Platelet-Rich Plasma
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy is becoming increasingly common in the cosmetic world for full skin rejuvenation, acne scarring, stretch mark reduction and the regeneration of damaged tissue. It works by stimulating the body’s healing process by delivering a patient’s own plasma directly into the affected tissues.
What is PRP?
Blood consists of four components; red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets. Platelet-Rich Plasma is abundant in growth factors essential for cell regeneration and wound healing. It has been used by doctors for years to accelerate wound healing and repair ligament, cartilage, tendon, joint damage, osteoarthritis and more. It is often used to combat pain associated with injuries that have not responded by other measures. In the cosmetic industry, PRP is used for stimulating collagen, acne scarring, dark circles under the eyes, fine line reduction, reducing the severity of stretch marks and successfully treating thinning hair, in particular male pattern baldness. It works by delivering concentrated growth factor cells to the injured site, stimulating a wound healing process. Usually arteries will deliver platelets immediately to injured tissue to stimulate cell regeneration. Where there is a limited supply such as tendons, muscles, ligaments and so forth, injecting platelet rich plasma directly to the site can significantly increase the healing cascade.
How is it done?
Blood is taken from the patient in a simple blood test (15-30mls depending on area being treated). Using a centrifuge, the platelets are separated from the blood and are then collected and re-injected into the treatment area of choice. In the beauty world, this treatment has been nick-named “the vampire facial” made famous by Kim Kardashian.
Post treatment
Patients may expect some mild to moderate swelling in the area of treatment, heat and flushing (due to the activation of platelets), bruising and minimal pain. Usually patients require two to three treatments based four weeks apart but some patients respond well and notice a difference after one treatment. Collagen production can take up to three months to occur and results differ depending on the patient.
Why can’t I have PRP?
Like a lot of cosmetic procedures, ladies who are pregnant or breast-feeding are not suitable for the treatment. Patients on anticoagulant therapy are not advised to undergo the treatment, patients with an autoimmune disorder, cancer or surgery/implants in the affected area. At Complete Skin, we will take into account your past and present medical history including any past cosmetic procedures to determine your suitability.
We are excited to be performing such an innovative procedure at Complete Skin and encourage you to take the first step to full skin rejuvenation today. Call us on 6925 0788 or book online for a free consultation.