Before it came to prominence as the ‘Vampire Facelift’, Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP Therapy) was quietly being used for other applications in general medicine.
The technique has historically been used for a surprising number of clinical treatments and surgical procedures. These have included treating problematic wounds and facial bone defects, as well as cosmetic surgery.
In its latest incarnation, as an increasingly popular non-surgical aesthetic treatment, Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy uses the regenerative properties of a patient’s blood plasma to induce skin rejuvenation.
What does Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy involve?
The first part of the treatment involves taking a blood sample from a patient’s arm. This sample is then spun in a centrifuge to isolate the dense platelet-rich plasma that will form the basis of the treatment.
A numbing cream is liberally applied to the patient’s face, and the specially isolated plasma is injected into the face. This can be all over, or targeted at specific problem areas. After treatment, the patient’s skin may be slightly red, but this is usually all.
The reinjected platelets are rich in beneficial growth factors, which they release into the skin. This encourages the fibroblasts to produce more collagen and elastin over time, which helps to stimulate repair and regeneration of the skin.
After a course of Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (three sessions is recommended), a patient’s skin will gradually begin to look more radiant and youthful as the treatment continues to work.
How about the side effects – are there any?
The beauty of PRP Therapy is that because it uses no synthetic products, just the patient’s own blood cells, it is extremely safe to administer. Most patients tolerate the treatment very well, with the overall risk of side effects such as bruising or swelling very low.
The benefits of Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy for your practice
PRP Therapy is a safe, effective rejuvenating treatment backed up by clinical data. Several studies, including one in the Annals of Dermatology in November 2011, have concluded that the treatment can activate fibroblasts and lead to new collagen formation.
It is a very low-cost treatment to perform once you’ve invested in a centrifuge, as it requires minimal supplies for each patient. A course of three PRP Therapy treatments is usually charged out at around £600, making it an extremely profitable addition to your practice.
Training in Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy can be completed in one day and costs only £295 + VAT. To find out more about adding PRP Therapy to your repertoire, please contact our team on 01844 390110 or email [email protected].
