What is a PRP Facial?

 

A PRP Facial is a non-surgical procedure that uses platelet-rich plasma (PRP) derived from your own blood which is introduced into your skin with micro-needling. With a PRP Facial at the Urban Aesthetix Clinic, scarring will soften and your skin will tighten and glow healthily with colour.

 

Blood platelets contain growth factors that stimulate collagen synthesis, skin renewal, cell growth, and tissue regeneration. Plasma contains fibrinogen, a protein that catches platelets at a wound site to form a clot. Platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) Therapy is therefore a completely natural way for your skin to rejuvenate and repair since it uses your own blood and your body’s own healing powers in inducing tissue growth.

 

An amount of blood is drawn, just like in a blood test, and spun in a centrifuge to isolate the platelets and plasma from the other components of blood. The PRP is usually then activated with calcium (chloride or gluconate) to trick the platelets into thinking that they are in the body and the body has been injured.

PRP is introduced into the skin with the Dermapen™. This uses multiple needles to vertically pierce the skin to create thousands of tiny holes: the equivalent of mini-wounds. The PRP soaks into the skin stimulating skin rejuvenation. As a result, new tissue that includes new collagen is grown, new fatty tissue is produced for skin smoothness and new blood vessels (neovascularisation) are formed to increase blood flow for a healthier glow and better quality skin.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What is a PRP Facial used for?

PRP Therapy can tighten skin for a healthier and more youthful appearance:

  • Grey, dull or tired looking skin: to increase blood flow and help skin have a youthful rosy glow again
  • Scarred skin texture: to soften the appearance of scars.

What does a PRP Facial involve?

Treatment is simple and safe if carried out by Dr Unnati, who is an experienced and fully qualified clinician, following a detailed consultation to examine the areas to treat and decide on what is best for you.

 

Before carrying out the treatment, Dr Unnati will administer a topical local anaesthetic cream for a comfortable treatment.

 

The isolated platelets taken from your blood contain at least eight of your body’s own concentrated growth factors to rejuvenate facial skin quality and volume.

 

You can resume most normal daily activities immediately afterwards.

How soon should you notice a difference?

You should see a difference immediately after treatment which will continue to improve for 2 to 3 months. Dr Unnati will advise you.

How long does a PRP Facial last?

With PRP Therapy, skin continues to regenerate and the effects will last for at least 1 – 2 years.

Are there any side effects to a PRP Facial?

PRP Facial involves injecting your own blood so any side effects are usually mild to moderate.

 

The short-lived side effects associated with the injection process include bleeding, swelling, tenderness and redness which settle within a few hours, and bruising which settles within a few days. If the lips have been treated, the swelling can be significant and may take several days to settle. Bruising can be common around the eyes because the under-eye area is rich in small blood vessels.

 

There is a minimal risk of infection as the injections break the natural barrier to infection when creating a small wound in the skin. Please therefore avoid touching the area or using any unsterile make-up for 6 hours after treatment, although mineral make-up or sterile medical make up can be used immediately. You may experience some itching and discolouration at the site of treatment which should settle within a few days.

When should a PRP Facial not be used/be used with caution?

 

  • While pregnant or breast feeding
  • If you have critical thrombocytopaenia (a low number of platelets in the blood)
  • If you have septicaemia
  • If you have haemodynamic instability (an unstable blood pressure)
  • If the areas to be injected are inflamed or infected

Points to consider

Any clinical procedure carries a risk of complications, which is why it is always highly advisable to have cosmetic treatments safely performed by a doctor. Dr Unnati is a GP and specialist Non-Surgical Aesthetic Physician, trained in dermatology and medical cosmetics.

 

The Urban Aesthetix Clinic follows strict guidelines in making patients fully aware of any possible cautions and complications, and in offering post treatment advice. Dr Unnati will undertake a full consultation before any new treatment can be given.

 

PRP has been an alternative to surgery in regenerating skin tissue in wound healing, orthopaedics, ENT, neurosurgery and maxillofacial surgery by promoting safe and natural healing. Its use as a Vampire Facial® is relatively new, but has an excellent safety profile and promising results.