Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an advanced, minimally invasive treatment that utilises the body’s own healing mechanisms to stimulate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and promote rejuvenation.

PRP is created by extracting a small amount of a patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting it back into targeted areas. Since platelets are rich in growth factors and proteins essential for healing, this concentrated plasma can effectively accelerate repair processes in the skin, hair follicles, muscles, tendons, and joints.

PRP is commonly used for various applications, including skin rejuvenation (commonly known as the “vampire facial”) and hair restoration for thinning hair. Its versatility and natural approach to healing make PRP a popular choice for patients seeking effective, low-risk treatments that avoid synthetic medications or invasive surgery.

  • The PRP treatment process involves three main steps:

    1. Blood Collection: A small blood sample, usually between 15 to 30 millilitres, is drawn from the patient’s arm. This process is quick and minimally uncomfortable, similar to a standard blood draw.

    2. Centrifugation and Platelet Concentration: The blood is placed in a centrifuge, a machine that spins it at high speeds to separate the different blood components. Through centrifugation, red and white blood cells are separated from the plasma, which contains a high concentration of platelets. This platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is then extracted for use in the treatment.

    3. Injection into Targeted Areas: The PRP is injected into the targeted treatment area. The growth factors in PRP stimulate cell regeneration, collagen production, and new blood vessel formation, which all contribute to accelerated healing and rejuvenation.

    The natural growth factors in PRP help repair damaged tissue, reduce inflammation, and encourage the formation of new, healthy cells.

    In aesthetic applications, PRP improves skin elasticity, texture, and tone by promoting collagen production. For hair restoration, PRP nourishes hair follicles, potentially leading to thicker, stronger hair.

  • PRP therapy offers a range of benefits due to its regenerative properties and its ability to leverage the body’s natural healing mechanisms:

    1. Non-Surgical and Minimally Invasive: PRP therapy is a non-surgical treatment that involves only a simple blood draw and injections, making it a minimally invasive option with minimal discomfort.

    2. Natural and Safe: Since PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, there is little to no risk of allergic reactions or rejection, making it a safe option for individuals with sensitivities or those looking for natural treatments.

    3. Versatile Treatment Applications: PRP can be used in multiple areas, including skin rejuvenation and hair restoration. Its adaptability allows for customised treatment plans targeting specific patient needs.

    4. Reduced Inflammation and Faster Healing: PRP’s growth factors reduce inflammation and speed up the body’s healing process.

    5. Enhanced Skin and Hair Health: In aesthetic applications, PRP stimulates collagen and elastin production, which can improve skin texture, elasticity, and firmness. For hair loss, PRP therapy nourishes hair follicles, enhancing hair density and thickness in areas of thinning.

    6. Long-Lasting Results: PRP therapy encourages natural healing and tissue regeneration, providing long-term benefits that can last several months to years, depending on the area treated and individual response.

  • The Vampire Facial combines PRP therapy with microneedling to enhance its benefits for facial rejuvenation.

    Here’s what makes this treatment unique:

    1. Microneedling for Enhanced Absorption: A microneedling device creates tiny micro-injuries in the skin’s surface, stimulating collagen production and allowing the PRP to penetrate deeper into the skin.

    2. PRP Application: The PRP is applied to the treated area immediately after microneedling. The combination of these two techniques boosts skin cell renewal, improving overall texture, tone, and radiance.

    3. Targeted Areas: The Vampire Facial is particularly effective for areas such as the cheeks, under-eyes, and forehead, where fine lines and wrinkles are most noticeable.

  • One of the major advantages of PRP therapy is the minimal downtime associated with the treatment.

    Here’s what clients can expect:

    • Mild Swelling and Redness: After PRP injections, mild swelling, redness, or tenderness at the injection site is common. These effects are typically minor and subside within a few hours to a couple of days.

    • Skin Sensitivity for Aesthetic Treatments: When PRP is used for skin rejuvenation, clients may experience mild redness and sensitivity for 1-3 days, similar to a mild sunburn. Many clients find they can resume normal activities immediately, although they may wish to avoid heavy exercise, makeup, and direct sun exposure for the first 24-48 hours.

    Overall, PRP therapy has minimal recovery requirements, making it an excellent choice for individuals with busy schedules or those seeking treatments with minimal disruption to their daily lives.

  • The frequency of PRP treatments varies depending on the treatment area and individual needs.

    Here’s a general outline based on common PRP applications:

    • Skin Rejuvenation: For facial rejuvenation, clients typically undergo a series of 3 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart. This frequency allows for optimal collagen production and skin renewal. Once the initial series is completed, maintenance sessions every 6-12 months are recommended to sustain the benefits.

    • Hair Restoration: PRP therapy for hair loss often requires an initial series of 3-4 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart. This initial regimen helps to stimulate hair follicles effectively. Maintenance treatments every 6-12 months are generally recommended to preserve hair density and thickness.

  • PRP offers several distinct advantages over more traditional treatments:

    Uses the Body’s Natural Healing Properties: PRP therapy harnesses the body’s natural growth factors, making it a more natural approach to regeneration without the need for foreign substances or medications.

    Minimally Invasive and Low-Risk: Unlike surgical options, PRP therapy is minimally invasive, with a low risk for complications or adverse reactions, making it a safe option for a wide range of individuals.

    Sustained and Gradual Improvements: PRP provides gradual, natural-looking improvements in treated areas.