Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP has been used successfully for years to heal sports injuries and is now becoming the treatment of choice for the improvement of the appearance of wrinkles, scars, sun damage and even dark circles under their eyes.

PRP is more sought-after in aesthetic procedures for the same reasons athletes chose it: because of its organic nature and because it works. It uses plasma taken from the patient’s own blood, instead of chemicals injected into the body. The possibility of side effects is practically non-existent because the body is unlikely to reject its own blood.

The treatment has become popularly known as the Platelet-Rich Plasma Facelift thanks to one celebrity, Kim Kardashian, who tried and recommended the procedure, and gave it its nickname.

The plasma in the PRP stimulates the patient’s stem cells naturally and “wakes them up”; causing them to produce more collagen, which is what makes the skin more youthful. The plasma contains molecules and proteins that provide nutrients to the skin’s cells, so it’s the healthiest, most natural way to improve the appearance of wrinkles, scars and other effects of ageing.

What is PRP?

PRP is a natural product created from your own body. A small amount of blood is drawn from you and placed in a sterile tube that is spun down in a centrifuge to separate the different components of the blood. Red and white blood cells are divided from the platelets and the plasma (the clear fluid). This plasma now contains a higher than normal number of platelets and is called platelet rich plasma, or PRP.

Normal blood contains only 6% platelets. In PRP, there is a concentration of 94% platelets, which provides a powerful growth factor “cocktail”. This stimulates cellular tissue regeneration to dramatically accelerate healing.

For this reason this treatment is very successful in treating the signs of ageing, as well as assisting in hair regeneration and even muscle and joint regeneration.

How do platelets rejuvenate the skin?

Platelets are the cells in the blood that help tissue to heal and grow new cells. The PRP, needled into specific areas of the skin, acts as a matrix that promotes your own collagen to grow, regenerates tissue, and thus acts as to naturally smooth and tighten the skin. In this way, PRP softens wrinkles and creates smoother skin texture and tone.

What is PRP’s history?

PRP has a long history of being used in orthopaedic medicine, dentistry,and reconstructive surgery. Its benefits are now being applied to other fields of medicine such as dermatology, skin wound healing, and cosmetic facial rejuvenation. Scientific studies dating back 30 years have documented that PRP grows new collagen when injected into the skin, and newer studies show that PRP can soften sun damage and ageing skin issues.

What conditions are PRP used for?

• Fine lines, wrinkles, crow’s feet, wrinkles around mouth and on the forehead
• Dark circles under the eyes, areas of poor colour and a dull complexion
• Reduction of pore size, improvement in skin elasticity and tone
• Hair Restoration
• Treatment of burn wounds, joint therapy, sports injuries (Muscle repair) etc.

How is PRP introduced into the skin?

Even though applying PRP topically to the skin has some benefits, it is deep in the bottom layers of the epidermis and especially the dermis where the magic happens.  While some prefer to do multiple injections in order to perfuse the skin with PRP, at Skinlogic we get the best results by combining PRP with micro-needling. Clinical studies support this method as an excellent technique of perfusion.

Are there any side-effects for PRP?

Because PRP comes from your own blood, there is no risk of an allergy or reaction. The micro-needling procedure can be mildly uncomfortable. Most common side-effects include mild bruising, redness, sensitivity, swelling and mild peeling while the patient heals over the next few days.

Who shouldn’t have a PRP treatment?

The following medical conditions are contraindicated for use of PRP:

• Critical thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
• Hypofibrinogenaemia
• Haemodynamic instability (collapse)
• Sepsis (infection)
• Acute and chronic infections
• Chronic liver disease
• Anticoagulation therapy (warfarin, dabigatran, heparin)
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding
• Patients younger than 17 years old
• Significantly inflamed skin in the treated area
• Auto-immunological skin disorder
• History of poor healing
• Cancer and chemotherapy
• Significant bruising
• Recent use of corticosteroids (in last 2 weeks)
• Psychologically unstable patients

Pre-treatment Consultation

• On arrival, you will be asked to complete a confidential patient intake form.
• A VISIA Skin Analysis may be conducted.
• Your practitioner will then discuss your concerns and requirements with you in order to get a clear understanding of your expectations.
• After a thorough examination, the most suitable treatment options and their alternatives will be proposed to you.  Treatment procedures will be clearly outlined and discussed, together with the benefits and possible risks of each.
• To ensure a good result, it is of utmost importance to carefully select our patients for this treatment.
• Should we find that surgery will be better, we will then refer you to a plastic surgeon.
• Your practitioner may also provide you with a quotation.
• Any questions you have about the process or treatment will be answered honestly.
• Together, you and the practitioner will then decide on the treatment that is most appropriate and safe for you.
• Any pre- and post-treatment care will be explained in detail. Written instructions may be handed to you.

You are under no obligation to book the treatment with us after your consultation, however, should you wish to book a treatment this can be done for you after your consultation or at a later date via phone or e-mail.

At Skinlogic we can assure you that we value your health and wellbeing. You will only be seen and treated by qualified and experienced professionals.

During the Treatment

Before your treatment you will be provided with a detailed consent form. You will be asked to read and sign this prior to your having your treatment.

You will have plenty of opportunity to ask any questions you may still have regarding the treatment.

Your practitioner or Skinlogic’s registered nurse will draw some of your blood to fill 2-3 tubes and place it in the centrifuge in order to get the plasma ready. During that time, your practitioner will cleanse and exfoliate the area to be treated.  If necessary, topical anaesthetic will be applied. At Skinlogic, we encourage our patients to omit the topical anaesthetic since it causes vasoconstriction and thus impair an optimal healing cascade.  However, your well-being and comfort is very important to us, so the option of topical anaesthetic is always available. Depending on the treatment depth, most patients report feeling just the slight vibration of the Dermapen™ during the procedure, with mild discomfort, if any.

The skin is disinfected prior to the procedure. Your prepared platelet rich plasma will be applied to be delivered at the target site by micro-needling.

Your practitioner will adjust the needle depth according to your indications and needs during the treatment. This part of the procedure is over quite quickly – within 30 minutes.

After the procedure, the skin is calmed with the application of specialized products to provide comfort, enhance your treatment and aid recovery. You will be asked NOT to wash your face until the next morning.