You might have heard about the “PRP Facelift” or “Micro Needling with PRP” also known as the “Vampire Facelift” and/or the “Vampire Facial” in the media. But what is it? What is PRP?
I didn’t know until I started researching either. There are a lot of things out there in the cosmetic beauty industry, some good some bad and some are just hyped because it is “the new thing”. PRP on the other hand is something really, really good.
Let me explain.
PRP is short for Platelet Rich Plasma
Platelet rich plasma is your blood plasma that is enriched with platelets.
Although blood is mainly a liquid (called plasma), it also contains small solid components (red cells, white cells, and platelets.) The platelets are best known for their importance in clotting blood. However, platelets also contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors, which are very important in the healing of injuries. You can say PRP is a concentrated healing serum processed from your own blood.
PRP has been used for years to speed joint, tendon and tissue repair. It is a popular treatment for professional athletes such as football players, golfers and basketball players to heal injuries.
PRP is plasma with many more platelets than what is typically found in blood. The higher concentration of platelets means more growth factors to speed recovery. The platelet rich plasma is often called ‘”liquid gold”.
PRP works on a simple premise, utilizing your own natural platelets to instruct the body to create new collagen for tighter, smoother and better-toned skin.
So how is this “liquid gold” (PRP) used in the beauty business?
It would be great if you could just put some of your own blood were you want the collagen production, right? Well, no, its not that easy, but almost.. Here is the process.
To get the PRP, first blood must be drawn from a patient. Then the platelets are separated from other blood cells and their concentration is increased during a process called centrifugation, basically spinning the blood.
Then, depending on what concerns you as a client has, the PRP can be utilized in various ways. The platelet solution can be injected back into your face with a thin needle in conjunction with or without facial filler to increase volume. The PRP can be used as a topical addition to a micro needling pen treatment or a laser resurfacing procedure like Fractional CO2.
Using PRP in addition to all of these procedures will enhance the bodies natural healing effect producing more collagen, giving you tighter, smoother and better-toned skin. Fine lines and wrinkles will be reduced as well as a deceased appearance of scars. You will get an all over facial rejuvenation!
What Can We Conclude about PRP?
If we already have blood in our bodies, you might ask what is the benefit of re-injecting it? Good question. It could all be seen as rather pointless – if it wasn’t for the fact that processing the blood increases the levels of platelets far beyond their normal concentration to boost the skin’s ability to rejuvenate.
The platelet rich plasma that is injected or topically applied with a micro needling treatment is a concentrated formula of your own platelets, which makes it rich in growth factors. The growth factors are needed to repair the body, and come in handy too when trying to fight the signs of aging.
Effectively PRP is encouraging your body to use it’s own processes but more effectively in the places that are starting to need a bit of extra help.
To see if the PRP facelift treatment or Micro Needling with PRP is right for you, and your concerns, I always recommend coming in to our office to get a complimentary consultation to see what would be best for you. Visit us at The Laser Image Company, your place for treatment & education.
