Have you heard of the “Vampire Facial” and wondered what on earth that was? Or have your never heard of it but now we have your interest?
The more formal name is PRP Skin Microneedling. PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma.
What is PRP?
It is well known that the body has a great capacity to heal itself, for example, if someone sustains a cut or tears a ligament or tendon. One of the key mechanisms in the body’s natural healing process is repair by the action of platelets. Platelets are cells in the blood, that as well as being important for blood clotting, also contain many natural growth factors which can stimulate and regenerate damaged tissue. Normal blood contains approximately 6% platelets, but PRP contains over 90% platelets. It is this super rich concentration of platelets and growth factors in PRP that provide the therapeutic effect.
What does a PRP treatment involve?
PRP micro-needling starts with the collection of a blood sample from your inner elbow ( much like a blood test). This blood is put into a specialized test tube that is then placed in a centrifuge machine for 6 minutes to spin at high speed. During centrifugation, a patented gel within the tubes isolates PRP from other unrequired cells (red blood cells and white blood cells) within the blood. This leaves the concentrated platelet-rich plasma component (PRP). This translucent yellow fluid contains a high concentration of growth factors released by the platelets, which act to regenerate and heal. The PRP from your own blood is then applied to your skin while a skin needling device automatically oscillates over the skin and gently pierces the skin creating millions of fine micro-channels. These channels allow for the PRP to penetrate deeper into the skin and stimulate collagen production and skin repair.
What does this treatment achieve?
PRP micro-needling regenerates and revitalizes damaged skin, reduces fine lines and improves skin texture. PRP micro-needling can improve the appearance of scars. PRP skin treatments are particularly good for improving skin quality and wrinkles around the eyes, chest, neck, and back of hands.
Is it safe?
PRP uses your own blood, so the risk of immunological reactions, allergies or contamination with transmissible diseases is eliminated. It is also safe to use close to the eyes, on the eyelids, and other delicate areas that are not safe for other procedures.
It is a natural treatment using the body’s own healing process.
What are the after effects?
PRP penetration into the skin supports and helps accelerate the process of tissue regeneration and repair. The PRP contains fundamental growth factors released by activated platelets to help initiate the tissue regeneration process by;
• Stimulation of new collagen production
• Induction of mesenchymal stem cell division and differentiation
• Stimulation of angiogenesis, the formation of new blood vessels
Are there side effects?
• After the treatment you may experience facial redness for 12-48 hours. Most people are able to return to normal daily activities immediately after the treatment. Application of a breathable camouflage will seal the skin and cover any redness for immediate return to work.
• Side effects such as mild swelling, bruising, and redness can occur which usually heal in two to three days.
How many treatments / how regularly should I have this done?
For best results with PRP micro-needling a series 3 treatments spaced a minimum of 4 weeks apart are required. Results will start to be seen 1-3 weeks after treatments but optimal results can take 3-6 months for improvement in skin texture and tone. The long term results with PRP micro-needling depend on factors such as age, general health and skin condition and follow up maintenance treatment once a year can help boost and maintain results.
Who does the treatment?
The PRP micro-needling treatments are performed by qualified Dermal Therapists or Registered Nurses.