You’ve probably heard of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy thanks to the many athletes who undergo this treatment during orthopaedic surgeries and injury-correcting procedures. And this is probably it’s most famous use. PRP — platelet rich plasma — is a specific component of the patient’s own blood (plasma) with a higher concentration of platelet cells. Because platelets are the cells responsible for clotting blood when we’re injured, it makes sense that extra platelets equals a quicker recovery time.
But How Can This Technology Help Aging Skin?
PRP injected into strategic areas in the face, also known as the vampire facelift, is used by dermatologists in Edmonton to treat crows feet, laugh lines, and dark circles under eyes. PRP is especially effective in areas around and underneath the eye.
Because Botox works by paralyzing the muscle it is injected into, it’s virtually useless for eye bags and circles, simply because there is very little muscle here. Fillers like Juvederm and Restylane are traditionally used to plump up laugh lines, but are generally not used around the eye. While fillers stretch out lines and wrinkles, so that they appear to be gone, PRP works by injecting the body’s own platelets into problem areas, promoting skin rejuvenation.
Why PRP Instead Of Fillers?
PRP is becoming the choice for those desiring a more natural approach to keeping skin looking young. For those concerned about allergic reactions or the rare possibility of blindness due to incorrect placement, PRP therapy is an alternative choice to using fillers. For those hell bent on banishing wrinkles completely, PRP can also be used in conjunction with existing filler treatment.
Just like fillers, PRP usually requires more than one treatment to obtain full effects, but often once two treatments have been successfully completed, the results last up to eighteen months. This is thanks to the fact that PRP therapy uses your own biology to build tissue, while injected fillers are seen as invasive material that your body will eventually break down.
Things To Consider
If you’re wondering why you haven’t booked your procedure yet, there are a few things to consider. Compared to traditional filler treatments, PRP is performed by fewer dermatologists. You may have to spend some time searching for a PRP doctor in your area, which can be especially nerve wracking if you’ve already got a dermatologist you know and trust.
The other drawback is that PRP, despite being derived from your own blood, is a slightly more expensive procedure to undergo. And although PRP therapy appears to be safe and effective, this hasn’t been studied or proven in clinical trials to the same extent as artificial fillers. Keep in mind that individual results vary, and many before and after photos that you’ll see feature a combination of PRP treatment and filler injections.
The Final Verdict
Whether you’re already using fillers or you’d like to avoid anything unnatural being injected into your face, PRP therapy is a great alternative to more a more involved procedure like a facelift, and will help you in naturally reverse the signs of aging.
