Platelet Rich Plasma, or also known as “PRP” whereby a person own blood is used. A fraction of blood (20cc-60cc) is drawn up from the individual patient into a syringe. This is a relatively small amount compared to blood donation which removes 500cc. The blood is spun down in a special centrifuge (according to standard Harvest Techniques) to separate its components (Red Blood Cells, Platelet Rich Plasma, and Plasma. The platelet rich plasma is first separated then activated with a small amount of calcium to allow the release of growth factors from the platelets which in turn amplifies the healing process. PRP is then injected into the area to be treated. Platelets are very small cells in your blood that are involved in the clotting process. When PRP is injected into the damaged area it causes a mild inflammation that triggers the healing cascade. As the platelets organize in the clot, they release several enzymes to promote healing and tissue responses including attracting stem cells to repair the damaged area. As a result, new collagen begins to develop. As the collagen matures it begins to shrink causing the tightening and strengthening of the damaged area. When treating injured or sun and time damaged tissue they can induce a remodeling of the tissue to a healthier and younger state. The full procedure takes approximately 45 minutes - 1 hr. Generally, 2-3 treatments are advised, however, more may be indicated for some individuals. Touch up treatment may be done once a year after the initial group of treatments to boost and maintain the results.
PRP can be used as a stand-alone treatment, or combined with vitamins (like vitamin C), and/or with a Neurotoxin for a baby Botox treatment, and/or a hyaluronic acid filler or serum.
Methods of Delivery could be either via injections using, micro needling, needles, cannulas, or the Aqua Gold microinjecting device,
PRP’S SAFETY has been established for over 20 years for its wound healing properties and it’s proven effectiveness has extended across multiple medical specialties including cardiovascular surgery, orthopedics, sports medicine, podiatry, ENT, neurosurgery, dental and maxillofacial surgery (dental implants and sinus elevations), urology, dermatology (chronic wound healing), and ophthalmology, cosmetic surgery. PRP’s emergence into aesthetics and skin rejuvenation began in 2004 in Europe, Asia, Australia, and South America in countries such as, UK, Japan, Spain, Portugal, and Argentina to name a few. Areas typically treated for aesthetic purposes and skin rejuvenation include Crinkling skin around the eyes, cheeks and mid-face, neck, jawline, chest, and décolletage, back of hands and arms, lips, and to stimulate hair growth on scalp. Almost all skin tones show that PRP is safe and effective because our own enriched plasma is used.
BENEFITS of PRP: Along with the benefit of using your own tissue therefore eliminating allergies there is the added intrigue of mobilizing your own stem cells for your benefit. PRP has been shown to have overall rejuvenating effects on the skin as in improving skin texture, fine lines, and wrinkles, increasing volume via the increased production of collagen and elastin, and by diminishing and improving the appearance of scars. The most dramatic results so far have been the creepy skin problems in areas such as under the eyes, neck, and décolletage areas. It is not designed to replace cosmetic surgery for loose skin where procedures such as blepharoplasties etc. would be more appropriate. Other benefits: minimal down time, safe with minimal risk, short recovery time, natural looking results, no general anesthesia is required.
CONTRAINDICATIONS: PRP used for aesthetic procedures is safe for most individuals between the ages of 25-80. There are very few contraindications, however, patients with the following conditions are not candidates: 1) Acute and Chronic Infections 2) Skin diseases (i.e. SLE, porphyria, allergies) 3) Cancer 3) Chemotherapy 4) Severe metabolic and systemic disorders 5) Abnormal platelet function (blood disorders, i.e. Hemodynamic Instability, Hypofibrinogenemia, Critical Thrombocytopenia) 6) Chronic Liver Pathology 7) Anti-coagulation therapy, 8) Underlying Sepsis and 9) Systemic use of corticosteroids within two weeks of the procedure.
RISKS & COMPLICATIONS: I have been informed that some of the Side Effects of Platelet Rich Plasma include: 1) Pain at the injection site 2) Bleeding, Bruising and/or Infection as with any type of injection 3) Short lasting pinkness/redness (flushing) of the skin 4) Allergic reaction to the solution 5) Injury to a nerve and/or muscle as with any type of injection 6) Itching at the injection site(s) 7) Nausea /vomiting 8) Dizziness or fainting 9) Temporary blood sugar increase 10) Swelling 11) Minimal effect from the treatment.
ALTERNATIVES to PRP: Alternatives to PRP are: 1) Do Nothing 2) Surgical Intervention may be a possibility 3) Injections with neurotoxins 4) Injections of dermal filling agents 5) Laser & Light-based treatments like Pulsed Light 6) chemical peels.
RESULTS: Results are generally visible at 3 weeks and continue to improve gradually over ensuing months (3-6) with improvement in texture and tone. Advanced wrinkling cannot be reversed and only a minimal improvement is predictable in persons with drug, alcohol, and tobacco usage. Severe scarring may not respond. Current data shows results may last 18-24 months. Of course, all individuals are different so there will be variations from one person to the next.
CONSENT: My consent and authorization for this elective procedure is strictly voluntary. By signing this informed consent form, I hereby grant authority to the physician/practitioner to perform Platelet Rich Plasma “aka” PRP injections to area (s) discussed during our consultation, for the purpose aesthetic enhancement and skin rejuvenation. I have read this informed consent and certify I understand its contents in full. All of my questions have been answered to my satisfaction and I consent to the terms of this agreement. I agree to adhere to all safety precautions and instructions after the treatment. I have been instructed in and understand post treatment instructions and have been given a written copy of them. I understand that medicine is not an exact science and acknowledge that no guarantee has been given or implied by anyone as to the results that may be obtained by this treatment. I also understand this procedure is “elective” and not covered by insurance and that payment is my responsibility. Any expenses which may be incurred for medical care I elect to receive outside of this office, such as, but not limited to dissatisfaction of my treatment outcome will be my sole financial responsibility. Payment in full for all treatments is required at the time of service and is non-refundable.
I hereby give my voluntary consent to this PRP procedure and release Dr. Maha Naim and Encanta Cejas medical staff, and specific technicians from liability associated with the procedure. I certify that I am a competent adult of at least 18 years of age and am not under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
I agree, if I should I have any questions or concerns regarding my treatment / results I will notify this office at 786-366-6390 immediately so that timely follow-up and intervention can be provided.