Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
What is PRP?
PRP is an all-natural treatment that delivers truly fantastic, rejuvenating results to the complexion by stimulating the production of new skin cells deep within the layers of the skin.
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Crinkling, thinning skin around the eyes, cheeks & mid face
- Jaw line definition
- Smoothing of the chest and décolletage
- Smoothing of the neck
- Rejuvenating the backs of the hands and arms, where we really show ageing
- Decreasing scarring
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a therapy that uses a client’s own ‘platelet-rich plasma’. A small vial of a client’s blood is taken (10 to 25mls) is taken from your arm much like a blood test. It is then spun in a centrifuge for eight to ten minutes to separate the red blood cells from the platelet-rich plasma.
The concentrated platelets are then injected back under the skin by a series of tiny injections using a very fine cannula needles. These platelets are the “sticky glue” that stops bleeding when you hurt yourself.
Their other job is to spur wound and tissue recovery by secreting growth factors. By injecting it into the deeper skin layers, fibroblasts and other cells can be stimulated to produce new skin cells that have a more youthful function and appearance.
Clients notice a more luminous, healthy glow to their complexion.
What is PRP used to treat?
Doctors have used PRP Therapy since the mid-1990s to aid bone healing after sports and spinal injuries, but it can also be used cosmetically to improve skin texture and soften lines and wrinkles, particularly the crêpe – like skin under the eyes and on the eyelids, neck and décolletage, lines above the upper lips and the back of the hands.
It is also ideal to treat dull, dry skin and stimulate hair growth.
Before PRP
After PRP
Before eyes PRP
After eyes PRP
FAQ
Is the treatment painful?
The treatment (like any injection) may cause minor discomfort, but patients find it very tolerable.
The skin area(s) to be treated may be numbed with a topical anaesthetic cream to minimise discomfort.
How long does it take to work and how long will it last?
Three treatments, one month apart, will usually be required. Skin improvement occurs gradually, and continues to show for three to six months after the treatment, with results lasting for about two years.
A single session every 6-12 months can be used to boost and lengthen the initial treatments.
Are there any side effects?
The treatment is completely safe as you are using your own blood cells so there is no chance of an allergic reaction or any serious side-effects. However, there is some downtime associated with PRP.
Minor redness and swelling may occur and may last 24 hours. Some minor bruising is also possible and while it may be covered with makeup, bruising may last up to a week on those that tend to bruise easily.
Can anyone have PRP Therapy?
Most people are excellent candidates for PRP Therapy. However, if you are a smoker you may find that it takes longer to get the results that you want. Heavy drinkers and those that take illegal drugs are also not good candidates. If you have cancer, severe systemic disease, liver disease or another chronic disease it is not a suitable treatment.
PRP treatment is also not recommended for people with platelet or clotting disorders.
How do I prepare for PRP?
Don’t smoke, drink alcohol to excess or take illegal drugs.
Do not take aspirin and/or anti-inflammatory drugs such as Nurofen® and Voltaren® for two weeks prior to treatment and six weeks after treatment.
If you take blood thinning supplements with omega 3 fatty acids (such as fish, krill or flax seed oil), you should also stop them during the preparation period outlined above.