Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy takes advantage of the body’s own growth factors and is a completely natural way of regenerating the skin without any other active ingredients or chemicals.
Plasma is the liquid portion of whole blood and provides a medium for red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to circulate through the body. Platelets contain proteins and growth factors.
When micro needled or injected into the skin, the platelet rich plasma stimulates a powerful regeneration process: new healthy collagen and an improvement in the skin texture and skin tone.
Traditionally micro needling is used to treat everything from sun damaged skin to scarring and certain forms of hyperpigmentation. PRP helps boost these effects, using your body’s own natural skin boosters to regenerate your skin on a whole new level. The added bonus is skin radiance. The term vampire facial or vampire lift is sometimes used to refer to micro needling or injectables when using PRP.
When the platelet rich plasma is micro needled or injected into the skin, the platelets release powerful growth factors – these are signalling messengers between cells that activate fibroblasts, which are responsible for making the extracellular matrix and collagen
This method of micro needling and using with your own growth factors is a highly efficient way of reaching the deep layers of the skin where collagen is made. It is a very popular treatment especially for those who prefer a more natural substance.
HOW DOES IT WORK?
Dermapen 4 Advanced Micro Needling
We use one of the most advanced medical micro-needling devices, Dermapen 4. The device contains very fine, tiny vertical needles that are moved across the skin’s surface to create micro-channels into the skin.
These micro channels are able to carry up to 80% of any applied topical nutrients or in this case your body’s own natural platelets, rich with growth factors (it looks like liquid gold). This is micro needled deep into your dermis where collagen is made.
Topical Anaesthetic
An topical anaesthetic cream is applied to the areas to be treated. It takes approximately 25 minutes for these areas to become numb so your treatment will be comfortable.
Obtaining Platelet Rich Plasma
A small amount of blood (20mls) will be drawn from your arm near the elbow by our nursing sister while your face is numbing.
The blood is then put into a centrifuge where it is spun down to separate the platelet rich plasma from the red and white blood cells. This process takes about 5-10 minutes. Once completed the PRP is then completely separated and ready to use with the micro needling.
Procedure
Using the Dermapen 4, the micro needling will commence to create the micro columns into the skin – once this has been done your therapist will work in sections of the treatment area, gently micro-needing and massaging the platelet rich plasma into the skin. This process usually takes about 45-60 minutes.
Post-Procedure
Once the treatment is complete, your therapist will not wash your face as this further enables the absorption of the PRP into the skin.
A breathable, camouflage foundation with a built-in sunscreen will be applied to the skin. It is both soothing and healing and we recommend that you do not wash your face for at least 24 hours post-procedure and to sleep with the healing foundation the first night on to protect the skin. The next day your normal make-up can be applied. Avoid active ingredients until the redness has settled.
Your skin will be red and sensitive for about 24 hours but you will be able to return to work or your daily activities.
You should avoid the sun completely for at least 5 days and always apply a good quality, high factor (SPF 50+), broad spectrum sunscreen daily every day as you can develop pigmentation on post-treatment skin that is not protected from the sun.
Your therapist will recommend a skin barrier cream to help with post-treatment hydration and for comfort.
Possible Side Effects:
Some swelling and redness can occur and this is normal. It usually settles within 24 hours.
Bruising can occur occasionally and will resolve within a few days. If there are any concerns it is best to contact your therapist so she can mitigate any possible problems should they occur.
Contra Indications
You would not be able to have this treatment if you have an open wound or injury, eczema or psoriasis, if you are undergoing treatment for cancer, have a low platelet count, an autoimmune disease, a bleeding disorder or are pregnant.
WHO SHOULD HAVE IT & WHAT AREAS CAN BE TREATED?
- Anti-ageing treatment for very sun-damaged skin
- Reduces fine lines & wrinkles
- Scarring on face & body
- Pigmentation
- Textural damage for dry, dehydrated skin
- Dull skin tone – promotes a radiant, healthy skin
- Can be alternated or combined with other skin rejuvenation treatments for enhanced results
- Regularly as a core treatment to help prevent skin ageing
- Treatment areas: Face, Neck, Décolletage, Hands
WHAT RESULTS CAN I EXPECT?
- A faster healing process because of the growth factors – little downtime
- Deep collagen stimulation
- Fresh, radiant and healthy skin
- Deep cell regeneration & protection against oxidative stress
- Regeneration takes 1-2 weeks but the visible results about 4 weeks.
HOW OFTEN DO I NEED THIS TREATMENT?
For optimal results it is recommended to follow the complete prescribed number of treatments as this will extend the effects of the treatment and obtain long-lasting results:
- For an optimal treatment : 3-4 sessions at 3-4week intervals for immediate cumulative results
- For a maintenance treatment of the results – as soon as the need is felt or 1 session every 3-4 months to keep your skin looking radiant and healthy.
For more information or a free skin assessment with one of our experienced therapists, please phone: .
or call us on +27 21 852 8709