Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a recent breakthrough in aesthetic medicine. Previously employed primarily in orthopedic procedures, dentistry, and sports medicine for its healing properties, PRP is now gaining popularity in plastic surgery. It's becoming a favored stand-alone treatment or supplementary procedure for numerous patients.

What is PRP?

Let's walk through PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma injection—a cutting-edge treatment that taps into your body's natural healing process to revitalize your skin and tissues. Think of it as your skin's best friend, giving it a boost to look fresh and youthful.

So, where does PRP come from? It's all sourced from your own blood. Here's how it works:

First, we take a small sample of your blood, just like when you get a regular blood test. Then, we spin it in a machine called a centrifuge, which separates out a concentration of platelets—platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The PRP is like a supercharged healer, packed with all the nutrients your skin needs to glow.

After we've got the PRP, we carefully apply (topically) or inject it into the areas we want to treat—whether it's your skin, joints, or muscles. It's like giving your body a little boost to help it repair and rejuvenate itself.

With PRP, it's your body doing the heavy lifting, but we're just giving it a little nudge in the right direction. So you can trust that you're in good hands, with a top-notch plastic surgeon guiding the way.

What Are The Most Common Cosmetic Uses of PRP?

What Are The Most Common Cosmetic Uses of PRP?

You might have heard of SkinPen + PRP skin rejuvenation, but perhaps you're unsure as to what it does. Simply put, it's a dynamic duo for skin renewal!

SkinPen works by creating controlled micro-injuries with tiny needles, stimulating your skin's natural repair process. Then, PRP steps in. We apply this concentrated serum post-treatment, allowing it to penetrate through the micro-holes, enhancing healing and rejuvenation.

Some call it the "vampire facelift" because it is a blood-derived product. This combo is a powerhouse for improving acne scars, fine lines, wrinkles, skin tone, texture, pore size, and clarity.

One of the perks? Quick healing and minimal downtime. Plus, it's safe for all skin types, even tanned skin. It's no wonder this is one of the most sought-after treatments in our practice.

Wrinkles and Dark Circles

Dealing with under-eye wrinkles and dark circles can be challenging for both women and men. It's often one of the first areas to betray signs of aging. As lower eyelids weaken, fat deposits can protrude, leading to the dreaded "tear trough" deformity and under-eye bags. Meanwhile, sluggish blood flow contributes to the appearance of dark circles, accentuated by thinning skin and the emergence of fine lines and wrinkles, including crow's feet.

Treatment options abound, ranging from lasers to micro-needling and micro-needling with radiofrequency (like Morpheus8), alongside the gold standard: surgery. PRP offers a promising avenue for under-eye rejuvenation. It can be used in tandem with micro-needling or injected directly beneath the skin.

For direct injections, PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin), a close cousin of PRP, is often preferred. When applied beneath the eyelid skin, PRF triggers a healing response that effectively combats the signs of under-eye aging, promoting rejuvenation and enhancing overall appearance.

Hair Rejuvenation

PRP offers a direct solution for preventing and reversing hair loss by stimulating hair growth and strengthening fine, vellus hair. Administered through quick and relatively painless injections, PRP targets the scalp, capitalizing on hair growth phases. Typically, a 3-treatment protocol is initially recommended, followed by maintenance sessions every 6 months. PRP is a cornerstone of effective hair loss programs, often complemented by Red Light Therapy, like the Theradome, and hormone therapies, either oral or topical.

Facial Plastic Surgery Enhancement

In facial plastic surgery procedures like facelifts, eyelid lifts (blepharoplasty), or nose jobs (rhinoplasty), PRP proves invaluable. Applied to tissues, it accelerates healing, reduces bruising and swelling, and enhances blood flow, minimizing tissue slough.

Similarly, PRP rejuvenates chest and hand skin, addressing sun damage-induced wrinkles and age spots. Whether injected directly or applied after microneedling, PRP restores youthfulness to these often overlooked areas, ensuring a harmonious aesthetic outcome.