PRP: The Non-Invasive Face Lift
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has been used for years to successfully treat sports injuries, arthritis, sprained/torn ligaments, and joint disorders. The treatment utilizes plasma taken from the patient’s blood to target specific conditions organically. However, in recent years PRP has become a popular cosmetic procedure to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, under eye circles, and scarring. The method is often referred to as a Platelet-rich Plasma Facelift or, jokingly, as a Vampire Facelift. Celebrities, such as Kim Kardashian and Demi Moore, are embracing PRP and swearing by its ability to render a more youthful appearance.
What is PRP?
PRP is a skin rejuvenation treatment that uses the patient’s own blood platelets to create volume and lift in the face. The PRP is harvested from the patient’s blood by spinning it very fast in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the red and white blood cells, the PRP is in itself a natural growth factor, which is then injected into the face. Once inserted, the PRP works as a growth factor to encourage new collagen development, increased fatty tissue, and new blood cell production. The platelet-rich plasma stimulates rapid new cell growth. Your face becomes smoother, plumper and glowing. The PRP helps restore the vigor of youth.
Understanding Facial Aging
As you age, your cells ability to regenerate starts to slow. Collagen beneath the surface of the skin depletes and is not readily restored. Several factors cause a reduction in collagen such as sun damage and lowered hormones due to life changes such as menopause. The diminished collagen below the skin’s surface causes the face to be thin and lose the plumpness of youth. Fine lines and wrinkles develop. Crepe-like-skin often occurs, especially around the eyes. Your face loses the vibrancy and glow of youth. The under-eye region may also develop dark circles that give you a perpetual tired look.
How PRP Works
PRP was first studied and used to boost wound healing, especially in sports-related injuries. However, researchers started to recently experiment with injecting PRP into precise areas of the skin where collagen has depleted to boost cellular rejuvenation. As with sports injuries, the damaged cells utilize the PRP to replicate and increase collagen production. The facial skin undergoes a metamorphosis and starts to gain the lost appearance of youth.
PRP Procedure
A small amount of blood will be drawn from the patient. The blood is then spun in a centrifuge twice to isolate the platelet-rich pellet from the other blood components . The creation of PRP takes only about fifteen minutes. The PRP is then injected into your face in critical areas using a very small microneedle. Overall, the entire procedure, from start to finish, takes about 1 hour.
Additional Cosmetic Options
PRP can be used as a topical after laser resurfacing or even utilized in combination with micro needling. When used with either procedure, PRP has been shown to speed up cellular healing and dramatically improve results by further stimulating the production of collagen.
Unlike conventional facelifts, there is no downtime with PRP. You can immediately return to work and everyday life. Over the course of a few weeks, the PRP will start to work beneath the surface of your skin, and you will notice results. The facial rejuvenation benefits of PRP often last up to 12 months before you will need to redo the cosmetic procedure.
If you would like to learn more about PRP or our many other rejuvenating skin services please schedule a consultation at the Laser Skin & Face Center. You can also book a complimentary 30-minute facial assessment with one of our skilled nurses. They will examine your skin and create a treatment plan to fit your unique needs.
