Prp Application in Dermatology

I first encountered the idea of using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a skincare regimen on a talk show. I’d not heard of it before, and initially it seemed like a weird, out-there idea. However, after chatting about it with a few of my friends, and discovering that most of them were not just already clued up about it, but were using it themselves, I decided I needed to learn more!

I did a bit of a research, and explored what it all meant. I wanted to find out as much as I could, and share it with you guys, before I made a decision about whether it was for me or not. Hopefully the info I discovered will be useful, or at least interesting, for you too.

WHAT IS PRP?

PRP, or the Vampire Facial, is the name given to the skincare method of applying platelet-enriched plasma to heal skin cells. With this method, a small amount of blood extracted from your own body (!) is placed in a special tube and centrifuged, which separates out the platelets. The resulting platelet-enriched plasma is then applied back to your body.

WHAT DO THE PLATELETS DO?

Platelets, or thrombocytes, are pieces of very large cells which are used to form blood clots and repair damaged tissue in our body. PRP works by applying more platelets to damaged tissue than could be normally transported by the bloodstream, supercharging the process. The process has been used successfully in dental implants, orthopedic interventions and non-healing wound treatments.

HOW DOES PRP WORK IN DERMATOLOGY?

Skin aging happens due to a whole bunch of internal and external factors. The main thing to know though is that during the aging process our skin loses some of its physical properties. There are loads of different ways to rejuvenate our skin, and in many of them (such as chemical peels or laser treatments), the process starts with damage to the skin, and in the same way as with a normal cut or wound, the healing process of the skin is then supported. With PRP, microneedling stimulates the skin to regenerate, and the platelet-infused plasma speeds up the healing process.

HOW DO WE USE PRP IN DERMATOLOGY?

• Provide rapid restructure to the skin after lazer, peeling and roller applications
• Reduce wrinkles
• Give skin flexibility and shine
• Reduce scars such as pimples, cracks and surgery marks
• Stop hair loss

WHERE DO WE APPLY PRP?

In dermatology, PRP is usually applied to the face and scalp. However it can also be applied to the neck, décolleté (cleavage), hands and really anywhere else on the body.

HOW DO WE APPLY PRP?

Blood is taken from the person to be treated and centrifuged in sterile conditions to obtain platelet-rich plasma. This plasma is injected into the skin with microneedles or laser treatment. After the roller applications, a paper mask is provided to help absorb into the skin. It can also be used as filler to remove deep wrinkles.

WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES OF PRP AND ARE THERE ANY SIDE-EFFECTS?

I have not discovered any significant known side effects to date (although from what I’ve read not every application is as instantaneously successful as some celebrity fans might lead you to believe!)

In PRP, the fact that you use platelets separated from one’s own blood, and that all these procedures are performed under sterile conditions are the most important advantages. As a result, it is an extremely reliable method because of the low risk of infection and allergy. I have not discovered any significant known side effects to date (although from what I’ve read not every application is as instantaneously successful as some celebrity fans might lead you to believe!). Platelets are not applied to inadequate patients or cancer patients.

HOW MANY SESSIONS DOES IT TAKE?

3-4 applications are recommended, 2-3 weeks apart. After the first application a healthy glow and shine is seen on the skin, but the full effect is achieved by repeated applications.

From what I can tell, PRP seems like a great way to mimic a more intense facial, in safer scenarios and with less downtime. It can have some seriously excellent effects on your skin’s glow and smoothness, and doesn’t seem to come with any major negative side effects. I’m still not 100% certain whether it is for me or not though, so any thoughts from you guys, or experiences you’ve had, would be gratefully received!

*Resource= Acıbadem Hospitals

• 

• 

•