Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is autologous, meaning it comes from you and it’s completely natural. PRP is a great option or addition when considering injectables and especially for those individuals who have a lot of allergies. PRP is considered non-allergenic. PRP is derived by having a medical professional draw your blood into a special tube. Your tube is placed in a centrifuge and spun at a rate that is conducive to the particular PRP system (systems and speeds vary). The heavy cells fall to the bottom of the tube and what remains at the top is your very own autologous platelet-rich plasma.
Once your blood is spun down, the beautiful gold colored plasma remains on top until it is separated. This is where the magic is. The platelet tissue mediators known as growth factors and stem cell activators are found in the plasma. PRP is placed specifically in or on the area of concern and the tissue growth factors go to work. By injecting PRP or adding PRP topically to an area of injury the tissue is stimulated, causing mild inflammation that triggers a healing cascade. As a result, new collagen begins to develop. Improvement with skin texture and tone can be observed in as little as 3 weeks, however full results of collagen maturity takes 3 months. Results can last up to 18 months in most patients and maintenance treatments every 12 to 18 months are recommended.
PRP is being used for acne, scarring, alopecia (thinning hair), skin rejuvenation, and tightening around the eyes. It is used in conjunction with hyaluronic acid fillers or alone in the cheeks, midface, thinning skin on the neck, jawline, back of hands, chest and almost anywhere there is crepiness (skin laxity) or hollowness (volume loss). PRP is an excellent addition as a post treatment serum when getting an aggressive anti-aging treatment (example: microneedling, Infini, Fraxel, CO2 DOT laser, etc). Not only does it speed up the healing time it potentiates the desired effects of the treatment.
