Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma which is extracted from the patient’s own blood. Your blood is comprised of red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. Platelets contain growth factors, such as epidermal growth factors, fibroblast growth factors, amongst many others. These growth factors stimulate the healing cascade leading to cell turnover and collagen production.
The concentrated plasma, which is now rich with platelets, is either injected into the skin with filler, scalp, or applied topically following treatment with laser, IPL, microneedling, or RF microneedling.
What to expect during treatment?
Blood is drawn in a traditional manner. The red blood cells are then separated from the plasma and platelets via a centrifuge.
What to expect after treatment?
If injected with filler, some swelling, tenderness, or bruising may occur for a few days following treatment.
How many treatments are needed?
PRP can be combined with your filler or topically following laser, IPL or microneedling RF. Please refer to those pages in our website for more detailed information on each treatment type.
When will I see results?
The effects of collagen stimulation are most noticeable 3 months after treatment.
Risks associated with treatment
The risk of injection is related to the filler, not your own blood product. Please see our page on fillers under injectable treatments for risks associated with filler.
PRP can help improve the appearance of:
- Skin texture
- Dull skin
-
Mild laxity
-
- Scarring
PRP PRE TREATMENT CARE
GENERAL CARE
- Drink lots of water on the day of your treatment.
- Try to come to the office makeup free.
- Avoid alcohol for 2-3 days before your treatment as both can reduce platelet activation which could interfere with your results.
MEDICATION
- A topical numbing cream will be applied for about 45 minutes before your treatment.
- Avoid Advil, Aleve, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Naprosyn, (all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents), Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Flax Oil, Cod liver, Omega 3 Fatty Acids (EPA, DHA) 1 week prior to your treatment as this can increase bruising and bleeding.
PRP POST TREATMENT CARE
DOWNTIME
- Injection sites may be red or tender to the touch for 2-5 days following treatment, please avoid touching the areas to limit risk of infection.
- Avoid taking a shower for 6 hours post injection as hot and cold temperatures can interfere with your body’s response to PRP.
- Avoid saunas, steam rooms, swimming for 2 days after your injection.
- Avoid vigorous exercise, sun and heat exposure for at least 2 days after your injection.
MEDICATIONS
- Avoid Advil, Aleve, Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Motrin, Naprosyn, (all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents), Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Gingko Biloba, Garlic, Flax Oil, Cod liver, Omega 3 Fatty Acids (EPA, DHA) for 2 weeks after your treatment. The goal is to create inflammation and these medications will block inflammation which may interfere with your results. Of course, if you take aspirin for cardiac reasons or history of stroke, resume 24 hours after treatment.
- If you experience any pain or discomfort, you may take Tylenol.
GENERAL CARE
- Avoid makeup, lotions, creams for about 6 hours after treatment.
- Stay well hydrated for 1 week post treatment.
- Avoid applying ice to the injected area, as ice acts as an anti-inflammatory. Cool compresses are ok.
- Avoid alcohol and caffeine for 2-3 days after treatment.
SUN EXPOSURE
- Avoid direct sun exposure for 3 days post treatment.
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Worth it rating
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The World of Fillers
Fillers are comprised of hyaluronic acid, which restores volume and improves the overall texture of the skin. As we age, we lose fat in the face, the muscle wears down and even the bone structure changes. This all contributes to an ageing face. In our youth, the face is shaped like an upside-down egg, wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. As we age, this flip around. We become narrower up top having lost volume around the temples and wider at the bottom. This is because of the changes we mentioned above – loss of subcutaneous fat, muscle atrophy, and changes in bone structure.
When tackling volume loss, we start with the midface. It fills the cheeks, elevates the midface, and in doing so can improve the hollowing of the eyes and smooth the lines around the mouth. Filler can restore definition to the jawline. Not only can it plump the lips, but also restore its color and hydration too. Don’t forget the hands, always a dead giveaway of our age. The hands can also be filled, we use Restylane Lyft for this area. With the correct type of filler and amount used most won’t know what you’ve had done, just that you look rested, refreshed, youthful.
Prior to coming to the clinic there are a few things you should do to prepare. Avoid alcohol and Ibuprofen 48 hours prior to injection as this will minimize bruising. Of course, there still is a risk of bruising as we have hundreds of thousands of blood vessels in our face but taking this precaution will help. We locally anesthetize the area and in some, perform a nerve block. Other practices just use a topical anesthetic. We do not find this to be as effective. After your procedure you should avoid strenuous activity for a few days. Sleeping upright can help with swelling. Keeping hydrated and using a topical hyaluronic serum is great to support your treatment at home. By staying hydrated and using a good skin care regimen, we support and maintain our results following treatment.
We love Galderma’s Restylane line of fillers. Their line of fillers with XpresHAn technology integrates into the tissues and moves with the face keeping a natural look. We’ve included a list of Restylane’s line of filles and areas we like to use them:
Restylane Refyne – can be used anywhere on the face
Restylane Defyne – lower face such as nasal labial folds (laugh lines), chin
Restylane Contour – midface
Restylane Lyft – midface, temples, jawline, hands
Restylane – L – can be used anywhere on the face, lips
Restylane Kysse – lips, wrinkles around the mouth
We are happy to answer any questions you may have! Consultations are complimentary. Call or schedule online at themdskinclinic.com
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