Is your skin sun-damaged, discolored, wrinkled, or tired-looking? A platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment may be just what you need to get your glow back. Keep reading to learn more about PRP for anti-aging.
What is PRP?
Blood is made up of liquid and solids. The liquid part is plasma, and the solid parts are red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Platelets are the smallest of the three and make up the smallest portion of the blood by volume. Platelets are important because they contain proteins called growth factors that stimulate cell growth and tissue repair in the body.
A PRP treatment refers to the process of drawing a patient’s blood, using a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, then injecting the plasma containing the concentrated platelets back into the patient. The injected platelets then facilitate and promote healing in the damaged areas.
Growth factors derived from centrifuged blood were first used in patients with chronic skin ulcers. PRP injections have been used for years by orthopedists to help regenerate cartilage,ligaments, and bones in people suffering from arthritis, tendonitis, and soft-tissue injuries. Dermatologists use PRP injections in the scalp of their patients to help grow hair or treat alopecia.
How Does PRP Work for Skin?
In the same way that PRP helps rejuvenate tendons and stimulate hair follicles, it also encourages skin renewal. When PRP is injected into the skin, the increase in human growth factors promotes increased collagen production and cell turnover. Accordingly, PRP facials are used to treat premature wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, and uneven skin tone. This is why PRP for anti-aging has become popular.
By now, you’ve probably seen or heard about the vampire facial, or Dracula facial, so named because it uses PRP. Here at Hawaii Blue, we have our own version of the vampire facial — done Hawaiian style, of course! With our Ke Ola facial, the patient’s blood is drawn, treated, and then the platelet-rich plasma is added to a micro needling treatment.
It may look or sound intense, but don’t let that scare you off! The procedure is straightforward, and with our skilled injector and the recommended numbing cream, our patients barely feel a thing! The risk of rejection is nonexistent because it is your own blood. The result is plumper, firmer-looking skin, naturally.
Ready to give it a try?
Supercharge your next facial with Hawaii Blue at our Newport News med spa. Schedule your appointment today and let us help you look ten years younger!