What is the PRP procedure for the face?

 

As we age, we notice many changes in our bodies. Many obvious changes take place in our skin. Do you have wrinkles and facial lines that you want to get rid of without surgery? Well, the vampire facial or plasma-rich protein (PRP) facial may be your answer. It triggers collagen production and, via micro-needling, it improves skin tone and texture.

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) facials became popular with plastic surgery because of their role in wound healing. PRP has a high concentration of platelets. which allows for the formation and release of growth factors and active proteins that promote healing. It is widely used in facial skin rejuvenation. 
PRP facials are not medical procedures, but rather cosmetic procedures. They are a regeneration treatment. The clinician doing the procedure takes a sample of your blood and isolates the protein-rich plasma and platelets to create the PRP.

A  Cellenis centrifuge is spun around to extract protein-rich plasma. The platelets are also removed. The sample is then concentrated and called platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The high levels of growth factors in the PRP help the body to heal. Dermatologists began using PRP to promote the growth of collagen in conditions such as burns, acne and scarring. Orthopaedics inject PRP to heal joints of the knees, ankles, and elbows.

The full effect of PRP facial treatments appears in a few weeks to months.

There are different ways to get the PRP facial. In the first option, the plasma is spread on your face, after which micro-needling across the forehead and cheeks helps the face absorb proteins.  Microneedling is a procedure that makes a series of superficial, tiny holes using sterile needles. Both the micro-needling and the PRP stimulate collagen growth.  The second option is called the vampire facial. This includes having the plasma injected into the skin like a filler. The original skin problem is attacked twofold – beneath the skin and on top of it. There is not a lot of research concerning the effectiveness of vampire facials. One study did reveal that participants who received PRP injections in one cheek and saline in the other saw improvements in the PRP-injected cheeks.

Pre-treatment guidance

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We ask you use topical Vitamin C and an oral Vitamin C supplement for 2 weeks prior to treatment if tolerated, this will then restart 24 hours post treatment.

Do not drink alcohol or take any non steroidal anti-inflammatory medication (such as ibuprofen and aspirin) for 48 hours prior to treatment. Do not stop taking prescribed medication however without your doctors advice.

Avoid blood thinning foods and supplement for 3 days pre and post treatment, including Ginko Biloba, Turmeric, Ginger, Garlic, Ginseng and Feverfew.

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Contraindications to treatment

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• Infection

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding

• Autoimmune diseases

• Blood disorders

• Immune suppressive therapy

• Cancer (5 years all clear required)

• Allergy to stainless steel or anaesthetic cream ( a patch test is required 4-5 days prior to treatment is required for anyone with significant allergies.)

• Any bleeding disorder on those on anticoagulants.
   

Post-treatment guidance

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There is little downtime after the procedure but some clients do experience bruising, erythema (redness) and itching (an over the counter antihistamine can be taken if not contraindicated) after the procedure.

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An extensive aftercare form will be sent to you upon booking and also explained during consultation.

 

Results are usually seen within 3-4 weeks, however clients can expect to see a difference in the skin texture and appearance in as little as 2-3 days.  Like with any skin treatments, better results will be achieved with multiple treatments.

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Price: £300 one session, £750 3 sessions spaced 2-3 weeks apart. Includes a free consultation and 12 week review including progress photos.

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System used: Cellenis

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Duration: 90 minutes, we ask clients to arrive 20-30 minutes early to their appointment for application of numbing cream (unless an allergy to lidocaine/pirilocaine is known)

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