Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

This is a relative new treatment in the cosmetic world and works on the premise that you use your own cells to ‘heal’ yourself.

Platelets are the cells present in the blood that work to heal a wound caused by injury or surgery. When platelets are present in body tissue outside the blood stream they release growth factors and chemicals that attract stem cells to the area of injury.

These growth factors stimulate collagen which is why another name for this procedure is collagen induction therapy. As with dermal fillers, this new collagen will soften lines and wrinkles and thereby reverse the ageing process.

Platelet rich plasma: Am I suitable? 

It works to fill lines and wrinkles or augment the lips in the same way as dermal fillers can. It can also be used to improve the appearance of acne scars and rejuvenate the appearance of the skin on the décolletage and back of the hands, which can be tricky areas to treat.

Platelet rich plasma: What do I have to do to prepare?

There is no preparation necessary for this treatment. As it is your own platelets being used there is no possibility of an allergic reaction.

Platelet rich plasma: What’s the treatment like?

A minimal amount of the patient’s blood is taken and then placed in a centrifuge which separates the red blood cells from the platelet rich plasma thereby ‘enriching’ it. This enriched plasma is injected into the area of the face that is to be treated and upon re-injection the platelets release their growth factors.

It can be injected either as a mesotherapy technique, whereby the practitioner makes multiple injections in the superficial layer of the skin, or as a dermal filler into specific lines and wrinkles.

The skin can be numbed with a topical anaesthetic prior to the procedure. It is no more painful than any other injectable procedure.

Some clinics combine PRP Therapy with dermaroller or radiofrequency treatments, both of which help stimulate the platelets to produce new collagen.

Platelet rich plasma: What about after?

Any bruising and swelling should be temporary and the patient is advised not to take any anti-inflammatory drugs such as aspirin as they can suppress inflammation which contributes to the activation of the platelets. The risk of infection is the same as any other injections such as Botox or a dermal filler.

The effects of PRP Therapy can take six months as the new collagen is stimulated.

Platelet rich plasma: Are there any risks or side effects?

This is a very safe procedure. Platelet rich plasma has been used to enhance wound healing after all forms of surgery for the last twenty years.

Platelet rich plasma: What will it cost me?

Costs from £500.