Cosmetic Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Facial Rejuvenation
PRP Therapy, sometimes called a Vampire, is now available at PLASTIC SURGICENTRE.
As we age, most of us experience a loss of volume and skin integrity that results in common cosmetic complaints, which include the following:
- Crow’s feet
- Lip and frown lines
- Deep depressions around the nose and mouth
- Volume loss in the cheeks
- Sagging around the jaw line
- Dehydrated skin
- Overall loss of healthy, youthful skin texture and tone
The natural aging process can be accelerated by genetics, facial expressions and extrinsic factors like a poor diet, smoking and sun exposure. These all cause oxidative stress, a key component of the aging process, that appears as fine lines, hyperpigmentation, unevenness of skin tone, sagging skin and advanced wrinkling.
platelet rich plasma (PRP) , our own body’s natural source for rejuvenation. With PRP therapy, we stimulate long-term collagen growth; in turn, providing a more youthful look.
Using PRP is relatively new in cosmetic procedures; but it has been well-tested in healing sports-related injuries. Many professional athletes, as well as everyday patients, are benefitting from platelet rich paired with corrective surgery. We now have a solid history of: muscles; tendons; and ligaments healing faster with PRP therapy. It’s no surprise PRP is also providing very promising results in cosmetic enhancements.
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is an extract of your own blood that contains three to five times more platelets, growth factors, and active proteins for tissue and injury healing. When PRP is placed back into the skin by injection or micro-needling, it initiates a localized stem cell response. Over the weeks and months following treatment, this stem cell response recruits collagen-producing cells called fibroblasts. The fibroblasts replace tissue that has been damaged or lost through the aging process with healthy skin that looks refreshed and rejuvenated.
The potential benefits of PRP have led to a recent widespread interest in its use for anti-aging and regenerative purposes. The healing properties of the blood components in PRP can be used as a cosmetic treatment for the following:
- Reducing fine lines and wrinkles
- Tightening and toning skin
- Mild collagen and volume loss
- Crow’s feet and dark under eye circles
- Acne scarring
- Rosacea
Within a few weeks of treatment, an overall improvement in skin hydration, texture and tone can be seen. New collagen and blood vessels begin to grow after three to six weeks, and reduction of fine lines and wrinkles and volume correction happens over the next three to six months. The effects of Cosmetic PRP can last 12 months to two years, depending on the individual. While it creates a longer-lasting effect in the skin, it does take time to work. For women looking for an immediate effect, Cosmetic PRP can be combined with hyaluronic acid fillers for quick volume correction. Fillers provide a matrix for building new collagen and can be used to accelerate and sustain the benefits of Cosmetic PRP.
What can you expect during an office visit for platelet rich plasma? First, we draw a small amount (about 10cc) of blood. The blood is collected in a specially prepared test tube, containing a separating gel that helps collect the precious platelets. The separation process, requiring a centrifuge, takes approximately 9 minutes. Once the PRP serum is ready, it’s placed in a syringe; and ready for injection. The serum is thin enough to use a very narrow needle — the same, small-caliber, needle size normally used to administer Botox. We then inject the PRP into the areas you want to improve, along small lines and wrinkles. We can treat your entire face for rejuvenation.
Unlike Botox and fillers, please be aware there is a recovery period involving swelling; and in some cases, bruising. PRP does cause an inflammatory response; so this is expected. This swelling should subside in 3 to 7 days. Applying cold compresses, elevating your head, and using arnica cream can minimize any swelling and bruising. Once these effects subside, patients will notice that lines and wrinkles have softened; and areas of volume loss, such as nasolabial (the area between your nose and upper lip) folds, look fuller.
Results vary from patient to patient, depending on factors such as: age; overall health & nutrition; and genetics. In general, usually over a 3 to 4 week interval, patients should be able to see improvements in: skin texture; complexion; and tone. These improvements can continue for up to a year.
We at PLASTIC SURGICENTRE are excited to continue to strive on the cutting edge of the most advance technology.
For more information about Cosmetic PRP or to book your consultation, please contact PLASTIC SURGICENTRE