PRP - Platelet Rich Plasma

PRP - Platelet Rich Plasma

Why Platelets and Plasma?

Plasma is full of minerals, proteins, platelets, stem cells and white blood cells, which are elements that slow as we age. A key ingredient in this treatment are the platelets which when activated, in this case through injection, release growth factors that stimulate collagen and elastin and in turn improve blood supply. An overall benefit for your skin and any target areas for treatment.

Collagen is an important component to skin and connective tissue health as it provides structure, elasticity and moisture. In other words it keeps our skin youthful and glowing.

What does a PRP treatment entail?

After PRP is determined to be right for you, some blood will be taken from your arm and spun in a centrifuge to separate the plasma and platelets.

Your treatment area will be numbed for your comfort and aseptically cleaned to minimise the risk of infection. Once you are all ready, the PRP can be directly injected into your target areas using a needle or cannula, as well as micro-needled generally into the skin’s dermal layer of the treatment area/s.

You may be marked for the first 24 hours and sometimes it may take a week for things to settle but you will still be able to go about life as you do. 

When will I see results?

You will start to see improvements that show around 3 weeks and improve up to 12 weeks and will last up to 18-24 months, but you will feel the improvements before 3 weeks.

How many treatments do I need?

This is dependent on assessment, the individual, treatment purpose, age and goal.

For tired aged skin, it is generally recommended to have 3 treatments about 4-6 weeks apart.

Hair rejuvenation it is generally recommended to have an initial series of 5 treatments about 2-3 weeks apart.

What does it treat?

It is nicknamed “Liquid Gold” treatment, as it addresses:

• Fine lines and wrinkles

• Areas needing some volume

• Suitable for around the eyes

• Dull, tired skin

• Photodamaged skin – sun and laser.

• Neck and décolletage

• ‘Smokers lines’ around the mouth

• Scars/acne scars

• Stretch marks

• Hands

• Hair loss – Yes – that’s right hair regrowth _ PRP not only stimulates inactive hair follicles ut also improves blood supply. Studies show that patients see just over a 30% increase in hair growth in 3 months as compared to those who don’t have PRP treatments and continue to experience an increase in hair loss.

Can I have PRP and is it safe?

Since the PRP used is your (patient’s) own blood, the risk of disease transmission, allergic reaction, toxicity or rejection are avoided.

Some side effects may include:

Redness, swelling, bruising, tenderness or mild discomfort.

Treatment is not recommended if you:

• suffering from any skin infection in or near the treatment area or are unwell in any way (even a cold).

• have previously experienced allergic reactions to any dermal filler or local anaesthetic

• are taking any medicines which affect bleeding, such as aspirin or warfarin. If you are taking steroids or have autoimmune disease

• have any bleeding disorders

• are undergoing chemotherapy

• suffer from a poorly controlled medical condition

• are pregnant or breastfeeding