PRP has been used for facial rejuvenation since 2006 in the UK, Europe, Japan, and Australia.

Which facial and body areas can be treated?

• Crinkling skin around the eyes
• Cheeks and mid face
• Neck
• Jawline
• Chest and décollétage
• Back of hands and arms
• Other body areas
• Stimulate hair growth on scalp.

How long does a treatment take?

45-60 minutes for two tubes.

How many treatments are advised?

For the best result, we recommend up to three treatments, 4-6 weeks apart, with top ups at 6-24 months.

What results can I expect from PRP treatments?

Improvement of skin texture and tone are noticeable within three weeks. Full collagen regeneration takes three months.

Can any skin type or color have PRP treatment?

Yes, PRP treatments can be used on all skin types and colours.

What happens during a facial rejuvenation treatment with PRP?

The nurse will assess the degree of skin aging, perform a simple skin analysis, and recommend a sensible treatment with reasonable outcome. Pre-treatment photographs are taken.

Your skin is cleansed and prepared. Local anesthetic cream is applied. Nerve blocks may also be given. Blood is taken from your arm and placed in a test tube which is then centrifuged.

The Platelet Rich Plasma is then prepared and activated. It is then initially injected into any obvious lines or wrinkles. The remainder of the plasma is then injected all over the rest of the skin area to be treated.

A dermal roller treatment may then be applied – this helps more of the PRP to get into the skin.

A collagen mask is then applied – this protects the skin, aids in its recovery and also helps to infuse more PRP into the skin.

PRP facial rejuvenation can be a one-off treatment, but further micro-injections can be re-performed at 4-6 weekly intervals for lines and wrinkles if the client desires this. It can also be used as part of a treatment programme, e.g. preceeding Titan treatments.

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.

Expectations of PRP

Results are visible at three weeks and improve gradually over ensuing months with improvement in texture and tone.

Skin care and light therapies can enhance the results.

Advanced wrinkling cannot be reversed and a minimal improvement is predictable in persons with a heavy drug, alcohol and tobacco usage. Severe scarring may not respond. Further plasma treatment is also popular and safe.

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 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, 4-6 weeks apart. However, your clinician 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.

Who should NOT have PRP treatment?

• Heavy smokers, drug and alcohol users
• Platelet Dysfunction Syndrome
• Critical Thrombocytopenia
• Hypofibrinogenaemia
• Haemodynamic Instability
• Sepsis
• Acute and Chronic Infections
• Chronic Liver Pathology
• Anti Coagulation Therapy
• Person with Skin Disease or Cancer
• Severe Metabolic and Systemic Disorders.