Platelet Rich Plasma PRP Therapy
Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is a form of biostimulation that utilises concentrated factors from your own blood to stimulate skin cells to regenerate and rejuvenate. It has been used for decades in sports medicine and surgery to aid healing. Now it is becoming increasingly popular in aesthetic treatments to improve skin texture and laxity, enhance skin tone for a brighter complexion, and to promote better skin health. Even more recently, Hollywood celebrities have made PRP in combination with Dermapen treatment (the “Vampire Facial”) a hot topic. Dr. Csilla is one of the original clinicians in Australia providing this procedure and has a wealth of experience.
What are the benefits of PRP therapy?
- Uses completely natural ingredients derived from your own blood
- Improves skin texture and tone (colour)
- Reduces skin laxity (crepiness), fine lines and wrinkles
- Brightens the complexion (skin looks hydrated and glowing)
- Useful for difficult to treat areas
- Short post treatment recovery time
What areas can be treated?
Any skin on the face and body can be treated and will benefit from PRP stimulation. However, Dr. Csilla believes the treatment works best on loose, crepey skin.
- Around the eyes
- Neck
- Decollétage
- Hands
- Stretch marks
PRP Combination Treatments
PRP can be used in combination with many different skin therapies for more effective and longer lasting results. At Brisbane’s Elysium™ Skin Centre, we most commonly use PRP with Dermapen skin needling (the “Vampire facial”) to boost results. PRP therapy also accelerates healing after Fraxel and CO2 laser, reducing the recovery time and also enhancing the results.
FAQ’S
How does PRP work?
PRP therapy works by promoting the skin’s natural healing response. Platelets derived from your blood are concentrated and then activated to release their cytokines (which are proteins, or peptides) such as growth factors. When injected into the skin these stimulate stem cells and trigger the body’s own wound healing cascade resulting in new collagen formation to soften fine lines and wrinkles. The treatment also results in a brighter and more even skin tone, plus improves skin quality and skin health.
How is PRP therapy performed?
PRP treatment involves taking your blood (just like a simple blood test), which is collected in special tubes from RegenLab. The blood is then spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and separate the plasma from unwanted cells. This PLATELET RICH PLASMA is then used by:
- Injecting it into the skin, using fine needles and multiple injection points to ‘bathe’ the treated area.
- Injecting it more deeply with a cannula; or
- Using it in combination with other treatments (such as Dermapen skin needling or resurfacing laser)
Topical numbing cream is applied to make the procedure more comfortable, and it is usually well tolerated.
After the injections are completed an antiseptic cream is massaged into the treated skin, and a healing foundation can be applied as well.
What should I expect after the PRP treatment?
Mild redness, swelling, pin point blood spots and some bruising are all expected and normally occur after PRP injections, but are usually not severe. These reactions settle over a couple of days, and any minor bruising can be covered with makeup.
Excessive swelling, which can have a bluish tinge, and excessive bruising can occur but are uncommon.
How many PRP treatments are needed to see results?
A minimum of three treatment sessions is recommended for visible results, performed 3-4 weeks apart.
Most patients notice some improvement after 6 weeks, and especially after 3 months. How much improvement you see and how long these results will last depends on the individual and other factors such as age, general health, skin health, sun damage and smoking.
Longer lasting results can be achieved with good skin care and sun protection post treatment.
Maintenance treatments can be done every 6-12 months.
Are there any side effects or complications of PRP therapy?
Mild redness, swelling, pin-point blood spots and some bruising are all expected and normal after PRP injections.
Excessive swelling (which can have a bluish tinge) and excessive bruising can occur but are uncommon.
Complications of PRP therapy are rare. They include:
- Infection (bacterial)
- Reactivation of cold sores (especially if treated around the mouth)
- Significant bruising (haematoma formation)
Is PRP the right treatment for me?
Anyone who wants to utilize a natural process to promote better skin health is a good candidate for PRP therapy. This treatment stimulates your body’s own repair mechanisms for completely natural looking results. PRP therapy is safe for all skin types and colour.
PRP therapy can be particularly useful for younger skin with early signs of ageing; for older, dry and tired looking skin; for uneven pigmentation and sun-damage; and for those who may have sensitive or allergy-prone skin.
Although this is a natural process, most treatments should be avoided during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
What is the cost of RegenLab PRP therapy?
Initial consultations with Dr Csilla are $200. The cost of PRP therapy depends on the size of the area to be treated and the number of RegenLab PRP tubes needed. The price starts from $495 per treatment. An accurate quote will be provided at the time of your consultation.
The final word on PRP therapy by Dr Csilla
I have been performing PRP therapy and Vampire facials for almost a decade now. The results are subtle, but there is a definite improvement in skin quality, fine lines and wrinkles, and complexion. The procedure is suitable for all ages and skin types, and especially for those who wish to have a natural treatment without chemicals or laser.
