Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Purpose:
Using blood-derived growth factors is a safe procedure for renewing the skin of the face and for correcting shape.

Benefits:
This treatment is natural in that your own cells are used, treated with a chemical that is not foreign to the body, and injected into the specified areas. Since a distillate of growth factors from your own blood is used, there should be no side effects from the material injected. The body reacts to the treated cells as it does to a wound and immediately starts repairing the tissue. This builds the underlying tissue with tightening, smoothing, and increased blood flow (which makes the color more attractive). You should see improvements immediately, although there is usually a return to prior treatment status in 3-5 days as the water is absorbed and prior to the complete action of the cellular regenerative process. Within 2-4 weeks you will see improvement with continued changes for 12 weeks.

There’s actual growth of new tissue by stimulation of uni-potent stem cells, so the change is not from something foreign being in the body but from the body actually rejuvenating and growing. The PRP stimulates new blood flow with blood vessels (neovascularization). The results of this treatment should last, but results may vary and research documenting the longevity or results are ongoing.

Treatment:
You may take a pain medication, such as Tylenol™ or a prescription medication may be requested . You may ask for an anit-anxiety medication to use prior to the treatment. A numbing cream (lidocaine, bupivicaine, and tetracaine) is applied to the face (and possibly the neck).

Approximately 20 cc (less than 2 tablespoons) of blood are drawn in the same way blood samples are taken for routine lab test. The tubes of blood are centrifuged to separate the component cells. Platelets are separated and used for this procedure. The platelets are treated with calcium chloride (which tricks the cells into thinking that they are in the body and the body has been injured). The platelets release  growth factors into the liquid of the tube. The liquid is transferred into a syringe and injected into the face using a tiny needle and process is used to distribute the growth factors and increase their effectiveness.

Risk and Discomforts:
The primary risks and discomforts are related to the blood draw where there is a slight pinch to insert the needle for collection and there is a potential for bruising at the site. The injections at the treatment locations cause pain similar to an intramuscular injection (since a small needle and numbing cream are used).

There is a potential for bruising at the injection sites. Pain from bruising can occur. Smokers have less positive response to this treatment than non-smokers, since the toxins in cigarettes smoke block the response of the stem cells. There may be some variation in achieving the results requested as everyone’s body type is different and may have a different response.

The Introduction of the needle into the skin always  presents the possibility of infections, scarring, loss of sensation, or change in muscle strength. A difference in size of the face on one side compared to the other could occur.

Post Treatment:

The post treatment therapy has been explained at the time of injection and I acknowledging that written instructions were given and are  understood.

Follow-Up:
Your physician/provider will follow up with you to check on your progress and answer any questions. You may call him/her to report on your progress or ask additional questions.