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Are you seeking a more natural approach to anti-aging procedures?

Posted on October 14, 2017

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) skin rejuvenation may be just what you are looking for!

What is PRP? (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

PRP has become a highly sought-after non-surgical procedure used in several fields of medicine to promote healing and cell growth.  PRP is a therapy that utilizes a patient’s own blood to stimulate new cell growth, helping to improve your complexion, skin texture and to restore lost facial volume. PRP can also be used to treat thinning hair and hair loss, particularly female and male pattern baldness. As the procedure uses a patient’s own blood, it has been referred to as the “Vampire Facelift” or Dracula therapy. Since PRP utilizes the beneficial functions of a patient’s own blood, there is no risk of allergy or rejection of the treatment.

How do you harvest PRP? 

PRP is a natural product created from your own body. A small amount of blood is drawn from you and placed in a sterile tube that is spun down in a centrifuge to separate the different components of the blood. Red and white blood cells are divided from the platelets and the plasma (the clear fluid). This plasma now contains a higher than normal number of platelets and is called platelet rich plasma, or PRP.

How do platelets rejuvenate?

In the last 20 years we have learned that when activated in the body, platelets release healing proteins called growth factors. There are many growth factors with varying responsibilities, however cumulatively they accelerate tissue and wound healing. Therefore, after extracting these platelets we can inject a powerful cocktail of growth factors that can dramatically enhance the improvement skin color, elasticity, tone and collagen production.

How does PRP therapy differ from other injections or fillers?

Hyaluronic acid fillers, like Juvederm and Restylane, are solid substances injected into the dermis of the skin to help provide volume and fullness to areas where natural aging causes volume loss or wrinkles. Common areas of treatment include the nasolabial folds (“parentheses” lines), “marionette” lines along the lower face and around the mouth, and mid-face (cheeks). They usually last from 6-18 months. Repeated treatments are usually needed to fill the areas again. PRP stimulates your own collagen to grow for total facial rejuvenation rather than individual wrinkle improvement.

How do I prepare for PRP treatment? 

Smoking, illegal drug use, and excess alcohol should be avoided.  Aspirin and anti-inflammatory drugs (such as ibuprofen, aleve) should be stopped for two weeks before and six weeks after treatment. Supplements with omega 3 fatty acids (such as fish, krill or flax seed oil) should also be avoided during the same period, as they can increase bruising. If you are taking blood thinning medications (e.g. Warfarin, Pradaxa or Xarelto), you may also experience greater bruising. Drink plenty of water and eat healthily prior to the treatment. Please note that some people experience mild bruising and swelling in treated areas. This is normal and should subside in a few days.

What to expect during and after the PRP procedure

A nurse will take your blood (like a normal blood test).  The blood is then spun in a centrifuge to isolate the PRP which contains a large concentration of growth factors and platelets integral to healing and regeneration.  The area to be treated is washed and local anesthetic cream is applied. The PRP is then injected directly into the area to be treated.  This process takes approximately 45-60 minutes.

Combining PRP With Micro-needling For Even Better Results

Micro-needling is a procedure that stimulates healthy tissue growth through the creation of controlled channel wounds. The instrument used in micro-needling is a pen-like device with tiny needles that can puncture the skin to a depth of up to three millimeters, creating tiny channels in the skin. PRP is often combined with micro-needling by rubbing on the skin before, during and after the procedure. The platelets, which contain growth factors, help to stimulate healthy tissue growth. We highly recommend this cosmetic procedure to our clients who come to us with questions about non-surgical methods for restoring healthy skin.

Is PRP safe?

Since the autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is produced from your own blood, there is virtually no risk of an allergic reaction or rejection.  If you have a rare condition such as thrombocytopenia (low platelet count), hypofibrinogenemia, chronic liver disease or an active blood or skin infection, PRP therapy is not recommended.

To find out if you can benefit from laser treatments at The Woodruff Institute…

Please call our toll free number at 844.485.0104 for a consultation at one of our offices in Naples, Bonita Springs/Estero, or Fort Myers.