PRP Platelet Rich Plasma

PRP overview

PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma, which is blood plasma containing a high concentration of platelets, also known a thrombocytes.

PRP can help regenerate and revitalise damaged tissue.

How does PRP works?

A small sample of blood is taken from your arm, exactly like having a routine blood test.

The blood is centrifuged,and 10 mins later, the PRP has been separated from the whole blood and is ready to use.

Once on site, the growth factors and other regenerative molecules are released leading to collagen and elastin formation as well as cellular growth and skin remodelling. This may result in skin rejuvenation and a reduction in wrinkles and scars.

What are the benefit of PRP?

This treatment may improve skin texture and tone,refinewrinkles and reduce scars such as acne or stretch marks while preserving a natural appearance. PRP can also be used to promote hair growth when injected into the scalp. Visible results may take up to 6-8 weeks and will vary between individuals. This variance depends on factors such as general health,age,diet,smoking and skin type.

What is difference between PRP and dermal fillers?

Dermal filler is a synthetic material used to fill a wrinkle or to add volume, where as PRP is an autogous natural substance used to address skin laxity, fine lines and improve skin complexion.

Can this treatment be used in conjunction with other treatments?

Clinical evidence has shown that combining PRP with other rejuvenation techniques, such as fillers, mesotherapy and laser treatments, induces a synergic beneficial effect.

What are the side effects ?

PRP treatment is generally well tolerated. The most common side effect include: local irritation or redness and mild to moderate swelling. Consult your health care professional if you have any questions or concerns.

Contraindications

• Platelet Dysfunction Syndrome

• Critical Thrombocytopenia

• Hypofibrinogenaemia

• Haemodynamic instability

• Blood disorders

• Patients with skin disease or cancer such as squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), basal cell

carcinoma (BCC), melanoma

• Patients on chemotherapy

• Septicemia

• Acute and chronic infections

• Chronic liver pathology

• Anti-coagulation therapy such as Warfarin

• Dermatological diseases affecting the face such as porphyria

• Severe metabolic and systemic disorders

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Cautions/warnings

• Consistent use of anti-inflammatories such as non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) within 48 hours of procedure

• Corticosteroid injection at treatment site or systemic use of corticosteroids within 2 weeks

• Recent fever or illness

• Rash at site of injection

• Cancer especially haematopoietic or of bone

• Active history or history of pseudomonas, enterococcus or klebsiella infection

• Haemoglobin <10 g/dL

• Platelet count less than 105/μL

Smokers, including vaping and e-cigarettes may need more treatments

How many treatments are required?

This will depend upon the patient’s general health, age and quality of their skin. Normally it is advised to have 2 or 3 treatments 4 to 6 weeks apart.

Hair loss treatment required 6 treatment. First 3 treatments 4-6 weeks apart and next 3 treatments 12 weeks apart.

How long do the results last for?

There is ongoing improvement in the skin for up to 12 months after each treatment depending on the rate the patient grows collagen. It is suggested the patient have follow up treatments at 6 or 12 months.

Are the results immediate?

Following the procedure, the patient will likely experience swelling and other signs of inflammation. Once this has subsided, there may not be much visable change initially. Over a few weeks, the platelets will stimulate the growth factors which will help assist in more collagen growth, elastinand new blood supply to the area. Individual results may vary.

What are the expectations for PRP?

• Results such as increased hydration may be visible at 2-3 weeks and improve gradually over ensuing months with improvement in texture and tone

• Combining modalities can enhance results in some patients

• Advanced wrinkling cannot be reversed and a minimal improvement is predictable in people with alcohol and tobacco abuse

• Severe scarring may not respond

• May need more treatments