For decades, blood platelets have been used in sports medicine to accelerate healing for sports injuries such as acute muscle and ligament injuries. The procedure, which is known as Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy, is now being used as a skin treatment. Despite all the publicity about PRP for skin rejuvenation, many people are still wondering – Can my blood platelets rejuvenate my skin.
What is PRP Therapy?
PRP Therapy is a unique treatment in which a patient’s own blood platelets are used to regenerate tissue. PRP is obtained by isolating the platelet-rich-plasma from the other blood cells, and making a concentrated serum that has more platelets than typically found in the blood. PRP is full of beneficial growth factors and healing agents. When PRP is injected into the damaged tissues it initiates the growth of new cells, and promotes healing.
Can your blood platelets rejuvenate your skin?
Doctors are now using blood platelets to rejuvenate the skin, and while they are not sure exactly how it works, there is every indication that injecting PRP into the skin triggers intense skin repair. The PRP facial is often referred to as a ‘vampire facelift,’ and has quickly become a new trend in skin care.
PRP for facial rejuvenation
PRP is popularly used as a facial treatment, as it makes the skin tighter and more radiant and also has anti-aging benefits. The platelets help to regenerate skin cells, as they contain high concentrations of growth factors. The nutrients that they provide also help the skin to heal faster.
PRP has youthful benefits for the skin because it decreases fine lines and wrinkles, and transforms the complexion by brightening dull skin tone, and softening skin texture. PRP also treats scarring and acne, and creates volume by stimulating the fat layers beneath the skin.
Also, PRP can potentially encourage the production of collagen and elastin. Increasing collagen and elastin helps the skin heal from within, and this improves the tone and texture of the skin.
The PRP facial is a natural beauty enhancement that has no surgical risk and requires no downtime.
How PRP works
Blood is first drawn from the arm of the patient and is subsequently placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the rest of the blood. The concentrated PRP is then activated. Once the platelets are ready, a local anesthesia is applied to the face, and the PRP is injected under the skin. The growth factors stimulate the body’s own cells and this triggers the skin’s natural healing process.
The PRP treatment is virtually painless, and takes about 1 hour to perform.
Doctors typically recommend a series of PRP treatments to achieve the best outcome. The number of treatments varies depending on the severity of the skin concerns that need to be addressed.
What to expect
There is generally some redness and swelling after a PRP facial, and this may last for a day or two. Results can be seen about 4-6 weeks after treatment, and improvements will continue for several months.
If you are struggling with dull, aging skin PRP may be just what you need to restore that youthful glow.
PRP with microneedling
PRP can also be combined with microneedling to deliver even more transformative skin rejuvenation.
Microneedling is a skin treatment in which a device with very thin, tiny needles is used to create microscopic injuries in the skin. The goal of treatment is to create new collagen and jumpstart the tissue renewal process, which makes the skin firmer, smoother, and more toned.
When PRP is combined with microneedling the platelet rich serum is applied to the skin immediately after microneedling treatment. The PRP is quickly absorbed into the skin through the micro-channels made by the needles, ensuring optimal penetration and maximum skin rejuvenation.
If you are looking for a minimally invasive, natural skin rejuvenation treatment, PRP therapy may be the right option for you.
Would you like to learn more about the use of blood platelets for skin rejuvenation?
If you are in the greater Southwest Missouri area, contact Derma-Tech Medical Spa Joplin, MO for more information.
Call (417) 206-4884 today to set up a consultation.