Facial rejuvenation is a top priority for many patients, but not everyone is able or willing to undergo invasive surgery to achieve a more youthful appearance. Fortunately, there are a number of effective treatments available that can provide noticeable results without surgery. One of the newest treatments involves the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to correct some of the most common facial aging concerns. PRP was made popular when Kim Kardashian revelled it as the miracle skin treatment. It works by a unique formulation created from the patient’s own blood, which has been specifically processed to increase the concentration of platelets in the plasma.

Whilst its cosmetic applications are relatively new, platelet rich plasma has a long history of use in orthopaedic medicine, reconstructive surgery, dentistry and wound healing. It is a popular treatment for joint, tendon, and tissue injuries in professional athletes because it greatly reduces the amount of time the athlete is out of play after an injury. PRP is rich in platelets and growth factors, which are known to stimulate stem cells. Stem cells in turn stimulate the growth of collagen and fibrin to help the body heal and regenerate more quickly.

 

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HOW PRP IS USED IN COSMETIC MEDICINE?

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The most popular uses of PRP include:

• Improving skin texture, firmness and radiance

• Adding volume to the face, hands, and neck

• Treating fine lines and wrinkles around and below the eyes

• Plumping up tear troughs (eye bag hollows)

• Minimizing wrinkles and lines around the mouth

• Eliminating acne scars and stretch marks

• Reducing open pores

• Treating hair loss

 

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WHAT DOES THE PROCEDURE INVOLVE?

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Treatment with PRP can be completed in approximately 45 minutes. When the patient arrives, a small vial of blood is drawn, similar to the volume required for a routine blood sample. The blood is then spun in a centrifuge to separate the growth factors, platelets, and stem cells from the rest of the blood. Once this unique mixture is obtained it is injected into the targeted areas using a very fine needle, similar to ones used to inject Botox®. Local anaesthetic cream is used to minimise any discomfort. Results

To achieve the best results, most of our patients have between one and three treatments, spaced at 4 to 8 weekly intervals. Although after the first treatment a noticeable improvement in skin texture can be seen. Maximum collagen regeneration occurs around 3 months after the initial treatment, resulting in plumper, lifted skin with fewer lines and wrinkles. The results of the treatment are typically maintained for 18 – 24 months. Many patients opt to undergo touch-up treatments after one year to maintain their results.

 

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RECOVERY AND RISKS

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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 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. Swelling and bruising are uncommon and last less than a week if they do occur. After the treatment patients are encouraged to keep the skin well hydrated with their normal moisturizer and to apply sunscreen several times a day to protect the skin and maintain the overall effects of the treatment.

 

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IDEAL CANDIDATES FOR PRP TREATMENTS

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Platelet-rich plasma treatments are ideal for individuals who are looking for a gradual improvement in their skins quality and appearance and seek noticeable, natural looking results. It is appropriate for individuals with mild to moderate signs of aging. Candidates should also be in good overall health and have realistic expectations for the procedure. If you are interested in PRP treatments for facial rejuvenation, we encourage you to contact the Beautoxology office to book a free consultation to find out if this is the right treatment for you.

 

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FAQS

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WHAT IS THE MOST UP TO DATE TREND FOR REVITALISING THE FACE?

The latest product on the market is the platelet-rich plasma injection. It is also referred to as PRP facial rejuvenation, vampire facelift, and Dracula Therapy. The injection works by inserting enhanced plasma into the face which in turn causes the production of collagen and blood vessels through the stem cells. The result is a younger, clearer, and blemish free skin.

 

CAN PRP BE DONE ALONE OR MUST IT BE COMBINED WITH OTHER PROCEDURES?

That depends entirely on the requirements of the patient. PRP can be done as an individual treatment under local anaesthesia. However, patients may need more than PRP alone. In such cases, PRP is performed in conjunction with one or more procedures such as laser treatments, dermal fillers and muscle relaxants to get an all-rounded younger and more rejuvenated look. Some patients who have had surgical interventions such as a face lift find PRP helps to complete their journey and upgrade them in their overall radiance and vitality.

 

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO RECOVER FROM PRP?

It usually takes about a week to recover completely from potential bruising and swelling. Many people do recover quickly and can return back to their normal lives in two to three days.

 

HOW LONG DOES PRP’S EFFECTS LAST?

There is no anti-aging treatment available that is permanent. Each and every treatment requires maintenance and PRP is no different. It is estimated that PRP’s effects can last anywhere from nine months to two years. After that, the effects will begin to fade and a follow up treatment will be required.

 

IS PRP RESTRICTED FOR USE IN THE FACE, HANDS AND NECK?

No, PRP actually has multiple uses. In fact, for a long time this procedure was used to restore lost cartilage in joints such as in the knees and shoulder sockets. It has also been used to repair damaged muscle tissue, chronic wounds and severe scarring as a result of burns or surgery.

 

WHO ARE THE BEST CANDIDATES FOR PRP?

PRP is perfect for anyone that has begun to show the signs of aging or is suffering from acne scaring or open pores. Unlike facelifts which require incisions and long recovery process, PRP is especially popular among older patients as it is a minimally invasive with a short recovery period. Nevertheless, patients need to be realistic about the results and be aware that PRP can only treat certain aspects and therefore other treatments may be required to achieve maximum impact.

 

WHAT PARTS OF THE FACE CAN PRP TREAT?

The entire face itself can actually benefit from PRP. For example, PRP works great in removing the wrinkles and frown lines on the forehead. On the cheeks, it can restore lost volume and make the cheeks plump. Moreover, it can also help with filling sunken eye sockets or where the skin has become tired, grey and lifeless.

 

IS IT EFFECTIVE IN TREATING WRINKLES?

Yes, quite often it is used independently to treat wrinkles. It can also be used in combination with dermal fillers, muscle relaxants, micro needling and laser therapy. Using a number of modalities is essential to treating all the problems of aging.

 

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN THE REGULAR DERMAL FILLERS LIKE
JUVEDERM AND THE BLOOD PLATELET-RICH PLASMA?

PRP stimulates collagen growth and tissue regeneration of the patients own bone, muscle and skin so the results take longer to see but can last alot longer over time. Juvederm is a hyaluronic acid filler that will provide instant results but it is purported that the effects do not last as long as PRP

 

IS IT WORTHWHILE COMBINING A DERMAL FILLER WITH PRP?

Yes, definitely. Dermal fillers will work perfectly with PRP because of the volume it provides to the face. Together this will result in the skin being plumper, hydrated and rejuvenated.

 

CAN A PRP INJECTION TAKE THE PLACE OF A FACELIFT?

No, the areas which are treated by a facelift are much more expansive than what PRP targets. Facelifts involve extensive surgery with a long downtime, therefore, the effects also last longer. PRP is minimally invasive and its recovery time is much shorter. 

 

ARE PRP INJECTIONS SAFE?

PRP is a very safe and effective procedure. It has little to no side effects and has a low prevalence of an allergic response.

 

WHAT SIDE EFFECTS DOES PRP HAVE?

As with all invasive procedures there are some common side effects. These can involve:

• redness, swelling and bruising at the injection site

• Peri-orbital (around the eyes) swelling and bruising (reversible in all cases)

• Some patients may experience a headache

• Pain from injections

Severe side effects (but VERY rare):

• Cellulitis (treated with antibiotics)

• Nerve trauma

• Secondary infection

• Intra-vascular injection (thrombus)

 

WHO WOULD NOT BE SUITABLE FOR PRP?

Patients undergoing any interventions should be generally fit and well. PRP therapy would not be advisable for patients who:

• have blood and platelet abnormalities and/or Platelet dysfunction syndrome

• are undergoing chemotherapy or steroid therapy

• are taking Vitamin E, certain herbal products, aspirin or anti-platelet agents

• are pregnant or breast feeding

• are taking anti-inflammatory’s (NSAIDS) within 48 hours of the procedure

• have had a recent temperature or fever

• have an active infection at the site of treatment

 

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PRICES

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£395 per session

£450 if combined with dermarolla or Hyaluronic Acid

3 sessions £1150

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