PRP Treatment

As you age, you might notice a few changes in your body and obvious changes in your facial skin. The development of fine wrinkles near the eyes folds near your mouth, or forehead lines might be a cause for concern. Fret not. You can erase these signs of ageing without going for an invasive procedure. You can choose an advanced and innovative treatment like PRP or Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy to rejuvenate your facial skin [1]. This PRP therapy extracts the platelets from a small amount of your blood to enhance your facial skin with active proteins that possess growth factors [2]. With PRP therapy, your facial skin tone and texture will have a dramatic improvement while enhancing its radiance and youthful look [3]. It’s no wonder, that PRP treatment has become a popular solution to get youthful facial skin that radiates beautifully.

What Is PRP Therapy?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a safe and minimally invasive procedure, which gained FDA approval in 2009. This therapy is used for several skin-based applications, including skin rejuvenation, as it utilizes platelets, a natural substance in your blood. During PRP therapy, your dermatologist will inject the extracted platelets into your skin in the targeted treatment area to generate new cells by boosting collagen [4]. PRP therapy is an excellent choice to enhance skin health and promote its appearance as it kindles tissue regeneration, promotes blood circulation, and induces collagen production [5].

The elastin and collagen production in your body is based on the domino effect. So, your facial skin will continue to look young and supple for several years as your body will go on producing high levels of elastin and collagen with PRP therapy. If you have second thoughts about using fillers, or injections with chemicals or toxins to rejuvenate your skin, then PRP is an excellent natural alternative to get organic results. Whatever skin type you might have, the PRP therapy can be customized to meet any specific needs related to rejuvenating facial skin.

Benefits of PRP for Facial Rejuvenation

PRP therapy has gained quick recognition for being a minimally invasive non-surgical procedure. It is based on treating your facial skin with natural substances called platelets in human blood to enhance the protein levels with growth factors to heal and rejuvenate your skin [6]. So, the effects of PRP treatment on your facial skin will last for 18 months or even more. Some of its common benefits include:

1. Decreases Deep Wrinkles and Fine Lines

PRP therapy has the potential to cut down the signs of ageing by lowering the wrinkles and fine lines in your face. With age, the ability of your body to produce collagen slows down, which causes the development of wrinkles and saggy skin. PRP focuses on inducing collagen production to give you tighter and smoother skin [7]. It also diminishes the deep folds in the skin and plumps up the hollow areas in the cheeks.

2. Enhances Your Skin Tone and Texture

As you age, it is natural for the skin to turn lifeless and dull, as it is prone to dryness. With PRP therapy, your skin quality improves, as it kindles tissue regeneration, and cell repair, and prevents skin thinning. It also promotes collagen production in the skin to improve your skin tone and texture by delivering a total skin rejuvenation effect [8]. If you have acne breakouts, or facing the effects of rosacea, PRP treatment is a perfect choice to get flawless skin.

3. Effectively Treats Acne Scars

Sometimes, issues like imbalances in hormone levels and oily skin might lead to severe acne breakouts, which can leave unsightly scars. To prevent these stubborn scars from negatively influencing your confidence, choose PRP treatment. This therapy can help treat the deep marks left by acne by inducing the production of collagen and elastin. It fixes the acne pits and scars to make your skin smooth and plump.

4. Rectifies Enlarged Pores

The effects of sun damage and ageing can make your pores get enlarged. These large skin pores are prone to clogging of oil, dirt, and makeup, which can lead to skin infections, if not treated. This is why you must consider PRP therapy for enlarged pores, as it tightens the skin cells while improving the rate of tissue repair and cell regrowth. So, the size of the skin pores will be reduced and your facial skin will achieve a rejuvenated look.

5. Effective in Lowering Dark Circles and Pigmentation Under Eyes

One of the remarkable advantages of availing PRP therapy for facial rejuvenation is its ability to lower dark circles or pigmentation under your eyes. These skin conditions are caused by several factors like ageing, genetics, and blood vessels. During PRP treatment, your dermatologist will target these problem areas to effectively eliminate and lower the under-eye imperfections. It helps by boosting cell growth, promoting blood circulation, and improving oxygen supply to keep your eye area fresh and radiant [9].

6. No Pain and Downtime

When compared to other minimally invasive procedures, PRP therapy is not painful and has relatively less downtime. If PRP is performed in sensitive areas of your face with delicate skin like mouth, hairline, or eyes, your dermatologist might apply a local anaesthetic to prevent any discomfort.

7. No Severe Side Effects or Risks

As PRP facial therapy is not a surgical procedure, it is a low-risk process with very mild side effects. As the procedure uses your blood, there are no risks like rejecting plasma or negative side effects on your body. Some might experience mild side effects like tingling, redness, itchy skin, swelling, or bruising, which subside gradually after the treatment.

8. Flaunt Rejuvenated Skin in the Long Run

The results offered by PRP facial treatment will be visible within a few weeks after the first session as the collagen production process takes some time to show its benefits to your skin [10]. PRP facial rejuvenation procedure offers excellent results that last more than a year. You can opt for regular PRP sessions once in 6 to 8 months to keep your skin looking healthy, young and supple.

The PRP Facial Rejuvenation Procedure

To achieve long-lasting facial rejuvenation results, PRP therapy is performed by following a few steps mentioned below.

  1. Collection of Blood Sample:For PRP treatment, a blood sample will be collected by extracting about 30 ml of blood drawn from your arm in a test tube.
  2. Extraction of Platelets: The blood collected from you will be added to the centrifuge device in the laboratory. This double-spun centrifuge device will spin for several minutes to segregate blood into various layers. The blood’s top layer is known as fibrin containing concentrated platelet levels [11]. Such concentrated platelets in the topmost layer are up to 5 to 8 times higher than the regular platelets in your body [12]. The trichologist will activate the growth factors in the plasma obtained by adding activating agents.
  3. Application of PRP: Your dermatologist might apply numbing cream or local anaesthesia to keep you comfortable throughout the procedure. The collected concentrated platelets will be injected into your facial skin using a microneedling pen or syringe. The platelets introduced in the skin will form clots in your blood to begin the production of proteins with growth factors. These growth factors aid in improving skin healing. New cell generation, and skin rejuvenation.
  4. The PRP Facial Procedure: The PRP facial is performed in two ways.

    5. They are:

    • PRP Coupled With Microneedling: During this procedure, The Platelet-rich plasma will be spread over your facial skin and it will be inserted in the skin through the micro-needling process for better absorption, especially in the cheek and forehead areas. The microneedling process uses tiny sterile needles that make superficial holes in your skin to insert the plasma and platelets effectively to induce collagen growth.
    • Vampire Facial: This second PRP procedure is popularly referred to as vampire facial, where the plasma is injected into your skin similar to filler. So, the skin issue is targeted in two ways, on the top layer and under the layers. A study showed that people who took PRP injections in one cheek saw visible improvement than in the other cheek injected with saline [13].

What to Expect After PRP Therapy

After PRP therapy, you might face one or two of the following symptoms, which are usually mild and temporary. However, such symptoms are generally temporary and last only for a short time. You can get back to your usual activities as soon as getting your PRP therapy for face rejuvenation.

  • Slight Skin Sensitivity (Mild): Soon after your PRP facial therapy, your skin might be a bit more sensitive than usual and might be tender when you touch the face.
  • Slight Skin Irritation (Mild): As the treatment is performed by injecting the concentrated platelet-rich plasma into your facial skin, it can lead to mild irritation or inflammation.
  • Swelling and Redness (Mild): Experiencing slight reddishness or swelling in the treatment site during the first three days is normal, as your body will show a slight response to the PRP procedure. It is a common symptom, which will get resolved on its own in a couple of days.
  • Bruising and Tenderness (Mild): Another mild side effect that some people will experience is tenderness and bruising on the treatment area. These mild side effects can be easily handled with OTC pain relievers or by applying ice packs.
  • Peeling and Flaking (Rare and Temporary): In rare conditions, some people may face mild peeling or skin flaking soon after their PRP treatment. It is a normal and mild skin process that occurs as a part of exfoliation, which is a temporary symptom. You can get rid of this mild and temporary side effect of PRP facial therapy like lowering peeling or flaking by restricting the usage of harsh skincare products with abrasive ingredients and staying well-hydrated.

Who Should Avoid PRP Therapy

PRP therapy is a safe procedure, which makes it ideal for people of all ages. However, PRP treatment is not advisable for some people with underlying medical conditions or infections [14].

  • People who are HIV positive or suffering from AIDs
  • People undergoing treatment for blood cancer
  • Individuals who are taking treatment for skin cancer
  • Those who are taking blood thinners for cardiovascular conditions
  • People having Hepatitis C
  • People dealing with blood-related medical issues, such as leukaemia or anaemia
  • Individuals who have chain smoking habits
  • Pregnant women
  • People who are anaemic
  • People having platelet disorders like Von Willebrand disease, Acquired platelet dysfunction, Immune thrombocytopenia, and Thrombocytopenia
  • Individuals taking fibrinolytic drugs or anticoagulants to treat blood clots [15].

Parting Thoughts

PRP facial therapy utilizes the plasma extracted from your blood to improve the natural healing process of your skin and rejuvenate it. From alleviating the signs of ageing to treating various skin imperfections, PRP therapy is a risk-free procedure. As it uses a small amount of your blood, the possibility of developing side effects is very low and requires less downtime. PRP procedure is a perfect option if you want a non-surgical option to look young.

Are you considering PRP therapy for your face? Seek a consultation with Kolors Healthcare to get a personalized treatment plan to flaunt flawless, rejuvenated skin.

References

  1. Elghblawi E. Platelet-rich plasma, the ultimate secret for youthful skin elixir and hair growth triggering. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018 Jun;17(3):423-430. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12404. Epub 2017 Sep 8. PMID: 28887865.- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28887865/
  2. Peng GL. Platelet-Rich Plasma for Skin Rejuvenation: Facts, Fiction, and Pearls for Practice. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2019 Aug;27(3):405-411. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2019.04.006. PMID: 31280855. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31280855/
  3. Li, X., Gao, J., Zheng, H., Zou, C., Yu, Z., Wu, Z., & Zhang, J. (2023). Study of platelet-rich plasma application for skin and plastic surgery in recent 20 years: A bibliometric analysis. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 22(6), 1852-1862. https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.15653 – https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/jocd.15653
  4. Emer J. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP): Current Applications in Dermatology. Skin Therapy Lett. 2019 Sep;24(5):1-6. PMID: 31584784. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31584784/” target=”_top
  5. American Academy of Dermatology Association – https://www.aad.org/public/cosmetic/younger-looking/platelet-rich-plasma-secret-to-younger-skin
  6. Nanda S, Chauhan K, Shetty V, Dashore S, Bhatia S. Platelet-Rich Plasma in Aesthetics. Indian Dermatol Online J. 2021 Nov 25;12(Suppl 1):S41-S54. doi: 10.4103/idoj.idoj_290_21. PMID: 34976880; PMCID: PMC8664171. – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8664171/
  7. Hersant B, SidAhmed-Mezi M, Niddam J, La Padula S, Noel W, Ezzedine K, Rodriguez AM, Meningaud JP. Efficacy of autologous platelet-rich plasma combined with hyaluronic acid on skin facial rejuvenation: A prospective study. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017 Sep;77(3):584-586. doi: 10.1016/j.jaad.2017.05.022. PMID: 28807118. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28807118/
  8. Gupta AK, Versteeg SG, Rapaport J, Hausauer AK, Shear NH, Piguet V. The Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Field of Hair Restoration and Facial Aesthetics-A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis. J Cutan Med Surg. 2019 Mar/Apr;23(2):185-203. doi: 10.1177/1203475418818073. Epub 2019 Jan 4. PMID: 30606055. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30606055/
  9. Zhang M, Park G, Zhou B, Luo D. Applications and efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in dermatology: A clinical review. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2018 Oct;17(5):660-665. doi: 10.1111/jocd.12673. Epub 2018 Jul 25. PMID: 30047234. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30047234/
  10. Badran KW, Nabili V. Lasers, Microneedling, and Platelet-Rich Plasma for Skin Rejuvenation and Repair. Facial Plast Surg Clin North Am. 2018 Nov;26(4):455-468. doi: 10.1016/j.fsc.2018.06.007. Epub 2018 Aug 16. PMID: 30213427. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30213427/
  11. Mercader Ruiz J, Beitia M, Delgado D, Sánchez P, Sánchez MB, Oraa J, Benito-Lopez F, Basabe-Desmonts L, Sánchez M. Method to obtain a plasma rich in platelet- and plasma-growth factors based on water evaporation. PLoS One. 2024 Feb 21;19(2):e0297001. doi: 10.1371/journal.pone.0297001. PMID: 38381708; PMCID: PMC10880971. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38381708/
  12. Tsai YW, Cheng CY, Hu S, Chang SL, Lin TM, Huang YL. Platelet-Rich Plasma Versus Platelet-Poor Plasma for Treating Facial Photoaging: a Double-Blind Randomized Controlled Splitting Face Study. Aesthetic Plast Surg. 2024 Jun;48(11):2162-2170. doi: 10.1007/s00266-023-03822-0. Epub 2024 Jan 22. PMID: 38253883. – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/38253883/
  13. Alam M, Hughart R, Champlain A, Geisler A, Paghdal K, Whiting D, Hammel JA, Maisel A, Rapcan MJ, West DP, Poon E. Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection for Rejuvenation of Photoaged Facial Skin: A Randomized Clinical Trial. JAMA Dermatol. 2018 Dec 1;154(12):1447-1452. doi: 10.1001/jamadermatol.2018.3977. PMID: 30419125; PMCID: PMC6583756. – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6583756/
  14. Gupta A, Jeyaraman M, Maffulli N. Common Medications Which Should Be Stopped Prior to Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection. Biomedicines. 2022 Aug 31;10(9):2134. doi: 10.3390/biomedicines10092134. PMID: 36140235; PMCID: PMC9495905. – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9495905/
  15. Kao DS, Zhang SW, Vap AR. A Systematic Review on the Effect of Common Medications on Platelet Count and Function: Which Medications Should Be Stopped Before Getting a Platelet-Rich Plasma Injection? Orthop J Sports Med. 2022 Apr 12;10(4):23259671221088820. doi: 10.1177/23259671221088820. PMID: 35434168; PMCID: PMC9008823. – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9008823/

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