The first question people ask is, what is PRP Therapy? PRP Therapy has recently gained popularity as a cosmetic enhancement procedure over the past 10 years, as the use of platelet rich plasma in cosmetic medicine has become more widely known. In fact, we have seen a steady increase in the number of patients requesting PRP Therapy treatment at Rejuvenation Clinics of Australia.
While the majority of people will consider dermal fillers to add volume to their face for a more youthful appearance, PRP Therapy is great for people who are concerned about fine lines around the mouth and neck, and have found dermal fillers do not necessarily get to those delicate areas as well as PRP Therapy. As a result, today more and more people are turning to it for facial rejuvenation, as it draws on the body’s own natural resources instead of synthetic materials.
What does PRP Therapy stand for?
PRP is an acronym for Platelet Rich Plasma therapy, which is administered through a series of injections.
PRP Therapy is performed by taking blood from a patient. The blood is then handled by placing it in a centrifuge where it will be spun at high speed in order to separate the blood’s constituents. From there, the platelet rich plasma is collected and is later injected back into the person’s face using a fine needle to induce new growth of collagen and skin tissue. This helps to rejuvenate the skin, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, increase skin laxity and plump areas that have lost volume over time.
According to Robyn Cussell, the principal nurse at Rejuvenation Clinics of Australia, there are three main reasons why she recommends PRP Therapy. “As well as being used to tighten the skin and address fine lines, PRP Therapy can be used to complement other facial rejuvenation procedures such as dermal fillers, anti-wrinkle injections and laser skin tightening,” she says. “PRP injections are also known to stimulate fibroblasts, which is useful for someone who wants to reduce their acne scars, or scarring in general.”
What happens during the PRP Therapy procedure?
During the procedure, numbing cream is applied an hour before the injection and patients may experience slight swelling and redness after the procedure. Any side effects often settle down within 24 hours.
Robyn Cussell explains the platelet rich plasma contains fibrin, fibronectin and vitronectin that stimulate the body to produce new collagen and a viscous glycosaminoglycan that helps to add volume. “The platelets carry hundreds of growth factor proteins, which promote the acceleration of soft and hard tissues”, she says. However, the amount of plasma needed greatly depends on areas needed to be treated by the patient.
PRP Therapy has become popular in the last decade due to many patients seeking a more ‘natural’ alternative compared to treatments such as anti-wrinkle injections. “It is different from fillers or other neurotoxins as the raw material is taken from the patient’s own body,” she explains.
How long do the results last?
The results will greatly depend on the age of the patient, their overall health and the condition of the skin. Generally, Robyn Cussell recommends a repeat procedure after one year. “PRP Therapy helps form a good collagen framework around your skin, which reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles.”
