PRP Procedures FAQ
What is a Platelet Rich Plasma Facial (or Microneedling with Platelet Rich Plasma)?
The Platelet Rich Plasma Facial is done through microneedling. Professionals use a microneedling device to safely and precisely create controlled micro-injuries to the skin, Then platelet-rich plasma is injected into the skin to trigger new collagen and elastin production, break up existing scar tissue and make the skin look and feel smoother, brighter, tighter and more youthful.
How The Platelet Rich Plasma Facial and The Platelet Rich Plasma Facelift work
A minimal amount of your own blood is taken and placed in a centrifuge where the components are separated. The Platelet Rich Plasma is injected into areas where volume loss, translucency and sagging are a problem through a micro needling procedure that creates tiny channels in the surface of the skin. Micro needling utilizes a pen-like device that contains extremely tiny needles that are even smaller than those used to administer dermal fillers or Botox. The depth of penetration is adjustable, allowing the physician to treat even the highly delicate eye area. The Platelet Rich Plasma is injected in and around the needle pinpricks made by the pen device. The growth factors begin their work of stimulating collagen production for adding volume to the skin and stimulating cells to reproduce for a more youthful looking visage.
What is Platelet Rich Plasma?
Platelet Rich Plasma can be extracted from your blood. Your blood consists of four main constituents: red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets. If we take a blood sample from you, we can filter out the red cells and white cells from the plasma. Within the plasma filtrate, we can identify the area with the most platelets and use these to your benefit. Platelets are involved in wound repair and injury. When there is an injury, platelets are attracted to the site of injury where they start releasing their contents to help tissues heal and repair. Platelet Rich Plasma, therefore, contains some plasma concentrated with platelets.
Why use Platelet Rich Plasma?
Platelet Rich Plasma contains growth factors. Growth factors are necessary for wound healing, repair and inflammation. These processes are important for tissue regeneration. By injecting Platelet Rich Plasma into the skin, we are injecting growth factors into the skin. Since growth factors heal tissues, Platelet Rich Plasma will rejuvenate your skin.
Is there any downtime associated with the procedure?
No. The procedure takes approximately one hour and you may resume normal activity as soon as you are finished.
Are there any side effects?
Since Platelet Rich Plasma Facial and Platelet Rich Plasma Facelift use your own blood and don’t contain any animal or synthetic components, there is virtually no risk of an allergic reaction and there have been no reported allergic reactions to date. However, if you have a history of allergies please inform your physician. You may experience some common reactions, such as mild irritation, edema, bruising, swelling, itching, discoloration or tenderness at the site. These temporary conditions typically resolve themselves within one to two days. Results can vary.
What’s the difference between Platelet Rich Plasma Facial and Platelet Rich Plasma Facelift?
Both procedures use Platelet Rich Plasma, or platelet rich plasma, however the Platelet Rich Plasma Facelift is a series of injections and the Platelet Rich Plasma Facial is used with a needling device.
Do I need more than one treatment?
Desired results may be achieved in just one visit, but only your medical provider can determine the best treatment approach.
Who can get Platelet Rich Plasma?
Almost anyone who wants a natural and non-invasive solution for aging skin are candidates for Platelet Rich Plasma . Because the platelets are derived from your own blood, there is very little risk of reaction, and the actual process of injecting the Platelet Rich Plasma is even less invasive than Botox. Platelet Rich Plasma is particularly good for younger patients who want to get a head start on rejuvenating their skin with a solution that will look natural and youthful.
Platelet Rich Plasma also isn’t just for facial treatments: men or women who are experiencing hair loss can get Platelet Rich Plasma therapy in the scalp to stimulate follicles and promote hair regrowth. Dr. Chein recommends to have three treatments spaced one to two months apart to get the most out of your Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy; after this, the positive benefits of Platelet Rich Plasma therapy can last for a year or more.