Platelets-rich plasma PRP Facial Treatment has been used for many years to heal injured joints, elbows, ankles, and knees. Apart from these commonly known uses of PRP, a new approach has been developed.
PRP can now be used to eliminate facial wrinkles, lines and to make the face look more youthful. This approach combines the plasma and platelets from your blood with other rejuvenation techniques to make your face smooth and youthful.
PRP helps to trigger collagen production in the face which helps to tighten, smooth and improve skin tone.
How is PRP Treatment done?
A small amount of your blood will be taken from your body, usually from your arm with a syringe. The blood will be placed in a centrifuge and spun in order to extract protein-rich plasma and platelets. The doctor will then use a sterile microneedle to place tiny, superficial punctures across your cheeks and forehead so that your face can easily absorb the PRP. The PRP solution will then be massaged across the treatment area.
For patients with deeper lines and wrinkles, the doctor may also inject hyaluronic acid fillers and Botox. The fillers help to restore volume that the face loses naturally with age. Botox keeps facial muscles from contracting.
The PRP is generally a safe procedure for everyone, except for those with clotting conditions that require blood thinners or those with other blood-related health issues.
After the Treatment
When the treatment is completed, your doctor may apply a serum or balm to help soothe any redness and irritation. If you want, you may be allowed to apply makeup to camouflage any temporary side effects that may occur.
If there are no adverse reactions, you are free to go home immediately after the treatment. Unless there are adverse reactions, you may be allowed to drive home by yourself.
What to expect during recovery?
This procedure is non-surgical, hence you can go back to work the next day and continue with your normal daily activities. You may experience some redness and other signs of minor irritation. Do not apply too many products to your skin.
Clean your face once a day and moisturize as needed. You may add a lightweight foundation or powder to minimize redness.
Avoid alcohol-based products and exfoliants during the recovery stage. Proper sun protection is also very important to keep facial skin safe.
During the recovery period, avoid strenuous activities that might cause excessive sweating and heat production. Excess sweating may cause additional irritation, and strenuous activities may increase the risk of swelling or bruising.
Benefits of PRP for facial treatment
- It is used for the treatment of facial spots, lines, and wrinkles.
- It is used to clear out scars and certain forms of hyperpigmentation.
- It helps you achieve your desired facial looks
Potential side effects and complications
Bruises and inflammation, including swelling and redness, are the most common side effects. They usually appear immediately after the procedure and clear off within four to six days.
You’ll also want to avoid sun exposure and harsh skin treatments during this time. It’s important that you don’t rub or pick at your face. Sun protection is also very important.
PRP contains your own blood, so there’s little chance of cross-contamination or infection. Rare complications which include infection and scarring may occur.
It is also possible that you may have an outbreak from having this treatment if you have a history of herpes simplex or cold sores.
When will you see results?
This is a nonsurgical procedure; hence results may not be as drastic and visible as the surgical facelift procedure. Using PRP alongside traditional micro-needling treatments may improve the scars on your face, but the evidence is still inconclusive.
Although research is inconclusive about its effectiveness in facial rejuvenation, the downsides to adding PRP to micro-needling appear to be minimal. It’ll likely take several treatments to see results.
Cost of PRP Facial Treatment
The average cost for a PRP facial is between $1,100 and $1,400 with most people spending about $1,300. The main expense involved is micro-needling. It generally accounts for around $800 for the total cost. The PRP extraction and application fee which is about $500 adds up the total cost of the treatment.