What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?

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Platelet-Rich Plasma or PRP is plasma (a substance directly flowing in the blood) with higher concentration of platelets and growth factors.

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Platelets are components of the blood responsible for stopping bleeding and initiating the cicatrisation process, regenerating your skin whenever there is a cut or a wound.

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In order to separate plasma from other red blood cells components, a sample of blood is collected and then spun at high speed in a device called a centrifuge. The spin makes heavier particles to settle at the bottom of the vial, leaving lighter particles such as platelets concentrated and suspended on the plasma.

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The result is a golden liquid full of rich growth factors (platelets and others) that can be used for multiple purpose treatments, particularly in the fields of sports medicine and injury recovery, rheumatology and aesthetic medicine.

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A few years ago PRP regenerative properties were confirmed and this technique became a standard practice for creating tissue regeneration.

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More recently, the means for obtaining PRP have been perfected and ever higher concentrations of growth factors could be achieved.

This advancement made it possible to use PRP in a variety of aesthetic procedures.

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The growth factors present in plasma are natural nutrients to the skin and when injected they are very easily absorbed, promoting regeneration.

 

 

How is the procedure performed?

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Typically, about 15 cc/ml of your own blood is drawn by the doctor like anytime you take blood samples for regular testing. The blood is spun in a centrifuge and plasma is obtained with high concentration of growth factors.

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We use Arthrex® Double Syringe System® a technology that reduces the risk of contamination and provides 100% preservative free PRP. All the devices are sterile and sealed, only being opened in front of the patient and disposed of immediately after each treatment.

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On our YouTube channel you can find two videos explaining the procedure.

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Once obtained, the PRP is gently injected by the doctor in the designated areas with a very thin needle or by using a microneedling device. Numbing cream is always available to increase the comfort throughout the treatment should the patient require it.

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This injection activates the growth factors hence starting the regenerative processes in the body, including the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid without which your skin naturally looses brightness and begins to sag.

 

Metabolic turnover is increased as well, and old cells are more rapidly replaced by new ones.

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The overall effect: skin becomes more luminous; there is an increased sense of better texture; and tiring looking skin is replaced by more youthful, replenished looking skin.

 

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Where can PRP be used?

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PRP and specifically Arthrex® ACP® platelet-rich plasma can be used in a variety of problems pertaining to cutaneous health and beauty.

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1. Face rejuvenation

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Daily damages and contamination by free radicals and pollution, along with the exposure to aggressive effects from sunlight, heat, cold, smoke and chemicals, produce several negative effects on the appearance of your skin:

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- It becomes oxidized;

- It looks opaque;

- It becomes more fragile, more flaccid and with lower glow;

- It ages more quickly, as these external factors limit the speed and intensity of cellular turnover.

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PRP injections with thin needles and at very shallow depths naturally help the natural process of skin rejuvenation, infusing it with growth factors and other nutrients contained within your plasma.

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Because it is a substance 100% preservative free and 100% “yours” (derived from your own blood), it is the most compatible and natural agent you can use to increase natural glow of the skin and more healthy and youthful looking appearance.

 

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2. Dark circles (under the eyes)

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Idiopatic hipercromia is a medical term which can be used to describe the so called “dark circles” under the eyes. Hipercromia means there is excessive pigment in a certain area compared to other regions around and idiopatic means “unknown” origin.

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We know there is a genetic and hereditary basis.

 

People whose family also have “dark circles” under the eyes tend to have them as well. This is actually one of those things you may be tempted to “blame the parents for". But not always…

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Even if one has a predisposition for dark circles, they may not be as profound and noticeable if one sleeps and eats healthy. It is common knowledge a bad night sleep may make them become more apparent.

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PRP can really help with that.

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By improving the texture, elasticity and quality of the skin, PRP can be very beneficial in providing a treatment for this problem.

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Usually, it takes at least 3 session of PRP treatment (1 to 2 months apart) to improve dark complexion around the lower eyelid.

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Sometimes, a small injection of derma filler (hyaluronic acid) may also be used to provide volume in key areas, improving its appearance.

 

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3. Alopecia, hair loss and hair strength

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Androgenic alopecia is the loss of hair due to genetic factors.

 

It is the most common type of alopecia and it affects 1 in every 10 men over 21 years old (to different degrees and extent) and 4 in every 10 women after menopause.

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It is the result in the increase of activity of male hormones in certain areas of the scalp genetically predisposed to that (also runs in families).

 

Follicles become seriously impaired and will start decreasing in quantity and width down to total atrophy.

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The activation of alpha granules in the platelets present at the PRP releases several growth factors that will counteract the effects of this hormonal change.

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Such growth factors include PDG, TGF, VEGF, IGF, EGF and interleukin, which can act over follicular mother cells, enlarging the width of the hair and stimulating vascular activity and new growth, providing for 15% to 20% increase in width diameter and density of hair.

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It is recommended at least 5 to 6 continuous treatment sessions every 3 to 4 weeks. After that, one session treatment is recommended every 4 to 6 months for maintaining the results.

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PRP treatments in combination with multivitamin treatments provide an even better results.