One of the latest and most promising developments in the area of cosmetic surgery is platelet-rich plasma to improve a client’s facial appearance. Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP is already used to heal sports injuries like tendinitis, but its uses in plastic surgery are now being discovered. Platelets play a crucial role in repairing damaged tissues and blood vessels. Platelets also have growth factors that support the rejuvenation of cells. PRP can be used to reduce fine lines, wrinkles and creases and to add volume to thinned out areas. It also reduces the appearance of acne scars and stretch marks.
PRP uses platelets from the patient’s own blood to restore a youthful and vibrant look to the face. Because of this, PRP therapy is also humorously known as the vampire facelift. A unique bonus of PRP is that the patient’s own platelets are used so there’s no chance of the body rejecting the plasma. Rejection is always a slight risk in other dermal fillers that use substances like bovine collagen. PRP is minimally invasive and a session shouldn’t last more than 20 minutes.
A patient who’s a candidate for PRP therapy gives about a vial of blood. This small amount won’t injure the patient in any way. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge and spun for about six minutes to separate the platelets, blood cells and plasma. The platelets and plasma will show as a straw colored liquid at the top of the centrifuge. It’s extracted and then injected back into the patient.
The patient should be able to see improvements in his or her overall look after about four to six weeks. The results can last as long as a year and a half. Most patients opt to receive two to three treatments every three or four months. Another great benefit of PRP is that it can be combined with plastic surgery like face or eyelid lifts, rhinoplasty and other cosmetic facial surgery. It can also be used with Botox and other dermal fillers like hyaluronic acid.
People who are interested in this therapy that uses their own platelets and plasma should get in touch with a board certified cosmetic surgeon, like Dr. Lakshman, the only board-certified plastic surgeon in the San Gabriel Valley who performs this groundbreaking procedure.
For more information and to schedule an evaluation with Dr. Lakshman, contact us today.