If you’ve ever been wandering the internet and witnessed the infamous photo of Kim Kardashian’s face covered in blood, you’ve already witnessed just what a certain treatment of PRP for facial rejuvenation is (and how she stays looking so youthful).
While it can look scary, PRP is actually one of the most effective treatments to keep your skin looking young, healthy, and vibrant!
If you want to save a spot for this treatment, click here to buy a gift card to use when we’re all able to go about life as normal again–it’ll be like a surprise for yourself!
Here to explain PRP and its uses to us is Gregory R. Delost, DO.
About Dr. Gregory Delost
Dr. Gregory Delost grew up in Youngstown, Ohio and graduated Summa Cum Laude from Gannon University in Erie, Pennsylvania. He completed medical school at Lake Erie College of Osteopathic Medicine. During medical school, his specific research interest was acne and he presented his work at multiple national conferences and published articles in top peer-reviewed journals. He received an award of excellence for one of his acne research papers by the American College of Osteopathic Dermatology. Recently, Dr. Delost gained national attention when CNN featured his acne research.
Additionally, he received the Young Researcher Grant from the Foundation for Osteopathic Dermatology, which supported the construction of a cutaneous lymphoma database encompassing 20 years’ worth of patients. At the end of both medical school and residency, he was recognized with an excellence in research award.
What is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a specific fraction of our blood that contains the greatest concentration (at least threefold to eightfold) of platelets compared to baseline amounts in blood.
“Dermatologists informally refer to this layer of blood as “liquid gold” as platelets are crucial for normal wound healing and skin health. We know that these platelets contain numerous granules, which secret molecules like growth factors, which are essential for cell differentiation, proliferation, and even regeneration.”
Is PRP for skin rejuvenation safe?
The beauty of PRP is that it is extremely safe as we are repurposing the patient’s own blood.
How is PRP used?
Have you ever heard the term “Vampire facial”? It has become increasingly popular recently as many celebrities and social media influencers have posted photos with blood spattered across their faces.
“Vampire facials” combine PRP with a procedure such as microneedling to enhance penetration into the skin. Basically, it is a facial that uses the patient’s blood to promote healthy function of their skin cells.
What is the PRP skin rejuvenation process like?
The process is simple and relatively painless. First, roughly 10-60 mL of blood is obtained through venipuncture (blood draw). The freshly drawn blood is combined with anticoagulants to preserve the platelet structure and function. Next, the blood is processed through a high-speed centrifuge to separate the blood into different cell layers which allows for the isolation of the platelet-rich plasma.
In order to get the PRP to the appropriate depth in the skin to treat acne scarring and to promote facial rejuvenation, microneedling, microdermabrasion, or specific lasers, like CO2/Fraxel are used to create tiny passageways into the skin.
Finally, the PRP is applied in a thin layer over the entire face.
What is the recovery time for a PRP treatment?
There is relatively little downtime other than the day of the procedure. The following few days, the skin is slightly pink like a sunburn, but otherwise back to normal.
“It is really important to wear sunscreen on the days following the procedure. It is an attractive treatment because the patient can have it done on a Friday afternoon and be ready to go back to work on Monday.”
How to know if PRP is right for you?
Anyone with wrinkles, sun damage, acne scarring, or just the desire to look refreshed would be a great candidate.
“Patients with a history of blood diseases like blood clotting or bleeding disorders should refrain from PRP treatment.”
It is important that any patients that choose to do PRP refrain from any anti-platelet drugs such as aspirin and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for at least 2 weeks prior to the PRP treatment.
How many PRP treatments do I need to see the effects?
Results vary by patient.
Although patients may see noticeable results after one treatment, typically multiple treatments are needed for an optimal result. Some studies suggest three monthly sessions, while others recommend treatment every 4-6 months for one year and then yearly for maintenance.
The treatment should not be repeated more than once a month.
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