Tuesday 6 August 2013

PRP - Platelet Rich Plasma

This topic has been making the rounds on the cosmetic and aesthetic circuit.  Its an exciting newish treatment for skin rejuvenation and also complementary for fat transfer.

PRP - platelet rich plasma - also known as Vampire Facelift, or Dracula lift - uses your own blood to rejuvenate your skin.  It also achieves slight volumisation and gives the skin a fresher look.
I use the  Tropocells™ (Estar Medical) kit as it has a filter in it which ensures purity of any unwanted matter.

What is involved?
10 ml of blood is withdrawn from your arm -similar to having a blood test.  The sample is then centrifuged and this separates the red blood cells from the platelets and plasma.  The latter is the "good stuff".  This plasma is then injected into the superficial part of the skin most commonly in the cheeks, lower lid, around the mouth and naso-labial folds.  It can also be used on the forehead and temples.

How does it work?
When platelets are activated they release many types of growth factors.  These substances start a cascade of many processes.  Fibroblasts are recruited to manufacture collagen.  Vessel growth factors manufacture more tiny blood vessels.  Keratinocyte growth factor stimulates healing, skin cell proliferation and tissue remodeling.
Its evident that all these processes are useful in creating a rejuvenated skin texture.

What is the recovery period like?
A mild stinging sensation is felt during the treatment.  Initially the skin looks sun-burnt for the first 12 hours.  Occasional bruising occurs. The next day the skin should look slightly red, but otherwise back to normal.

How safe is PRP?
The beauty is that it is all your own tissue.  Therefore you cannot have an allergic reaction to the treatment.  Adverse effects are related to the injection procedure itself and not to the PRP content of the injection. 

How many sessions are required?
Usually 3 sessions 6 weeks apart and then top up treatments every year. 

Come see our website www.DrWolf.com