Harnessing the power of your own body’s healing properties is a unique and completely natural way to rejuvenate skin and restore hair growth. Over decades of use in clinical settings Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) has proven to be a successful way to improve tissue regeneration. PRP is used in specialties like cardiac surgery, oral surgery, orthopedics and facial plastic surgery. The high concentrations of growth factors in PRP are known to increase the proliferation of new blood vessels and cellular structures that expedite the healing process after an injury or surgical procedure.
In dermatology, we have found that combining PRP with other services like CO2 Laser (ask about the 24 Karat Gold Package available only to our VIP members) and microneedling with SkinPen creates a perfect healing environment for disrupted skin cells and underlying structures. Recovery time for these procedures is less and the effects of the treatments are enhanced. If you are adverse to using synthesized materials to enhance your facial anatomy, and are looking for an alternative to dermal fillers, then PRP injections alone are a great option. PRP is the only autologous (cells or tissue obtained from the same individual they are used for) product on the market that can claim to improve the aesthetics of hair and skin. The neocollagenesis (new collagen formation) that is created by injection of this pure substance results in smoother, tighter skin with improved definition.
Made famous by Kim Kardashian West the “Vampire Facial® is a trademarked procedure that includes integrating blood-derived growth factors into the microperforations created after a microneedling treatment and includes aftercare products of the same name. One service we offer at Bryn Mawr Dermatology is much the same: PRP + Microneedling with a suggested skin care regimen designed just for you.
As mentioned above the uses for Platelet-Rich Plasma are extensive. In dermatology, we focus on using the powerful revitalizing properties of PRP to enhance skin tone and texture. By infusing the skin with platelet growth factors (PGFs) that are derived by purifying your own blood we can stimulate the process of collagen production in tissues that have become less prolific due to age and other external factors. In order to introduce these valuable properties into the layers of skin, the skin barrier must first be breached, whether this be via mechanical pressure or with light energy. At Bryn Mawr Dermatology, we offer PRP in tandem with laser treatments and microneedling and we also offer PRP injections as a stand alone procedure.
Microneedling alone is an amazing procedure that forces your body to respond to minute damage created by perforating the skin with a grid of hair-like needles. Your body naturally responds to this treatment by bringing in skin rejuvenating factors that help diminish the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and scars and reveals healthy, glowing skin with a decreased pore size. Introducing Platelet-Rich Plasma into these perforations by using it as the lubricant that facilitates the SkinPen to glide over the skin is just the cherry on top. The additional healing factors concentrate the body’s response to the micro-damage and accelerate the production of new collagen. Adding PRP to microneedling treatments can help new and old scars respond to treatment and stubborn hyperpigmentation to fade.
You know that during Platelet-Rich Plasma treatments we utilize your own body’s healing powers to help revitalize skin, and you’ve learned that these growth factors are found in the blood. The question then, is how do we obtain the PRP and then re-integrate it to do the most good?
There’s no beating around the bush on this one; the first step of the PRP process begins with drawing your blood. The medical team assists with this portion of the procedure to ensure your comfort and safety. We use the most advanced techniques and tools available to make this part of the procedure as tolerable as possible, and we understand if you are squeamish. Our recommendations to help you get through the blood draw are: be hydrated – this allows the process to be quick and simple; make sure you have something in your stomach – this can prevent you from getting light headed or fainting; put your trust in us – our team is compiled of experts and we will make the process as efficient and painless as possible.
After 5-10cc (1-2 teaspoons) of blood is drawn, it gets circulated in a centrifuge for 10 minutes. The tube that is used to house the blood is designed to separate the different substances in the blood based on density. Red blood cells sink to the bottom of the tube, a gel plug forms above the red blood cells, and the PRP with all it’s powerful white blood cells and platelets float on top. Our staff carefully draws up the PRP, which is now a golden color since it is devoid of red blood cells, and then re-integrates this concentrated, medicinal, fluid back into your skin. The PRP will either be strategically injected with sterile needles, or it will be directed into micro-perforations previously created by a laser or microneedling device.
Let’s talk results!
Because Platelet-Rich Plasma treatments do not include any foregin substances and rely on your own body to synthesize new, healther collagen, elastin and hair, it takes time to see results. The healing process starts immediately, but the culmination of your body’s response to the treatment may take up to three months to reveal itself. Oftentimes, we recommend a series of treatments to make results more significant. Your outcome is only as good as your body’s ability to respond to the procedure(s), so it is advised to maintain a healthy lifestyle during the healing process. Try to get enough water, eat healthfully, reduce stress whenever you can, and exercise regularly. Nicotine, caffeine and alcohol should be avoided.
You should notice skin that appears more vibrant and has a healthy glow. Fine lines and wrinkles will be less noticeable. Pores will appear smaller. Any scars that have been treated will have less defined borders and blend into healthy skin. If you struggle with pigmentation issues you should notice a decrease in the contrast between dark spots and the rest of your face. If you’ve received PRP for hair restoration you should enjoy the sensation of new hair growing in, decreasing the amount of visible skin beneath. You may see your hairline creep closer to where it was 5 years ago. Each strand of hair will be healthier and more resistant to breakage. The sooner you get started with Platelet-Rich Plasma treatments the sooner you will see results.
To learn about the benefits of PRP Therapy in Collegeville and Villanova, contact Bryn Mawr Dermatology. We are happy to offer effective cosmetic and medical skin care to patients looking for skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, and more.
Get started today by calling our dermatology team at 610.525.7800 or easily book an appointment by clicking the Schedule Now button at the top of the page. We look forward to caring for you!
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