PRP
Historically, Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) facials became popular with plastic surgery because of their role in wound healing. PRP has a high concentration of platelets. which allows for the formation and release of growth factors and active proteins that promote healing. It is widely used in facial skin rejuvenation as it triggers collagen production and, via micro-needling, it improves skin tone and texture.
PRP facials are not cosmetic procedures, but rather medical procedures. The person doing the procedure takes a sample of your blood and isolates the protein-rich plasma and platelets to create the PRP.
A centrifuge (a device that spins the tubes of drawn blood at very high rates of speed) is used to extract protein-rich plasma. The platelets are also removed. The sample is then concentrated and called platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The high levels of growth factors in the PRP help the body to heal. Dermatologists began using PRP to promote the growth of collagen.
The full effect of PRP facial treatments appears in a few weeks to months.
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There are different ways to get the PRP facial. In the first option, the plasma is spread on your face, before or after which micro-needling across the skin helps the skin absorb proteins. Microneedling is a procedure that makes a series of superficial, tiny holes using sterile needles. Both the micro-needling and the PRP stimulate collagen growth. Skintegrity offers both RF fractionated micro needling or mesotherapy with the Clarion Beauty booster injection device.
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The second option is called the Twilight (AKA vampire) facial. This includes having the plasma injected into the skin like a filler. The original skin problem is attacked twofold – beneath the skin and on top of it.
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The PRP facial can be beneficial to people who have wrinkles, sun damage, or scars. By placing PRP back into the skin, cell proliferation is encouraged. This leads to an increase in elastin and collagen production. As a result, the skin will look tighter, fuller, and smoother.
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The PRP procedure is safe however all procedures that inject into the skin come with risks. There may be some pain, swelling, or bruising after the procedure that goes away in a few days. Blood products must be kept sterile to prevent infection. Skintegrity uses exemplary aseptic techniques to make sure the PRP made from your own blood is used and is kept sterile.
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If you choose to have a PRP facial, you will have to get your blood taken. You will also have some pain and bruising post-operatively from the micro-needling. The procedure is safe for most people, excluding those with clotting conditions that need blood thinners or other blood-related health issues.
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PRP is deemed safe for most people, but it is not recommended for people with these medical conditions:
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HIV or AIDS
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Any type of blood cancer
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Skin cancer in the area to be treated
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Hepatitis C
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Cardiovascular diseases that require blood thinners
The above conditions impact your platelets, so they cannot produce the expected results of PRP treatment.
For those who get the Twilight facial, the best results occur after a series of treatments given 4 to 6 weeks apart. Maintenance procedures may be needed in the future. It is important that realistic expectations are set for non-invasive procedures like PRP facials. When your skin is very loose or has a lot of sun damage, simple treatments may not give you the improvement in appearance expected. Other options or a combination will yield better results.