PRP: PlATELET RICH PLASMA
WHAT IS PLASMA?
Although blood is mainly a liquid (called plasma), it also contains small solid components (red cells, white cells, and platelets.) The platelets are best known for their importance in clotting blood. However, platelets also contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors which are very important in the healing of injuries. Plasma therapy is plasma with many more platelets than what is typically found in blood. The concentration of platelets — and, thereby, the concentration of growth factors — can be 5 to 10 times greater (or richer) than usual. To develop a plasma therapy preparation, blood must first be drawn from a patient. The platelets are separated from other blood cells and their concentration is increased during a process called centrifugation. Then the increased concentration of platelets is combined with the remaining blood.
PLASMA INJECTION FOR FACIAL REJUVENATION
Plasma therapy is a natural alternative to synthetic fillers without the concern for allergic reactions. Platelets contain several growth factors that increase rebuilding of tissues over several months.* When injected into the face, the growth factors stimulate new collagen and blood vessel formation.
New blood vessel formation improves the color and tone of the skin.
New collagen formation in the dermis lifts the face back to a more youthful shape.
The epidermis (outer most layers of your skin) appears smoother as the growth factors work to build up the dermis.
WHAT TO EXPECT
The first step prior to undergoing PRP therapy or any medical aesthetic procedure is to schedule a free consultation. During this appointment, our cosmetic nurse injector will work with you to determine what your desired result is, how to best achieve this, & fully address any questions or concerns you have.
PRP therapy is a three-step process that is completed in one appointment. The first step is to draw blood from the patient’s arm and into a centrifuge machine. The centrifuge machine then separates the fluids in the blood according to their density – platelet poor plasma, platelet rich plasma, and red blood cells. The platelet rich plasma is then injected into the desired areas of the face.
Anesthesia is not required with PRP injections; however, patients often elect to use a topical numbing cream. PRP therapy has no downtime or recovery time!
Patients may elect to schedule more than one PRP session. We suggest 3 sessions. It can take 3-4 weeks post-procedure to see results, however, depending on the number of treatments received, results can last for up to a year or longer.
