What is platelet rich plasma (PRP)?
It is a natural product created from the patient’s own blood. A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient’s vein into a sterile tube, placed in a special centrifuge, where the white and red blood cells are separated, leaving purified plasma with platelets that are several times higher than those normally found in the blood. This prepared plasma is called platelet-rich plasma (PRP). No synthetic substitutes or additives are used, so the likelihood of side-effects and allergic reactions is very low.
PRP has long been used in various fields of medicine: orthopaedics, dentistry, gynaecology, reconstructive surgery, but more recently it has been shown to have a positive effect in various fields of dermatology, wound healing and cosmetology. PRP injection can be administered into the skin of the face, décolleté, neck and hands. Also, the PRP procedure for hair is an effective treatment for hair loss.
Scientific studies have shown that the PRP procedure stimulates the synthesis of collagen and elastin in the skin, as well as inhibiting sun damage and skin ageing, and is an effective treatment for hair loss.
How does PRP work?
Platelets are blood cells involved in wound healing and stimulate the formation of new cells. When injected into the skin, PRP activates your own collagen and elastin synthesis, stimulates tissue renewal (regeneration) – all of which rejuvenates the skin in a natural way: the number of wrinkles is reduced, the skin becomes smoother, brighter, firmer.
How does PRP differ from other injections and fillers?
Fillers are synthetically extracted hyaluronic acid that is injected into individual wrinkles and problem areas, most commonly to reduce wrinkles in the forehead, plump the lips and cheeks. Hyaluronic acid attracts water molecules, thereby increasing volume and volume, resulting in smoother wrinkles, plumper lips, cheeks and facial ovals.
PRP stimulates your own collagen synthesis in the whole face, not just in specific wrinkles. PRP can be used on the face, décolleté, neck and hands. PRP improves the overall condition of the skin – firming, smoothing the surface, colour and can be used where fillers and other injections are not possible.
Of course, fillers, botulinum toxin injections, laser treatments for the face and other areas can be combined with PRP to achieve an optimal and complete skin rejuvenation effect. For example, PRP with hyaluronic acid is an innovative and highly effective skin rejuvenation and hydration treatment, as hyaluronic acid and platelet-rich plasma work in a complementary way to deeply moisturise the skin, while collagen and elastin tighten the skin and make it more elastic.
When does the PRS apply?
- For skin rejuvenation: wrinkle reduction, restoration of lost skin firmness, skin plumping, uneven skin tone;
- Elimination of fine lines around the eyes (called “goose bumps”);
- Treatment of hair loss in both men and women;
- To promote wound healing;
- Treatment of scars;
- Removal of pigment spots;
What other problems is PRP therapy applicable and appropriate for?
PRP injections are used after surgery to treat muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints;
An effective treatment method for the knee joint;
How is the PRP procedure performed?
A small amount of blood is drawn from a vein into a sterile vial. The vial is then centrifuged to separate certain blood components and purify platelet-rich plasma (PRP), which is then injected into the skin. The number of platelets in this preparation is several times higher than in normal blood. While the PRP is being prepared, the face or other area to be treated will be prepared for the procedure. Local anaesthesia (a special cream) may be used, so the injections cause only minimal discomfort and are painless. Multiple injections are made with a fine needle into the skin. The procedure takes 30-60 minutes. After the procedure there is temporary redness, swelling and bruising, which usually disappears within 4-7 days. As PRP is made from the patient’s own blood, the incidence of side effects is minimised.
How many PRP treatments are needed?
The effect of the procedure starts to be visible after 3-4 weeks and the degenerative process continues for a long time. Usually 2-3 PRP treatments are recommended with a break of 1-2 months. Repeat every 6-12 months is recommended.
PRP treatments can also be combined with other rejuvenating treatments: botulinum toxin, fillers, laser treatments.
What are the side effects of the PRP procedure?
Swelling, redness, bruising, infection, lack of effect.
When can I not have a PRP procedure?
During pregnancy and lactation, in patients with anaemia, systemic connective tissue diseases, autoimmune diseases, oncological diseases, bleeding disorders, patients prone to scarring, in the presence of an active infection on the face (e.g. lip herpes). The dermatologist decides whether the procedure is feasible during the consultation.
Skin care after the PRP procedure
After the PRP procedure, you should not go to the sauna, do active sports or consume alcohol. Avoid the sun for about 2 weeks after the procedure and use sun protection creams SPF50. Facial treatments are not recommended for one month.
A post-treatment moisturiser should be applied for 1-2 weeks.
Who can have the PRP procedure?
The PRP procedure is performed by injection and therefore can only be performed by a licensed professional in a licensed clinic or other healthcare facility. The Laser Dermatology Centre has highly qualified and experienced dermatologists, surgeons and other licensed physicians who can perform PRP and other aesthetic procedures on patients.
