What is PRP?
PRP is “platelet rich plasma”, and is thought to aid healing when injected. Plasma is a component of your blood that contains special “factors” or proteins that aid blood clotting. It also contains factor that support cell growth. Research in this field has meant that we can produce PRP by isolating plasma from blood and concentrating it.
The theory is that injecting PRP directly into tissues that are damaged will encourage your body to grow new, healthy cells and aid healing by the release of cytokines and growth factors, and it is thought that the tissues will heal faster. Increased collagen and elastic production aid in improving skin health. It therefore helps to improve the appearance of scars and stretch marks.
In the face, PRP therapy can dramatically improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles as well as thicken thin skin, and give a beautiful glow that can last up to 18 months.
For hair loss, injecting PRP into the scalp has been shown to improve hair loss by up to 25%.
This is one of the most unique and exciting fields in aesthetic medicine.
PRP for facials
The treatment is usually a combination of microneedling or microdermabrasion (link to microneedling and dermabrasion) and the application of PRP. In simple terms, it is basically a facial that uses your own blood proteins to promote the healthy activity and rejuvenation of your skin. It is injected into the skin similar to dermal fillers (link to dermal fillers).
We take blood from your arm, and place it into a centrifuge machine. Once we have performed the microneedling or microdermabrasion, we will use the PRP.
Often the facial treatment is done in conjunction with dermal fillers (link to dermal fillers)
Who is suited to this treatment?
Most patients will benefit from the treatment. It is particularly effective in the following patients:
- Skin that has become slightly “grey” as a result of reduced blood flow.
- Loss of facial shape and structure due to muscle loss and reduction in collagen.
- Skin texture that has become less smooth giving a tired and droopy look. The bright, rosiness of skin disappears to a duller grey appearance with ageing.
Downtime
You will come away from the treatment looking a little red, and similar to sunburn, and therefore high factor sun cream is advised after treatment to protect your skin. We also advise against using make up during the initial healing period.
It may take a day or two before you are ready to return to normal life.
How long do the results last?
The effects improve over a period of 8-12 weeks, and last for 12-18 months.
PRP for hair loss
PRP is an effective and proven treatment to aid patients with hair loss. We take blood from your arm into a tube that contains a separation gel. The blood is then placed in a centrifugal machine to separate the red blood cells from the plasma containing the platelets.
The PRP containing the high percentage platelets is then injected into the areas of the scalp showing hair thinning. This stimulates the follicles and encourages them to rejuvenate, and also extends the growth cycle of the hair thus stimulating hair growth.
How often do I need to come in?
We will examine your hair and scalp and recommend a treatment plan. PRP for hair growth is usually performed over a 3 month period with one treatment per month. Maintenance is required (usually 2-3 times a year).
When will I see the results?
You should be able to note improvements within approximately 90 days, with continuing improvements over the next 6 months. Results will vary depending on your medical history, your age, diet, smoking habits, and your hair condition.
PRP can be used in combination with other treatments such as laser treatment, vitamin infusion therapy (link to IV nutrition here), hair transplants and minoxidil.
What are the side effects?
With the PRP coming from your own blood, side effects are very rare. Some slight redness and swelling is normal, but this usually passes in a few days.
Recovery time is not required – you can continue as normal straight away.
