What is Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy?
PRP therapy was first developed, used and validated for orthopedic surgery with a body of clinical literature accumulated over more than thirty years. In this treatment, the healing platelets from blood plasma separated from a patient’s own blood are re-injected into the body to enhance healing.
Platelets are tiny blood cells that are important in the clotting process. As the clot is formed, the platelets release enzymes that promote healing and play a role in tissue regeneration by attracting stem cells to aid in the repair of a damaged area.
The same process is used in the plasma lift (PRP facial). The patient’s own blood is drawn, treated, and then the platelet-rich plasma is dripped onto the skin while micro needling is performed. Injections of PRP can also be done into strategic areas to encourage skin healing and renewal through new collagen production and fresh skin cells full of human growth factors. This increase in collagen and growth factors create more youthful, plumper, and firmer appearing skin.
As a result of the Plasma Lift, the patient’s skin is naturally refreshed with little downtime.
How the Plasma Lift Works?
The Plasma Lift is a combination of treatments made up of PRP with micro needling into targeted areas of the face, neck, chest or body and simultaneous injections of dermal fillers (Juvederm, Restylane, or Fat Transplant) into deeper lines and volume deficient areas. The combination of these two treatments enhance the results of each one individually.
Before any treatment, you will have a thorough consultation with Dr. Brandow. This is your opportunity to discuss your goals and expectations for the treatment, and he will ask you about your medical history. Whether it is on the same day or at a future date, the treatment will follow the same steps:
1).Preparation: The treatment area is thoroughly cleansed.
2). Isolating PRP: The drawn blood is placed in a centrifuge for 10-15 minutes. This equipment spins the blood at high speed to separate the gold colored plasma from the rest of the blood contents. This isolated platelet rich plasma is “activated” with calcium chloride to begin releasing growth factors that, once micro-needled or injected into the body, will increase collagen production and have other healing effects.
3). Topical anesthesia: Our nurse or Dr. Brandow will apply a topical numbing cream to your face to keep you comfortable during your treatment.
4) Platelet rich plasma (PRP): is dripped onto the skin and micro-needling is performed. PRP can also be injected into certain areas of scarring, soft tissue atrophy and areas of alopecia (hair thinning or loss).
5). Repeat: Best results are obtained after about 2-3 treatments spaced about 4-6 weeks apart, though a single treatment can be effective for some individuals. Our best results are seen with simultaneous injections of fillers during 1 of these treatments.
6). Watch and wait: Growth factors contained in the plasma stimulate the release of the skin’s stem cells. The skin is being tricked into believing that it has been injured and must heal itself with new, fresh tissue. This somewhat sneaky process allows the skin to create new collagen, new blood vessels, and new cells. The results will not be immediate, so while you patiently wait a few weeks and even a few months, your skin will begin to transform itself.
How long does a PRP treatment take?
An appointment for a Plasma Lift will take about 45 minutes to 1 hour, though treatment time varies depending on the number of areas you are targeting.
Who is the ideal candidate for the Plasma Lift?
PRP therapy is autologous, which means it comes from one’s own body. Therefore, in theory, we should all be good candidates for this treatment, if we want to improve the quality and appearance of our skin. Specifically, the Plasma Lift can be used to treat:
1). Enlarged pores
2). Crow’s feet
3). Dark circles around the eyes
4). Fine lines
5). Dull, rough, or grey skin tone and texture
6). Acne scarring
7). Sun damage
8). Sagging skin in the face, neck and décolletage areas
9). Stretch marks and loose skin in certain regions of the body
10). Post traumatic or surgical scars
This procedure is not recommended for those with skin cancer, blood-related conditions, anemia, and blood or bone cancers. Patients who take blood thinning medication or non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) should discontinue their medication for a few weeks prior to their treatment and for a few days afterwards according to physician instructions.
Recovery After PRP Plasma Lift?
The Plasma Lift requires little recovery time. PRP is left on your skin overnight and washed off the following morning. Regular daily activities are resumed within 24-36 hours, including make up and exercise. A moisturizer is required for one week.
There may be redness and some tenderness on the first day, which appears much like a sunburn. The initial redness will subside on the second day. Some patients then notice some swelling and a dry, sandpaper texture to the skin the day after treatment. By the third day, the swelling should diminish and the skin will feel smooth.
Results of Plasma Lift: What can I expect?
Within a few days patients begin to see noticeable results. Within 2 to 3 months, when the greatest benefit is seen, individuals report fully refreshed skin that looks and feels more youthful. These results can last between 1 to 2 years afterwards, depending on the individual.
Caring for your rejuvenated skin
After your PRP facial, skin hydration and sun protection are paramount. A daily skin care regime that includes a good quality moisturizer and multiple applications of sunscreen of 30 SPF or higher throughout the day is helpful.
How is the Plasma Lift different from dermal fillers?
Dermal fillers made from hyaluronic acid like Restylane and Juvederm are gels that fill in lines and folds on the face. The body absorbs the products within 6 to 12 months, and a repeat treatment is then required.
PRP stimulates the body to create its own new collagen and tissue to create youthful volume and improve tone and texture. It can often be used in areas where dermal fillers are not safe.
