PRP

Have you considered having a cosmetic and aesthetic procedure done but would like a more “natural” approach? Then Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) might be the treatment for you!!

PRP began in the 1950’s, but gained popularity in the 1970’s. In Australia PRP is classed as Regenerative Medicine and is used in sports medicine, musculoskeletal conditions, plastic surgery, veterinary medicine and in aesthetics.

The role of PRP in aesthetic medicine and skin rejuvenation has been a growing area of interest. It gained a lot more attention almost 10 years ago when Kim Kardashian was filmed having a Vampire Facial™, which involves the micro needling of PRP into the skin.

So, what is PRP and how is it used in aesthetics?  It’s a cosmetic treatment that uses your own blood platelets to stimulate skin and tissue regeneration. Platelets are blood cells that contain growth factors and proteins that promote healing and repair. By extracting and concentrating your platelets from a blood sample and injecting them back into your skin, PRP can enhance your natural collagen and elastin production, which are essential for skin elasticity, firmness and smoothness.

Some of the cosmetic uses of PRP are:

 - Reducing wrinkles, fine lines and skin folds 

 - Improving skin texture, tone and complexion 

 - Diminishing scars, stretch marks and sun damage

 - Dark circles

 - Restoring skin volume and fullness 

 - Enhancing hair growth and thickness

PRP is a minimally invasive and natural treatment that can be done in a clinic by a qualified (and appropriately trained) Nurse of Doctor. The procedure involves drawing a small amount of blood from your arm, spinning it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the other blood components, and then injecting the platelet rich plasma into the desired areas of your face or body. The procedure may cause some discomfort, bruising, swelling and redness, but these are usually mild and temporary.

PRP is considered safe for most people, as it uses your own blood and does not involve any foreign substances or chemicals. However, you should consult with a qualified practitioner who can assess your suitability, expectations and risks before undergoing PRP treatment. You should also follow the pre- and post-treatment instructions carefully to ensure optimal results and avoid complications.

It is usually recommended to have a course of PRP treatments for the best result. Different areas of the body will require a different number of treatments at varying intervals. For example, for tear troughs or fine line treatments a course of 3-4 treatments, every 30 days is usually recommended. For hair growth/thickness a course of 4-6 treatments is recommended every 6 weeks.

There is further research being conducted into the use of PRP in dermatological conditions such as vitiligo, melasma, lichen sclerosus and refractory nail disorders. So watch this space for further uses of PRP.