What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is one of the most in-demand services in medical aesthetics today. PRP is produced when plasma, a component of blood with unique proteins that stimulate and increase the number of reparative cells of the body, is concentrated by centrifugation and applied topically or injected.

PRP stands out from other aesthetic solutions as it stimulates collagen production for total facial rejuvenation rather than individual wrinkle improvement. It is an advanced skin treatment that essentially uses your own blood to help facilitate a glowing, youthful complexion. Advanced injection techniques for facial revolumization in areas where dermal filler cannot always reach or be safely injected, including the treatment of under-eye hollows, poor skin texture, hollow cheeks, and general lack of facial skin tone can be achieved by PRP injections. 

WHY DO PEOPLE NEED PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP)?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a unique medical treatment to reverse the signs of aging and sun damage through the stimulation of collagen and the introduction of stimulating growth factors into the skin. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is also a recognised treatment for premature hair loss or hair thinning in males and females.

Areas commonly injected with PRP include:

• Eyes – the fine wrinkles that form around and underneath the eyes from facial expression can be very effectively treated with PRP.

• Mouth area – PRP treatments can soften vertical lip or ‘smokers lines’ and help smooth out dimpled and crepey skin.

• Face – PRP can be used as a generalised injectable treatment on the skin of the face to stimulate the production of collagen & elastin to give the skin a smoother more radiant texture and tone.

• Neck & Decolletage – when PRP is injected underneath the chin and on the neck and décolletage, it will create a ‘tightening’ effect which will lift the skin and smooth out fine wrinkles.

• Hands – PRP is often used to counteract the visible signs of aging seen on the backs of hands.

• Scalp – an effective treatment to stimulate dormant hair follicles and regrow hair where there has been premature hair loss and hair thinning.

• Stretch marks – PRP injections help to smooth out stretch marks and improve the discolouration and poor skin texture associated with stretch marks.

• Scarring – an effective treatment to improve acne scarring which is greatly enhanced by the additional use of Dermapen skin needling.

• PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP) AFTERCARE INSTRUCTIONS

  GENERAL ADVICE

  During the first 24–48 hours after treatment you will experience redness, swelling and tenderness in the treated areas. These responses are normal and resolve quickly and spontaneously over the next 2-4 days. You can apply light water-based or mineral makeup where necessary. Drink plenty of cold water for 48 hours after the procedure.

  Bruising at the site of injection is also common and clears completely in 1-10 days. Please read your aftercare instructions in the aftercare pack provided - there are several things you can do to help bruising.

   Swelling and bruising can give the appearance of ‘unevenness’ in the area treated. This will settle once the swelling and bruising has gone.

  After your Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment you should:

  • Avoid alcohol, caffeine, hot drinks and spicy food for 24 hours, as these may exacerbate bruising and swelling.

  • Avoid medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen for 1-2 weeks as they are blood thinning agents and may exacerbate bruising (if these medications have been advised by your GP please check with your GP before stopping them)

  • Avoid supplements such as multivitamins, fish oils, glucosamine and Vitamin B or Vitamin E, which are blood thinning agents and may exacerbate bruising for 1-2 weeks (if these supplements have been advised by your GP please check with your GP before stopping them)  

  • Avoid exercise/exertion for 24 hours

  • Avoid excess sun exposure or solarium use for 24 hours

  • Apply ice frequently as required to the area injected for up to 6 hours after the treatment. This will prevent or help to alleviate any bruising. It will also help to reduce any swelling.

  You can use Arnica cream and arnica tablets to help alleviate any bruising. NOTE: bruises can last 1-10 days. They are TEMPORARY and will completely disappear over time with no effect on your treatment. Once bruising has formed (within the first 48 hours) it is better to apply warmth to the area to encourage the body’s natural reabsorption of the bruise from the skin.

  Please advise your cosmetic practitioner prior to treatment if you have suffered in the past with cold sores on the skin or lips. This viral infection may be re-activated by some injectable treatments. You are advised to take an anti-viral medication such as Zovirax on the day of your treatment and for several days after your treatment or L-lysine for 2-3 days prior to and a week after your treatment.

The recommended treatment protocol: THREE (3) treatments 4-6 week apart followed by annually for maintenance. Call (508) 364-6932 to learn more or schedule consult.