June 21, 2024
In
Estetica Facial, PRP
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in Facial Rejuvenation
The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) as a treatment modality for skin rejuvenation has increased rapidly over the past decade. Platelets have become the logical choice for the replacement and renewal of cells, tissues, or organs due to their low invasiveness/high healing potential, easy availability, and abundance of growth factors.
PRP is considered a cocktail of growth factors that promotes wound healing, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling.
In today’s world, the demand for firm and youthful skin is enormous and continues to grow daily. Clinical signs of facial aging include wrinkles, enlarged pores, pigmentation, and sagging.
These are caused by changes across all layers of the skin, loss of subcutaneous fat, downward migration of fat pads, increased sebum and melanin production, and changes in bone structure.
Skin aging is influenced by a variety of intrinsic and extrinsic factors. There are notable similarities between the events involved in wound healing and those that could effectively address the effects of intrinsic and extrinsic skin aging.
It has been assumed that skin aging is analogous to a wound extensive enough to overwhelm the skin’s repair mechanisms, which diminish with age.
Studies have shown that PRP contains approximately 578 different types of proteins, such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ).
These proteins and growth factors can stimulate stem cells and enhance cell proliferation, differentiation, and regeneration, leading to skin rejuvenation and hyaluronic acid production.
PRP can activate fibroblasts and synthesize collagen and other extracellular matrix components, making it an attractive option for skin rejuvenation and scar reduction.
The use of PRP as monotherapy for skin rejuvenation, acne scars, peri-orbital rejuvenation, lipo-filling, and in combination with fractional CO2 and other resurfacing modalities is rapidly increasing.
The anti-aging effect of PRP has also been observed in animal studies. Cho et al. studied 30 nude mice exposed to UV radiation and concluded that mice injected with PRP had significantly fewer wrinkles than the control groups.
Additionally, significantly greater dermal thickness, fibroblast proliferation, and collagen synthesis were observed in the PRP group.
PRP is increasingly used for skin and neck rejuvenation.
Most studies have shown improvements in skin color and texture and enhanced tissue tightness, helping to reduce wrinkle depth.
Activated PRP has been shown to stimulate dermal fibroblast proliferation, and activated PPP increases type I collagen.
PRP has been reported to increase dermal elasticity, hyaluronic acid synthesis, and collagen production, leading to smoother and firmer skin.
By improving skin hydration, hyaluronic acid enhances skin volume and turgor. Both direct intradermal injections and topical PRP under occlusion have been tested.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is known as a “natural filler” treatment that gives the skin a more youthful appearance with minimal downtime.
There are virtually no risks of allergies or sensitivity, as PRP is derived from your own blood.
PRP is essentially blood plasma containing high concentrations of platelets that stimulate stem cells to help the body regenerate and heal at a faster rate.
PRP improves overall skin texture, reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles around the mouth and eyes, and fills in depressed areas such as under-eye hollows, cheeks, and temples.
PRP can also help smooth acne and surgical scars.
PRP Treatment Summary
Facial rejuvenation with PRP takes approximately one hour to complete.
At Clinica Liv, Dr. Quintero applies a topical anesthetic cream one hour before the treatment on the area to be treated to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
Then, 1 to 4 vials of blood are drawn and centrifuged to separate a layer of plasma concentrated with cells, platelets, and growth factors.
This layer is extracted and injected into the skin using very fine needles. Patients usually experience slight stinging during the procedure.
ProNox (nitrous oxide) can be used to further minimize discomfort during the injection process for an additional cost.
Injecting PRP directly into the tissue allows your body to fully absorb and utilize all the benefits of your extracted platelet-rich plasma.
The application of PRP monotherapy for rejuvenating aged facial skin was evaluated in 518 patients across three studies.
Two studies performed a single session, while one conducted two to four sessions depending on the patient’s age. The infraorbital area, nasolabial folds, and crow’s feet were the most commonly injected areas; other treatment areas included the frontal/malar region, preauricular region, and mandibular region.
All studies performed intradermal injections; additionally, Yuksel et al. used a Dermaroller (Cynergy, Carson City, Nev.) and covered each patient’s face with a gauze soaked in platelet-poor plasma for 30 minutes.
Follow-up periods ranged from 1 week to 1 year.
The studies in this review confirmed that PRP is beneficial for rejuvenating aged facial skin. Results showed improvements in facial skin volume, texture, and tone, with increased thickness, elasticity, and radiance, as well as a reduction in both fine and deep wrinkles.
What is the PRP Procedure for the Face?
PRP facials are not cosmetic procedures, but medical procedures. The expert physician, Dr. Quintero, and her medical team perform the procedure by taking a sample of your blood and isolating the protein- and platelet-rich plasma to create PRP. A centrifuge is used to extract the protein-rich plasma. Platelets are also separated. The sample is concentrated and called platelet-rich plasma (PRP). The high levels of growth factors in PRP help the body heal. Dermatologists began using PRP to promote collagen growth. Orthopedists inject PRP to improve joint ailments in the knees, ankles, and elbows. The full effect of PRP facial treatments appears within a few weeks to months.What is a PRP Facial Like?
There are different ways to perform a PRP facial. In the first option, the plasma is spread over your face, after which microneedling is performed on the forehead and cheeks to help the face absorb the proteins. Microneedling is a procedure that creates a series of tiny superficial holes using sterile needles. Both microneedling and PRP stimulate collagen growth. The second option is called the vampire facial. This involves injecting the plasma into the skin as a filler. The original skin issue is addressed in two ways: beneath the skin and on top of it. There is limited research on the effectiveness of vampire facials. One study revealed that participants who received PRP injections in one cheek and saline solution in the other saw improvements in the PRP-injected cheeks.
Benefits of PRP for the Face
A PRP facial can be beneficial for individuals with wrinkles, sun damage, or scars. By reintroducing PRP into the skin, cell proliferation is encouraged.
This leads to an increase in elastin and collagen production. As a result, the skin appears firmer, fuller, and smoother.
In areas with deeper wrinkles and lines, the physician may also choose to use hyaluronic acid fillers or neuromodulators. These are wrinkle-relaxing injections similar to Botox®.
Fillers restore facial volume that is naturally lost with aging.
Neuromodulators prevent facial muscles from contracting. They help reduce lines caused by overuse of muscles, including crow’s feet around the eyes.
These products can be used together to treat the entire face.
Who is the Best Candidate for PRP?
If you choose to undergo a platelet-rich plasma facial, precautions can be taken to ensure your safety by visiting a licensed medical provider or plastic surgeon. Only properly trained medical professionals are qualified to perform the procedure legally and safely.
Immediately after the facial, most people feel well enough to drive home. Normal activities can typically be resumed the next day. During recovery, the skin should be protected with sunscreen and sun exposure should be minimized.
Results
PRP facial rejuvenation naturally stimulates your body’s collagen production, and it takes about three months to reach maximum collagen regeneration.
Most patients notice an improvement in skin texture within the first month after treatment. It is recommended to undergo 2 to 3 treatments spaced 6 to 8 weeks apart.
PRP rejuvenation results are long-lasting, and most patients receive annual touch-up treatments to continue stimulating collagen production and maintain ongoing facial rejuvenation.
For more immediate improvement, the benefits of PRP facial rejuvenation can be combined with Botox, fillers, microneedling, and laser resurfacing.
Clinica Liv: Your Best Choice for PRP Treatments
At Clinica Liv, we specialize in platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments, offering the latest technology and advanced techniques for skin rejuvenation. Our team of highly trained medical professionals ensures safe and effective procedures, delivering exceptional and personalized results for each patient. If you are seeking younger, firmer, and more radiant skin, Clinica Liv is your best choice for PRP treatments.
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