Your blood contains plasma, red cells, white cells, and a lot of nutrients. In addition, the plasma contains a large amount of platelets. These specialized structures bind together a combination of proteins and other growth factors. When we suffer a cut or scrape, the platelets help clot the blood. The growth factors in the platelets become organizers and distributors of nutrients so that the body can replace damaged tissue quickly. The idea behind platelet-rich plasma therapy, or PRP treatment, is to let your platelets stimulate accelerated healing or the production of healthy replacement tissues.
The famous vampire facelift, popular at first as a celebrity craze and now performed on individuals just like yourself, is an application of PRP treatment. So is the healing of joints or ligaments after an injury has occurred. Today, some specialists are even using PRP for hair restoration. Below, we outline the most common PRP procedure, and that is to restore a more youthful appearance to the facial features.
Concentrating Platelets in Plasma
We can draw a small amount of blood from your arm vein and spin it in a special type of centrifuge. At high speeds, the plasma and platelets become separated from the red cells. We can then take this plasma and spin it further to remove some of the water. What’s left is a very high platelet concentration. After activating the platelets, we mix this solution into a thin gel and inject it just below your skin. The body will sense this concentration of platelets and react accordingly. Nutrients are rushed to the site, and the dermal layers begin to quickly produce a new top layer, the epidermis. This can help reduce the appearance of wrinkles as well as diminish the appearance of age spots, scarring, and even freckles. Combining this procedure with microneedling can result in an even more dramatic improvement in skin texture and skin tone.
Simple Alternative to Surgery
Many of our patients don’t want any sort of surgical procedure performed on them, at least not at present. When they hear that smooth, healthy skin can be achieved in a minimally invasive way, they want to learn more. In most cases, we can perform a PRP treatment in less than one hour, and we generally suggest a small series of treatment sessions for our patients to enjoy optimal results.
Let Your Blood Do the Work
Because it’s your blood, there’s no risk of cross-contamination or rejection. To learn more about PRP treatment and which conditions it can treat, be sure to make an appointment with Dermatology, Laser & Vein Center. At our convenient location in Cincinnati, our caring and dedicated team of professionals will be pleased to explain this option in greater detail and answer any of your questions. Contact us today to set up your consultation – we look forward to speaking with you!
