Platelet Rich Plasma Treatments (PRP)
Procedure time
45 mins
Full recovery
24-48hours
Anaesthetic
topical cream anaesthetic optional
Results duration
up to 2 years
Pain
mild discomfort
Risks
bruising, swelling, tenderness, unpredictable results
- What is PRP?
- What areas can be treated?
- How does the treatment work?
- Is it safe and does it hurt?
- Are there any side effects?
- When will I see results?
What is PRP?
PRP was coined as the Vampire Lift by the Kardashians some years ago. This procedure involves injecting your own blood plasma back into your skin to regenerate it and create volume. It is a great treatment of choice for those patients who don’t wish to have anything ‘artificial’ injected into them.
What areas can be treated?
The answer to this is it can be injected anywhere and has been used in many aspects of medicine for years, including sports medicine, ophthalmology, orthopaedics and sports medicine.
In aesthetic medicine it is commonly used on the face for rejuvenation and on the scalp to increase hair growth.
How does the treatment work?
A simple blood sample is taken from the arm into a tube which is then placed in a centrifuge. The centrifuge separates the blood into plasma and red blood cells. The plasma is rich in proteins, platelets and growth factors and it is this that is injected back into the skin using a series of injections using tiny needles.
Is it safe and does it hurt?
As it is your own blood with nothing added it is completely safe. The whole procedure is carried out by me using an aseptic technique so there is no contamination and the risk of infection is very low.
As a topical numbing cream is applied beforehand, you should not experience any pain during the procedure.
If you have a history of platelet disorders, certain skin diseases or are on certain medication you may not be suitable for this treatment, but this will be ascertained at the in depth consultation prior to treatment.
Are there any side effects?
There is likely to be mild swelling and bruising following the procedure which usually settles within 24-48 hours. It is common for the skin to look a little red after the procedure, but this settles after a few hours. Bruising may also occur at the site of the blood sample.
Occasionally discomfort or aching after treatment can occur and last for a few days. We do not recommend taking anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or aspirin (unless prescribed by a medical practitioner) as this can cause an increase risk in bruising and bleeding.
Injecting close to the eye can sometimes cause a dropping of the upper eyelid. If this does occur, drops can be used to lessen the effect until it wears off naturally.
When will I see results?
Some people may see improvements in their skin in as little as 3 weeks, but most notice improvements at 3 months. The effects can last up to two years. Most people choose to have a course of treatments especially for hair rejuvenation where a course of three treatments a year is recommended.
Results will depend on many factors such as age, gender, smoking, lifestyle and general health.