Platelet Rich Plasma treatment also known as “PRP” is an injection treatment whereby a person’s own blood is used. A fraction of blood is drawn up from the individual patient into a syringe. This is a relatively small amount compared to blood donation. The blood is spun in a centrifuge to separate its components (Red Blood Cells, Platelet Rich Plasma, Platelet Poor Plasma and Buffy Coat) for around 20 minutes. Once your cells have separated, the rich platelets are extracted and injected into the skin where rejuvenation is requested. The PRP and Buffy Coat is first separated.
Platelets are very small cells in your blood that are involved in the clotting and the healing process. When PRP is injected into the damaged area it causes mild inflammation that triggers the healing cascade. As the platelets organise in the clot 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 remodelling of the tissue to a healthier and younger state. The full procedure takes approximately 45 minutes to 90 minutes. Generally 3-6 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
The safety of PRP was established for over 20 years for its wound healing properties and its 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. Areas typically treated for aesthetic purposes and skin rejuvenation include: Crinkling skin around the eyes, cheeks, mid- face, neck, jaw-line, chest, décolletage, back of hands and arms. It can be used to hydrate lips, and to stimulate hair growth on the scalp. It can also be used to treat scars and stretch marks. Almost all skin tones show that PRP is safe and effective because your 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 mobilising your own stem cells for your benefit. PRP has been shown to have overall rejuvenating effects on the skin including: improving texture, thickness, 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 to date have been the crepe skin problems in areas such as under the eyes, neck, and décolletage. It is not designed to replace cosmetic surgery as there are some cases where those procedures would be more appropriate. Other benefits include: minimal down time, safe with minimal risk, short recovery time, natural looking results and no general anaesthesia is required.
Possible risks and discomforts
- The primary risks and discomforts are related to the blood draw where there is a slight pinch to insert the needle for collection and there is a potential for bruising at the site.
- Dizziness and feeling faint (rare)
- A temporary headache
- The injections at the treatment locations cause pain similar to an intramuscular injection (since a small needle and topical anaesthetic (numbing) cream are used). Swelling in the forehead and around the eyes. There may rarely be swelling discoloration and bruising associated with the procedure.
- There is a potential for bruising at the injection sites. Pain from bruising could occur.
- The introduction of the needle into the skin always presents the possibility of infection, scarring, loss of sensation, or change in muscle strength.
Smokers have less positive response to this treatment than non-smokers, since the toxins in cigarette smoke block the response. There may be some variation in achieving the results requested as everyone’s body type is different and may have a different response.
