PRP Injections
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is the latest non-surgical procedure to tighten skin in the neck, face and body. PRP utilizes your body’s ability to rejuvenate the skin by stimulating your own collagen to grow – without surgery or downtime. It can also improve the appearance of lines and wrinkles on the décolletage (the area on the upper chest) and can be used to lift the breasts and increase the fullness between them. PRP can help you achieve a fresher, more youthful look from your face to your chest or any place that time has loosened things!
PRP harnesses the power of your body’s ability to regenerate tissues that have weakened over time. PRP utilizes growth factors that are attached to your platelets. Platelets are in your bloodstream and they are important in aiding your body to stop bleeding. After platelets stop bleeding, they release growth factors into the wound and stimulate your body to heal the injury.
There are several different forms of PRP. PRFM is platelet-rich fibrin matrix, which has a fibrin scaffolding with the growth factors inside. It will give some volume correction when used in the face in addition to tightening the skin. CGF, the form we utilize most, is a concentrated growth factor plus stem cells. CGF stimulates a very potent form of tissue regeneration that can be used in many locations in the body. When we use these for anti-aging, they will stimulate new collagen growth and make the area treated more youthful in appearance.
Most people will benefit from PRP, but we will determine if PRP is right for you during your consultation. Patients with moderate laxity of the skin will get the best results. Some people may be better served with PRP and lasers/RF or surgery if they have a great deal of laxity. Also, patients who do not smoke or tan will get far better results.
PRP utilizes your body’s own growth hormones and stem cells to regrow more youthful tissues. Once injected, the growth factors are released into the surrounding tissues and stimulate new growth and increased elasticity. Once new collagen is being formed, it will cause the overlying skin to become smoother and tighter.
If you are having PRP injected into a painful area or joint, it will speed the healing of the area and make it feel better. PRP injections for pain will also require you to understand why the pain occurred and make changes. We will discuss your individual situation and develop a treatment plan that must be followed in order to maximize your results.
You should be well hydrated before coming for your appointment. Do not drink any alcohol on the day of your treatment. If you are on blood thinners (Coumadin, Plavix, Pradaxa, Eliquis) we will need to discuss with you when to stop them. Over-the-counter supplements such as ibuprofen, aspirin, fish oil and garlic may increase the chance of bruising, so we will want you to stop these and any other herbal supplements one week before your treatment.
Once you arrive we will take pictures of the area to be treated and have you sign a consent form. It is very important to have "before" pictures in order to see the changes as they occur. The nurses will then clean the area and position you on the bed. A topical anesthetic agent will be applied to the treatment area. The doctor will arrive and discuss your treatment and answer any questions you have. The nurse will then draw your blood to prepare the PRP. This will take 15-20 minutes depending on which formulation you are receiving. When the PRP is ready, the doctor and nurse will return for your injection. Once completed, they will apply the finishing touch protocol so you can return to enjoying your day. No one will know that you had a procedure performed. There should be little to no discomfort after your injections.
After your treatment no special care is needed. You may apply makeup as needed and resume all activities. If you have any bruising, you should be able to conceal it with makeup. If you need help with this, please call us as we have concealing makeup available and our staff will be happy to assist you with it. Fortunately, bruising and other side effects are uncommon.
The results from PRP can last 1-2 years. Best results are achieved when you complete a series of 3 injection sessions spaced one month apart. Patients who do not smoke, tan, or gain/lose weight will have better results. We feel that the best long-term results will occur with the use of topical growth factors, such as TNS Essential Serum, and daily application of a mineral sunscreen. Ultraviolet exposure weakens collagen so it is vital to protect the skin in order to achieve the longest lasting results possible.
PRP is considered a cosmetic or experimental procedure and therefore will not be covered by most insurance companies. We do offer
financing options to cover your costs. Just ask our staff and they will be glad to assist you!
We will be happy to
schedule a consultation on PRP at the Genesis Medspa at your convenience. We are excited to tell you how PRP can help you!
