Platelet Rich Plasma, or PRP Treatment, is a procedure that involves taking a blood sample, concentrating the platelets from that sample and reinjecting the platelets back into the body to assist healing and regenerate tissue. We offer this treatment at our Nelson clinic.
This occurs because the platelets secrete a concentrated mix of Growth Factors. These Growth Factors stimulate repair cells. Numerous studies have proven the worth of PRP in wound healing and in assisting healing of bone grafts and muscle and tendon injuries. In fact, PRP has been banned in drug-tested sport as a performing enhancing drug.
Now we can treat cosmetic issues. We can use PRP treatment anywhere, but it is especially good for rejuvenation of crinkling skin around the eyes, jawline, lower-face; and around the lips, cheeks, mid-face volume loss, chest and décolletage. We are also seeing great results for stretch-marks, acne scarring, neck crinkling, regrowth of areas of hair loss and back of hands.
PRP is not for everyone. Heavy smokers and heavy alcohol users will get poor results. We cannot use this treatment in those with platelet or clotting disorders, or those on anticoagulant and antiplatelet medication or anti-inflammatory medication such as Nurofen or Voltaren.
PRP Treatment FAQs
Is it safe?
PRP harnesses the body’s own healing capacity in order to regenerate tissue. Studies show that after injection the platelets in PRP treatment lock together into a 3D web. Once activated this meshwork releases activated growth factors especially Platelet-Derived Growth Factors (PDGF) alpha and beta and TGF alpha. These growth factors stimulate healing, skin, collagen and supportive tissue production and even bone regrowth. Stem cells are attracted and proliferate leading to tissue regeneration and remodelling. This is the mechanism that triggers tissue regeneration. Because of PRP’s effects on tissue repair and regeneration it has been banned in drug tested sport as a performance-enhancing drug.
How long does it take?
It takes up to an hour and a half. We perform PRP treatment at our Nelson clinic at the appointment time.
Can one use PRP in multiple areas?
Yes, and can address ageing tissue at every level, stimulates regeneration of skin, connective tissue, muscle and bone.
Which facial and body areas can one treat?
Anywhere but especially good for: jawline and lower-face; neck crinkling; crinkling skin around the eyes; cheeks and mid-face volume loss; chest and Decolletage; back of hands and arms; regrowth of areas of hair loss; acne scarring.
How long do results last for?
Treatment results vary but once the tissue has been regenerated and remodelled that benefit is permanent. What happens, however, is that we continue to get older and the problem areas eventually reappear. General consensus is that this occurs over 9-18 months after a single treatment although everyone is different. Touch up treatments every 6 to 12 months will maintain the results. Available at our Nelson clinic.
What is the process of facial rejuvenation with PRP?
Registered Nurse, Brittany Fenwick, will invite you to our Nelson clinic. At your appointment she will assess the degree of skin ageing, perform a skin analysis, and recommend a sensible treatment and discuss expected outcome, efficacy and safety. We discuss cost along with the number of sessions we believe you will require.
- We take a photograph of the skin to assist the follow-up and grading of the improvement.
- Prior to treatment, we extract a blood sample of 10 or 25mls from the patient. We immediately place this blood in the centrifuge for 8 minutes. When centrifugation is complete your plasma will be separated from your red blood cells. The plasma rich in platelets is then extracted.
- The PRP is then injected into the skin. Adequate pain relief is achieved with a local anaesthetic cream.
- PRP facial rejuvenation can be a one-off treatment, but further treatments can be performed at 4 – 12 weekly intervals to inject fresh platelets and restart the regeneration process.
Are there any side effects of PRP facial rejuvenation?
- Expect some swelling and redness for 12 – 24 hours. Expect some small bruises.
- A bruise at the blood taking site may be visible for 2 – 3 days
How do I prepare for PRP?
If you want results then DO NOT SMOKE. Do not use illegal drugs, avoid excess alcohol and definitely stay off aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs such as Nurofen and Voltaren for two weeks before and six weeks after treatment.
What can I expect after?
- Swelling from the fluid is what you will see and feel first. Once the swelling has subsided you will see a little initial change. Over a few weeks, the Platelets will stimulate the growth factors and that is when results will appear. The neck is slower than the face.
- Results become visible at 3 weeks and improve gradually over the ensuing months with improvement in texture and tone.
- Light rolling will enhance the results. A needle roller can be used at the time of treatment and should be used every day for six weeks.
- Minimal improvement occurs in persons with drug, heavy alcohol or especially tobacco usage.
- Advanced wrinkling and severe scarring may not respond well.
Who Cannot Use PRP?
- SMOKERS, Drug and Heavy Alcohol Users all get poor results. The tar from cigarettes especially inhibits growth factor production
- Those with platelet or clotting disorders
- Those with sepsis, acute and chronic Infections
- Anyone on anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy – aspirin, warfarin, dipyridamole or clopidogril
- Severe systematic disease including metastatic cancer and severe liver disease
