PRP stands for ‘Platelet Rich Plasma’. PRP therapy uses own platelets and plasma (‘platelet-rich plasma’) taken from a small sample of your blood, to stimulate collagen and improve the skin’s texture and elasticity. PRP is great for thin crepey skin around the eyes, neck, décolletage, full face and hands. You will generally need one treatment per month for 3-4 months.
The treatment takes about an hour. A series of treatments involves 3-4 appointments spaced 1 month apart and results can be maintained with a single repeat treatment every 6-12 months.
PRP is a very safe treatment because you are using your own blood so there is no chance of an allergic reaction or serious side-effects. However, when compared to Botox there typically is a more prolonged downtime and for this reason I would not recommend having the treatment within the 3-4 weeks before a special event. Swelling and redness of the treated area(s) is common and may be happen around the eyes, although this usually only lasts for 24 hours. Some bruising can also occur. Although this can be covered with make-up after the initial 24 hour period. It may take 1-2 weeks to clear completely.
What is PRP?
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is “harvested” from your own blood. This is done by collecting a small amount of your blood (much like having a blood test) and spinning it down to separate the red blood cells from the platelet cells. It is placed back under the skin by a series of tiny injections.
Platelets work by stopping bleeding when you hurt yourself. Their other job is to promote wound healing and repair by attracting growth cells.
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatment produces a rejuvenating and tightening effect on your skin, giving it a healthy, youthful glow.
PRP is ideal for: …
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Dull dry skin
- Textural improvement
- Hair-growth stimulation (in those with thinning hair)
…and is used in the following areas:
- Full-face rejuvenation
- Crêpey neck
- Eye area (both upper and lower eyelids)
- Backs of hands
- Décolletage
- Other body areas
The process takes about an hour. The skin area(s) to be treated are numbed with a topical anesthetic cream.
You can expect to have some redness, swelling and bruising, subsiding quickly over the following 4-7 days.
The initial treatment for PRP is one treatment a month for 3 to 4 months. Then you will need repeat treatments every 6-12 months, depending on your skin and results.
As PRP is made up of your own blood products there is no risk of allergy, rejection or serious long-term side effects.
PRP is contraindicated if you have cancer, smoke, a poor diet or lifestyle, have chronic disease, or a poor platelet count.