Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) & Skin Rejuvenation Lloyd|English Speaking Dermatologist, Lima, Platelet Rich Plasma, PRP

Platelet rich plasma, also known as PRP, is taken from your own blood and is rich in growth factors that promote skin rejuvenation.

What is Platelet Rich Plasma?

Treatment of platelet rich plasma is a method that involves the regeneration and healing of tissues.

It is a simple, non-time consuming procedure that can be applied to the face, neck, hands and other areas of the body including the scalp, where it can promote hair growth for those that are experiencing thinning hair as the years go by.

The process works by treating the dermis of the skin, being able to achieve a direct stimulation of fibroblasts so there will be a new production of collagen and elastin. This results in new tissue which will produce elasticity and a younger look in the area it was applied to.

Who needs this treatment?

Platelet rich plasma is an aesthetic treatment that can be done by both women and men. As years go by, skin will no longer be the same as when it was young. This treatment is ideal for people who have passed the age of thirty and those where the aging of the skin is already reflected.

However, it’s a treatment that is not only for people who want to improve aged skin, but it will also help to maintain youthful skin in younger people.

Platelet rich plasma treatments are ideal for all people who want to see changes in their facial appearance or another part of the body where the years have played their role and the aging of the skin can be noticed.

Another interesting use for Platelet-Rich Plasma is in dentistry. PRP is used during oral surgery such as extractions and sometimes during dental implant placement as this helps with the natural tissue regeneration of the operated area. It also decreases healing time because your body accepts your own biological material – the PRP.

What are the advantages compared to other procedures?

There are a number of treatments for skin rejuvenation. One of them is the treatment of platelet rich plasma. This process has no adverse side effects that cause harm to the patient and  this is because the blood is taken from the same patient which prevents allergic or adverse reactions.

In addition, it has a composition rich in haemostatic factors. Consequently there is no formation of bruising. Another advantage is that it is chemical free and very safe.

Meanwhile, other possibilites might include CO₂ Fractional Laser treatments.

Results of platelet rich plasma

This treatment offers excellent results including the following:

• Improving skin texture
• Adding volume to the face, hands, and neck
• Treating fine lines and wrinkles around and below the eyes
• Plumping up under-eye grooves
• Minimizing wrinkles and lines around the mouth
• Eliminating acne scars and stretch marks
• Increased speed of healing after dental surgeries, like tooth extraction
• PRP promotes and stimulates hair growth if you suffer from thinning hair

How does the process of platelet rich plasma work?

1. A blood sample is taken from the patient which is then transferred to a centrifugal machine.
2. This machine rotates for several minutes to separate the plasma and fibrins, which are used to help create new skin tissue.
3. Once ready, the plasma will be placed in small syringes and applied to the patient once anaestheisa has taken effect.

Where do you get Plasma from?

As we already mentioned, plasma will be obtained directly from the same patient. This is important and eliminates risks and side-effects. The extraction of blood is done through anticoagulant tubes, taken from a vein. This takes just a few seconds.

How long does treatment last?

In most cases, PRP is repeated two or three times with intervals of 4 – 8 weeks between sessions. Maximum collagen regeneration occurs around three months after the initial treatment, resulting in in plumper, lifted skin with fewer lines and wrinkles. The results of the treatment are typically maintained for 18 – 24 months. However, many patients opt to undergo touch-up treatments after one year to maintain their results.

Are there any risks?

After undergoing platelet-rich plasma treatments, patients are able to resume normal activities immediately. There are very few side effects associated with PRP treatments because the injected substance is sourced from the patient’s own body, which eliminates the risk of infection or allergic reaction.

Some patients may experience redness in the treated area for up to 48 hours after the treatment, but this is not painful and can be easily concealed with makeup.