What is PRP?

The Science of PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) and Skin Rejuvenation

What is PRP?

PRP is the “Magic Within Our Own Blood.”

Platelets are bloods little particles that help create blood clots when necessary. Platelets also contain many Growth Factors, which we can use for rejuvenation purposes.

PRP is derived from your own blood by drawing a small sterile tube of blood from your arm and spinning it down in a special centrifuge to isolate and concentrate your platelets. Thus, it is your own plasma with highly concentrated platelets. 

According to patient’s needs, we may use the Magellan system, which yields True PRP and also contains white cells for their growth factors and cytochromes. The pink color is from the few red blood cells to cushion the platelets. 

There is virtually no chance of an adverse reaction to injecting or Micro-needling your own platelets. PRP is not a synthetic product as in some skin care products. It is natural and naturally yours.

With Magellan technique, the platelets and their growth factors are concentrated 5 to 10 times the concentration found in blood.

Where can PRP be used

Skin–for rejuvenation. It is used on the face, hands, décolleté, arms.

Scalp–for hair growth.

Joints—for inflammation, pain.

We are still discovering new areas where it can benefit patents, i.e.. use with fat grafts for better “take” of the fat for faces, hands, décolleté, breast, buttocks, and virtually anywhere.

Why is PRP good for your skin?

PRP growth factors repair damaged skin and promote regeneration of new cells. This helps repair environmental damage that has occurred to your skin, e.g., smoking, sun damage, pollutants, and just aging). Such damage causes skin to appear old, thin, wrinkled with pigmentation abnormalities, and saggy with loss of volume and elasticity.

Can PRP be used for Hair Growth?

This is an exciting frontier for both men and women. PRP can be both micro-needled and injected into the scalp. Typically this “wakes up” the dormant follicles, which can still produce hairs. It is also used before a hair transplant to speed up new hair production, accelerate healing time, and help reduce loss or even increase the growth of existing hair.

What is the history of PRP?

PRP has been studied scientifically for over 30 years. It has been and is still used in orthopedics and in sports injuries to speed recovery and reduce joint pain. It is now being used by plastic surgeons to repair damaged skin and reduce the appearance of aging skin of the face, décolleté and hands as well as the scalp for hair restoration.

How is PRP administered?

PRP can be injected into the skin or applied topically with Micro-needling. Both techniques are relatively painless when used with a topical anesthetic cream.

What can you expect from PRP treatments?

Initially you will see a reduction of wrinkles and a youthful glow. This will last about 3 days. Then in 3 to 4 weeks, you will see smoother, tighter, improved texture of the skin with thicker dermis, and less wrinkles. Collagen production will be increased and this increases volume, a much needed side effect as we age.

Where can PRP be injected?

Typically, it is injected or Micro-needled anywhere in the face, including the eyelids or body. Additionally, it is being used to for hair restoration,  in females  an males who are not candidates for hair transplantation.

How many treatments are needed?

Generally, 3 to 4 treatments sessions are used separated by 2 months for optimal results.

Can PRP be used with Fillers?

It is often used with fillers such as Juvederm, Restylane, Voluma, Sculptra, etc. This combination can reduce the appearance of age as much as ten years.

What is the Recovery Time following PRP Treatment?

Bruising, as from any injection, soreness and mild swelling for about 3 days. Bruising and swelling can be reduced by eliminating aspirin, ibuprofen, Advil, fish oil, flax seed oil, and Vitamin E for two weeks before injections. There is minimal bruising when Micro-needling PRP.