WHAT IS PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP)?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is blood plasma that has been enriched with platelets. As a concentrated source of autologous platelets, PRP contains several different growth factors and other cytokines that can stimulate healing of soft tissue. Platelets are the cells in the blood that help tissue to heal and grow new cells. The PRP, infused or injected into specific areas of the skin, acts as a matrix that promotes your own collagen to grow, regenerates tissue, and thus acts as to naturally smooth and tighten the skin. In this way, PRP softens wrinkles and creating smoother skin texture and tone.
PRP has a long history of being used in orthopedic medicine, dentistry, and reconstructive surgery, and now its benefits are being applied to other fields of medicine such as dermatology, skin wound healing, and aesthetic/cosmetic facial rejuvenation. Scientific studies dating back 30 years have documented that PRP grows new collagen when injected into the skin, and newer studies show that PRP can soften sun damage and aging skin issues.
PRP therapy is a natural treatment which uses your own blood platelets to stimulate new cell growth, helping to improve your complexion, skin texture and to restore lost facial volume. PRP can also be successfully used to treat thinning hair and hairloss particularly male pattern baldness.
WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT DURING AND AFTER THE PROCEDURE?
PRP is a natural product created from your own body. A small amount of blood is drawn from you and placed in a sterile tube that is spun down in a centrifuge to separate the different components of the blood. Red and white blood cells are divided from the platelets and the plasma (the clear fluid). This plasma now contains a higher than normal number of platelets and is called platelet rich plasma, or PRP. While the PRP is being prepared, your skin will be cleansed and prepared for the treatment. The infusion or injections is quick (15-20 minutes total), relatively painless, and requires minimal post procedure care or time off from daily events. Mild swelling, redness, or bruising may occur but fades within 1-3 days. The PRP is made from your own cells, virtually eliminating the possibility of negative side effects and allergic reactions.
The goal of PRP skin rejuvenation therapy is to improve skin tone and texture, tighten skin, soften lines and pores. Results begin to show 3-4 weeks after the treatment session and continue to improve with time. Three to four treatment sessions are generally recommended, spaced 1 month apart, to achieve the best outcome.
PRP therapy can be combined with laser treatments, microneedling (Rejuvapen), microdermabrasion, chemical peels, Dermal Fillers (Juvederm®), and/or BOTOX® Cosmetic to best target your unique issues and thus achieve the final goal of younger looking skin. Maintenance PRP treatments should be performed over time.
Schedule a complimentary consultation today with Dr. Fawn Winkelman by calling 561-826-6650.
She will personally evaluate your skin issues and describe the treatments that would be most helpful for you.
