Platelet Rich Plasma,also known as "PRP" is an injection treatment whereby a person’s own blood is used. A fraction of blood (20cc) is drawn up from the individual patient into a syringe. This is a relatively small amount compared to blood donation which can remove 500cc. The blood is spun in a special centrifuge to separate its components (Red Blood Cells, Platelet Rich Plasma, Platelet Poor Plasma and Buffy Coat). The Platelet Rich Plasma and Buffy Coat is first separated and combined then activated with a small amount of calcium chloride which acts as an activation agent and scaffold to keep the PRP where the injector intends to treat. Platelets are very small cells in your blood that are involved in the clotting and healing 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 treatment area, they release a number of enzymes to promote healing and tissue responses including attracting stem cells and growth factors 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 to an hour. Generally 2-3 treatments are advised,however, more may be necessary for some individuals. Touch up treatments may be done once a year after the initial group of treatments to boost and maintain the results.
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. Areas typically treated for aesthetic purposes and skin rejuvenation include: Crinkling skin around the eyes, cheeks and mid face, neck, jaw-line, chest and décolletage, back of hands and arms and lips. Because it is enriched, plasma derived from one's own blood, it is considered safe and effective for almost all skin tones and is virtually allergy free.
BENEFITS: PRP has been shown to have overall rejuvenating effects on the skin including:
• Improving skin texture to a more youthful appearance
• Decreasing the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles
• Increasing tissue volume via production of collagen and elastin
• Diminishing and improving the appearance of scars
• Improved texture and thickness to skin damaged by radiation therapy
• Minimal down time and short recovery period
• Very low risk
• No general anesthesia required
CONTRAINDICATIONS: PRP used for aesthetic procedures is safe for most individuals between the ages of 18-80. Parental Consent required for patients under 18. 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
4) Chemotherapy treatments
5) Severe metabolic and systemic disorders
6) Abnormal platelet function (blood disorders, i.e. Haemodynamic Instability, Hypofibrinogenemia, Critical Thrombocytopenia)
7) Chronic Liver Pathology
8) Anti-coagulation therapy,
9) Underlying Sepsis
10) Systemic use of corticosteroids within two weeks of the procedure.
RISKS & COMPLICATIONS: Potential side effects include:
• Pain, bleeding, and/or bruising at the injection site
• Flushing of the skin, swelling, itching
• Allergy to the anticoagulant solution used to process the blood
• Injury to a nerve and/or muscle
• Infection as with any type of injection
• Dizziness or fainting
• Nausea or vomiting
• Minimal effect from the treatment
Remember, your own tissue will rarely if ever, do you harm.
ALTERNATIVES to PRP
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: Each person has a unique response to PRP treatments. The outcome is generally very positive, but patience is necessary. The regeneration process can take months and multiple treatments may be required to achieve optimal results. Initial results are usually visible at 4 weeks, and texture and tone continue to improve gradually over the ensuing 3-6 months.Advanced wrinkling cannot be reversed and only minimal improvement is predicted in persons with drug, alcohol, or 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.