TREATMENTS
Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
Anti-aging
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are gaining popularity for various conditions, from anti-aging to rosacea to hair loss. The treatment uses a patient’s own blood cells to accelerate healing in a specific area.
What is platelet-rich plasma?
Platelet-rich plasma consists of two elements: plasma, which is the liquid portion of blood, and platelets, a type of blood cell that plays an important role in healing throughout the body. Platelets are well-known for their clotting abilities, but they also contain growth factors that can trigger cell reproduction and stimulate tissue regeneration or healing in the treated area. Platelet-rich plasma is simply blood that contains more platelets than normal.
To create platelet-rich plasma, blood is taken from the patient and placed into a device called a centrifuge machine, which then rapidly spins the sample, separating out the other components of the blood from the platelets and concentrating them within the plasma.
What is a PRP injection?
After creating platelet-rich plasma from a patient’s blood sample, that solution is injected into the target area, such as the scalp. The idea is to increase the concentration of specific bioproteins or hormones, called growth factors, in a specific area to accelerate the healing or growing process.
Studies show that the increased concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma stimulates, or speeds up the healing process, shortening healing time for injuries, decreasing pain, and even encouraging hair growth.
PRP FOR HAIRLOSS
PRP injections can be effective in treating male and female pattern baldness, preventing hair loss, and promoting new hair growth. PRP can also aid in the stimulation of hair growth after hair transplants.
PRP FOR ANTI-AGING AND SKIN CONDITIONS SUCH AS ROSACEA
PRP gives you the appearance of naturally young, healthy skin. Patients often try PRP to improve aging or damaged skin that doesn’t seem to respond to other treatments. The treatment can reduce fine lines, wrinkles, sun damage, and dark under-eye circles. It can also have fantastic results in treating rosacea.
When you have a PRP facial, you can expect natural-looking but vibrant results. The procedure uses platelets from your own blood to tighten dull, lax skin and brighten and improve skin tone. You are effectively jump-starting your body’s own rejuvenation systems, including collagen growth and hydration.
Microneedling PRP into the skin is also brilliant for acne scars, surgical scars, wrinkles and fine lines, hyperpigmentation, large pores, and uneven skin tone. The PRP will encourage collagen production and cell reproduction.
Vampire Facial
A nice extra after any PRP treatment on the face is a vampire facial. The blood that is separated from the plasma, is carefully rubbed into the skin, hence the name vampire facial! The platelets essentially boost your skin’s natural recovery process, which can supercharge your results.
PRP – what to expect
PREPARATION FOR PRP
A consultation is required before any treatment can take place.
You will need to wash your hair on the day of treatment but do not use any products on your hair. Bring a clean hat to your appointment to wear after the procedure to protect the area.
Because PRP therapy involves drawing blood, it is important to eat a meal before the procedure to avoid lightheadedness.
THE PRP PROCEDURE
- First blood is drawn from your arm and then separated in the centrifuge machine.
- After numbing the treatment area, the PRP is carefully injected into multiple areas under your skin. The platelets break down and release their growth factors, which trigger the natural processes of cell proliferation and tissue renewal.
- The procedure takes about 30 minutes, and most people can resume their normal activities immediately afterward.
AFTER PRP TREATMENT
- Avoid washing the treatment area for 48 hours. After that, you can use your regular hair products and continue any topical medications.
- The treatment area may be sore for two or three days, and you may notice some bruising. Paracetamol can be taken if required.
- You can use hair dye or hair treatments one week after PRP treatment for hair loss.
- You will notice the effects of the treatment after at least six months. Repeat treatments may be necessary to maintain the improvement.