A procedure that has been used successfully for years to heal sports injuries is now becoming the treatment of choice by women to improve the appearance of wrinkles, scars, sun damage and even dark circles under their eyes. Platelet-rich plasma injection has been extensively used in various clinical settings, including heart surgery, sports medicine, and wound care. In PRP procedures, a small sample of the patient's own blood is processed to release various growth factors from platelets – specialized blood cells involved in clotting.
Platelet-Rich Plasma, is gaining in popularity for the same reasons athletes chose it: because of its organic nature and because it works. It uses plasma taken from the patient’s own blood instead of chemicals injected into the body. The possibility of side effects is practically nonexistent because the body is unlikely to reject its own blood.
In recent years, PRP has become a "trending therapy" in aesthetic medicine, according to Dr. Hazen and colleagues. "Dermatologists and plastic surgeons are using the natural healing properties of platelets to improve the appearance and overall health of skin."
Scientific Proof
Most studies evaluating platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection for facial rejuvenation and other cosmetic procedures have reported positive results, according to a critical review in the May issue of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery®, the official medical journal of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS).
One such study, published by the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology in its May, 2010 issue, took place over a three-month period. Twenty-three patients were treated once every month. The mixture of PRP and an activating agent was injected into standard injection points on the face and neck.
The study participants were photographed both before and after their treatments with medical imaging devices, a dermoscope, and a digital camera. A month after the final treatment, the patients came back for a final evaluation. Based on all the scores, the study concluded that results were satisfactory, the treatment is effective and that the patients who participated experienced no serious or persistent side effects. Several other studies are also on the website.
Combining PRP With Microneedling For Even Better Results
A study in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery compared the results of two different combination treatments. The first combination paired PRP with a treatment called Microneedling, which is collagen induction therapy. This combination was compared to Microneedling paired with Vitamin C. The treatments were conducted on patients with acne scars.
Thirty patients ages 18 to 34 participated in the 2013 study, and received four treatments each, with an interval of four weeks between each treatment. The right side of each patient’s face was treated with the PRP combo and the left side with the Vitamin C combination. To be included in the study, the scarring from acne had to be rated with a Grade II, III or IV on the Goodman and Baron scale. Digital photos of both sides of each patient’s face were taken before the treatments began and after they were concluded using the same positions, lighting and background.
The acne scars were again graded using the Goodman and Baron scale after treatments. Both patients and doctors rated the improvement and change of grade of the acne scars. All the results were analyzed using standard statistical methods. Of the 30 patients, the scars of 23 were reduced by one or two grades with the PRP combination.
If you’re not using PRP and Microneedling you’re missing out
Most women who have tried the combination of collagen and PRP have given the treatment good to excellent reviews. One plastic surgeon who administers the treatment to her patients had it done herself and highly recommends it. Dr. Lisa Zdinak, chief surgeon at Precision Aesthetics, said the plasma in the PRP stimulates the patient’s stem cells naturally and “wakes them up” causing them to produce more collagen, which is what makes the skin more youthful. Zdinak said the plasma contains molecules and proteins that provide nutrients to the skin’s cells, so it’s the healthiest, most natural way to improve the appearance of wrinkles, scars and other effects of aging. Coupled with additional collagen, which is also natural to the body, it’s even more effective.
PRP’s Effects Are Lasting
Women who have had the Platelet-Rich Plasma Facelift treatment find their faces look even better several months after they have had the treatments. That’s because the plasma stimulates their skin’s stem cells to produce more collagen, grow new cells and literally rejuvenate their skin. The new cell growth in your skin generated by the Platelet Rich Plasma takes weeks to months, which is why it looks so much better after more time passes. Platelet Rich Plasma results lasts and looks better as long as 18 months to two years. The FDA has not imposed regulations on the use of PRP. The use of PRP with other substances and some systems that prepare the PRP for use have been FDA cleared, so make certain the one your doctor recommends is one of them.
Regenerative Medicine: Why There’s No Bad Side Effects With It
Platelet Rich Plasma literally stimulates new cell growth in the patient’s body wherever it is injected. It helps the body heal itself the natural way without using chemicals or foreign substances of any kind. The possibility of an allergic reaction or infection is almost nil because the plasma comes from the patient’s own body.
"We have been treating our patients with Platelet Rich Plasma since 2018 and we have seen fantastic results combining Platelet Rich Plasma with Microneedling. Our patients have seen an improvement in overall complexion, lessening of wrinkles, softer and firmer skin. Results can be seen as quickly as two weeks. Areas we have treated include, face, neck, chest, arms and hands. Studies recommend once yearly treatments with PRP and Microneedling to maintain healthy skin. I think your birthday month is the perfect time for your PRP treatment!" Dr. Michelle Parsons.
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