For many people, the PRP procedure is associated with scary-looking “vampire lift” photos on the internet. In reality, this procedure is minimally invasive and the recovery is comparatively fast. So, it’s not as scary as it looks and it has been done for decades in different areas of medicine. Due to immense clinical research, the magic of PRP is now available for people who want to promote a younger-looking appearance.
PRP’s regenerative properties are effective for the treatment of the following:
-Minimizing pores and fine wrinkles
-Facial volume loss
-Skin rejuvenation
-Pigmentation
-Skin texture
What is PRP?
PRP stands for Platelet-rich plasma, a medical term we don’t expect everyone to know. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a preparation of platelets in concentrated blood plasma with regenerative growth factors used to stimulate skin healing, collagen production, other important proteins that support the skin.
What Are PRP Benefits?
The main benefit is the option to use your own natural body’s pathways to improve your skin. In our skin, fibroblasts are the cells responsible for making important proteins such as collagen and elastin. Both collagen and elastin keep skin supple. Since PRP is full of growth factors from your own platelets the whole point of the procedure is to take advantage of the regenerative properties for skin rejuvenation.
How Does PRP Process Work?
A physician draws the blood. After that, the blood gets in a special machine to spin down for concentration and to isolate platelets and create a platelet-rich solution. This solution is then applied to the skin after micro-needling procedures. You can repeat it two to three times a year.
What are PRP side effects and recovery?
Aside from bruising, it has little to no negative side effects. After the procedure, there is temporary redness, swelling, tingling, bruising, tenderness, and a feeling of fullness or pressure at the injection areas. Gentle skin care post-procedure is absolutely necessary. Moisturizers without any potentially irritating ingredients are advised. Avoid sun exposure.
Are there any pre-procedure protocols that I should follow?
Since PRP relies on platelet function, it is important to discontinue all medications ONE WEEK BEFORE that interfere with platelet function such as:
- Blood-thinning medications
- Herbal supplements
- Aspirin
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Ibuprofen, Motrin, and Aleve.