Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for Facial and Body Rejuvenation, also referred to as the Vampire Facial, is an all-natural treatment that boosts collagen production, minimizes pigmentation, eases inflammation, and helps your skin regain its luminosity and youthful appearance.
PRP is concentrated with platelets from your own blood. Platelets are a naturally occurring substance in your blood that plays an essential role in clotting. As a concentrated source of autologous platelets, PRP contains several growth factors and other cytokines that stimulate healing of bone and soft tissue, including the skin. PRP stimulates the production of collagen and elastin, as well as new blood vessel formation, which works to improve the overall tone and texture of the skin.
PRP treatments can be used not only on the face, but also the neck and décolletage, backs of hands, or other areas of the body demonstrating signs of skin aging. It is also used for hair rejuvenation.
Skin concerns that may be addressed with PRP treatments include:
- Acne scars
- Surgical scars
- Hyperpigmentation/melasma
- Uneven and dull skin tone
- Thin skin
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Undereye darkness
PRP is suitable for all patients who are not pregnant or breastfeeding, and can be used on all skin types including those with very light and darker skin tones.
PRP treatments should not be performed if you have:
- Current infections
- Skin diseases such as lupus or porphyria
- Current cancer
- Current chemotherapy treatments
- Severe metabolic or systemic disorders
- Liver disease
- Abnormal platelet function (blood disorders)
- Anticoagulation therapy
- Current use of corticosteroids (Steroid injections) in my scalp in the last month
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding
What to Expect When Undergoing PRP for Facial and Body Rejuvenation
All patients interested in undergoing PRP treatments will have a complementary consultation with Dr. Kents (either virtually or in person) prior to your treatment, to determine whether PRP is safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
On the day of the PRP treatments, 1 or 2 vials of blood are taken from your arm, similar to common blood tests. The blood is then spun in a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells and plasma. The process concentrates the platelet count to 5 times normal. This PRP is then injected into the selected treatment areas using a mesotherapy injection device. The use of this advanced injection device allows for relatively painless treatments that DO NOT require topical anesthetic.
The procedure itself takes about 30 minutes, and most people can resume normal activities immediately afterwards.
Patients may experience minimal tenderness and redness after PRP treatment.
Patients should avoid wearing makeup for 24 hours after the treatment, and ensure that they wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen for at least 2 days after treatment.
On average, it takes 2-3 weeks after a treatment for patients to see visible improvements in skin texture, with maximum collagen regeneration occurring around 3 months after initial treatment. Results are typically maintained for 18-24 months. Maintaining results usually requires 1-2 yearly touch-up treatments, but varies between individuals based on skin condition and one’s overall health and skin-care practices.
Preparation for PRP for Facial and Body Rejuvenation
Before the PRP treatment:
- Avoid heavy exercise the day before your treatment
- Increase your fluid intake the day before your treatment: drink 2 glasses of water at breakfast, lunch and dinner, as well as the morning of your treatment
- Be sure to eat breakfast or lunch the day of your treatment
- Stop the following medications and supplements AT LEAST 1 WEEK prior to treatment:
- Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Gingko, Garlic, Flax, Cold liver oil, niacin, essential fatty acids
- Multivitamins
- Anti-inflammatories (Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, naproxen, voltaren, etc). * you may take acetaminophen for pain
- Avoid alcohol and cigarettes 3 DAYS prior to treatment.
After PRP treatment:
- Avoid exercise the day of treatment, but can resume the following day
- You can wash your face 4 hours AFTER treatment
- Limit sun exposure to the treated area for 2 days.
- Avoid the following medications and supplements for AT LEAST 1 WEEK after treatment:
- Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Gingko, Garlic, Flax, Cold liver oil, niacin, essential fatty acids
- Multivitamins
- Anti-inflammatories (Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, naproxen, voltaren, etc). * you may take acetaminophen for pain
- Avoid alcohol and smoking for 3 DAYS after treatment.
BEFORE AND AFTER
