Platelet-rich plasma (abbreviation: PRP) is blood plasma that is enriched with a concentrated source of platelets. PRP contains several different growth factors that can stimulate healing in the body.
Where exactly did PRP come from?
PRP was originally developed in 1999 and the first medical professionals that got on board were oral surgeons. They could see the benefits it provided through enhanced healing when they were performing reconstructive surgery in the bones. Plastic surgeons also began using it in facial surgeries such a face-lift because they were also trying to achieve these enhanced healing results. Since I am writing this, and you are reading it, it obviously worked and very well. Early researchers conducted studies that reported 90 percent healing after about six month’s time in old injuries that just wouldn’t heal.
So what does all of this mean for you and your skin? I have had three PRP treatments over the course of the last four months. The texture and tone of my skin has completely changed. I have seen additional fullness in my cheeks and the etched wrinkles in my nasal labial folds are not as pronounced. My injection specialist has also injected directly into a scar that is on my cheek, and I have seen the appearance of the scar diminish over the course of these treatments. Because I wanted the most honest results as possible, I have not done any other skin treatments other than my daily skin care regimen, and I have seen my skin go from dull, lack luster, and aging to refreshed, revived, even skin tone, and younger appearing.
I can’t begin to tell you how uplifting it is, to look in the mirror in the morning fresh out of bed, and be happy. My skin looks healthy, and it glows. It’s not something that you will see over night. The most optimum results from a PRP treatment come about 6-8 weeks after treatment. It’s a slow and gradual process, because you are stimulating the production of collagen, and as you have lost it gradually over the course of years, it takes time to re-build it. There are little to no risks and minimal side effects with the procedure, because there is no foreign body or substance going into your body, it’s your own all natural growth factors! And it can be done in minutes.
How do I get this treatment? Well, first schedule an appointment with an experienced aesthetic medical provider. They will advise you if this treatment is beneficial for you. If it is, you will need donate a small vial of blood. Then, your medical provider will spin it in a machine that combined with the additive in the vial, will separate the platelet rich plasma from the red cells leaving what I like to call, the “Liquid Gold”. This “Liquid Gold” is then transferred into individual syringes that are injected back into your cheeks and chin. We also follow up the injections with a Collagen Veil Mask which reduces some of the fullness and redness, and eliminates the need for an ice pack. You will feel full, and a little swollen for the first 10-12 hours. The fullness slowly subsides and within 24-36 hours, there is almost zero evidence that you had anything done at all. You should expect little to no down time associated with the procedure, and you can resume normal daily activities including working out immediately.
The patients I see on a daily basis have also had remarkable feedback from this treatment. They have reported similar findings, and love the shape that their skin is in after just a couple of treatments. You read my blog, and my two bits … now go and do some additional research and contact your esthetic medical provider today for an appointment! I’d love to hear what you think!!
By: Melissa Leadingham
