Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy isn’t a novel treatment. Experts have been using it for a while to treat tendon and muscle injuries. However, they’ve only recently discovered its benefits for skin rejuvenation.
PRP injections are made from the patient’s blood. These injections make use of the body’s own healing system to improve the appearance of the skin.
After taking a few tubes of your blood, and running it through a centrifuge, our experts separate your plasma and platelets from the rest of the components in your blood. They then inject the platelet-rich solution into your problem areas.
Below, we asked Dr. Pompeyo Chavez, our expert at Soulage Wellness & Aesthetic Center, in Bastrop, Texas, to explain how PRP works and what its uses are for the skin.
When you suffer an injury, blood flow to the injured area increases. The area becomes inflamed, and red, which indicates that blood is rushing to the injury site carrying platelets and growth factors needed to speed up healing.
Platelets can stop the bleeding, but they also contain growth factors that repair tissues, including growth factors that induce the synthesis of collagen. In addition, PRP injections can also stimulate the growth of new blood vessels. With more blood vessels, your skin gets more oxygen and nutrients, which are needed to maintain elasticity and a healthy glow.
You have platelets running through your blood at all times. The platelet concentration varies based on your general health, but with PRP, the concentration is about five times higher.
Because of increased collagen and vascularization, PRP can be used to combat fine lines and wrinkles, enlarged pores, and uneven skin texture. PRP injections are also a good choice for people who have many allergies, as the solution injected contains the patient's blood and can’t cause any allergic reactions.
Good candidates for PRP are in good health and don’t have any conditions or take any medications that may impact the quality of the platelets in their blood. Before the treatment, you may also need to stop using anti-inflammatories.
Patients who have suffered from cancer or have undergone treatment with corticosteroids within two weeks prior to the treatment may not get the full benefits from PRP.
Dr. Chavez combines microneedling with PRP or with CO2 lasers to further stimulate collagen production and speed up the healing process.
If you’re looking for a minimally invasive treatment to smooth out your skin, contact us to schedule an appointment. Dr. Chavez will listen to your concerns and examine your skin to determine what treatments will work best for your cosmetic goals.
