What is PRP?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a process in which we draw a small sample of blood, put it in a centrifuge machine to separate out the plasma and red blood cells, and re-inject the platelet-rich plasma into the face for skin rejuvenation.

Whole blood has around 200,000 platelets/µL on average. PRP has 4-6 times as many platelets – around 1,000,000 platelets/µL in a 5-mL sample. Therefore, platelet-rich plasma, as the name suggests, is rich in your own platelets. It has a very high concentration of various growth factors and proteins that are essential to heal damaged and aged skin.

Some of the key growth factors in PRP include platelet-derived growth factor (PGDF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), fibroblast growth factor (FGF), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF). These are all biological molecules that play a critical role in bone and soft tissue healing. Injection of PRP speeds up cell turnover and increases formation of new blood vessels in the target area, thereby stimulating collagen production and regenerating facial skin.

What is PRP treatment on the face like? Is PRP for the face painful?

PRP for face is a short office procedure – it usually takes 30-60 minutes to perform. There is minimal pain and discomfort with a PRP facial. To perform a PRP face, a sample of your blood is taken. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge machine to separate the plasma from the red cells. Your skin is numbed with a topical anesthetic cream and the prp is carefully injected in select areas or used topically in conjunction with microneedling.

Is there any down time?

After the prp treatment, your face will be red and your may feel warm and tight. This is the start of the healing and rejuvenation of your face. It may be 2 to 3 days of redness and some dry, flaking of the skin may occur. After 3 days, you can use makeup to cover any residual redness. Avoiding direct sunlight for a week after treatment is recommended.

How soon will I see results from a PRP facial?

There can be some minor swelling and bruising after PRP injections in the face. Once these symptoms resolve in a few days, you will be able to see the results of your PRP skin rejuvenation treatment. Patients have noticed a tightening of the skin, skin radiance, and an overall healthier complexion within 2-3 weeks. Over time, wrinkles, creases, and acne scars start to diminish as collagen production increases in the treated areas and your skin tone and texture improves.

How many PRP sessions are needed for the face?

Most patients initially get the treatment done at least 3 times with 4 weeks between treatments. They may opt for additional treatments to reach their aesthetic goal.

What is PRFM ( Platelet rich fibrin matrix)?

PRFM is the next generation PRP. It is very similar to prp but it takes a step further by causing platelets to stay longer in the treated areas.

PRFM takes the power of platelets and adds a scaffolding to preserve and protect the platelets. We use a specialized system for preparation of PRFM through a controlled process. When mixed with just the right amount of calcium chloride, PRP is converted to a fibrin matrix. This fibrin matrix creates a three-dimensional scaffold to maintain the platelets at the site of application and allows for sustained growth factor release. Studies have shown that platelet growth factors are released for up to seven days, supporting collagen production and increased blood supply, which results in overall skin improvements.

We use PRFM to improve problems such as wrinkles, photodamage, texture, pore size, acne scars and stretch marks, and to address the decreasing volume that is a part of normal aging. PRFM can be applied topically, micro needled, or injected into the skin.

PRFM can be used to return volume to faces that are beginning to look drawn due to volume loss. It will plump out cheek indentations, soften under eye hollows, and improve the skin tone, tightness, and texture. It is also effective for addressing fine lines, discoloration, acne scars, and stretch marks.

And because PRFM uses your own blood as its base, reactions are non-existent, making PRFM procedures ultimately safe and easy.

Schedule A Consultation

Interested in learning what PRFM can do for you? Contact our Englewood Office at (201) 429-3994 for more information on PRFM for Skin Rejuvenation.