Cosmetic Services

About Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

There are many new developments to help ease the evident symptoms of aging for men and women. Facelifts and topical creams have essentially been two sides of the extreme cosmetic coin. However, with some recent developments in the last twenty years or so things like Botox, dermal fillers, and ultrasound therapy treatments have made it possible for clients to choose from a variety of minimally invasive anti-aging options. Every treatment or procedure takes some research by the client, and after a full consultation, the physician will recommend a set of treatments that will work best for each client. The latest most natural treatment on the market in the cosmetic industry now is platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP is an all natural repair injection that is used in sports therapy, orthopedics, and the dental industry; this treatment has been in use since the 90’s. Dermatologists and plastic surgeons are now adopting platelet-rich plasma because of its immense healing abilities. At Incredible Veins, we now offer platelet-rich plasma treatments to all our clients and recommend it for all signs of aging in the face and neck.

What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?

Platelet-rich plasma is essentially a clear fluid that has been separated by the rotation of a centrifuge from blood cells. Blood is drawn from the client, and the physician places the vial of blood in a centrifuge for two full spin cycles to completely separate blood plasma from the red blood cells themselves. This plasma is rich in platelets and fibrin, a natural healing component during the blood’s repair response to trauma.

Healing Properties of Platelet-Rich Plasma

Athletes have undergone platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for a number of years to help them recover from sports-related injuries since recovery time is minimized significantly. Things like tendonitis, muscle strains, or injuries to other tissues are targeted specifically with PRP. Platelet-rich plasma is often used to help move the healing process forward after joint repair surgery, or anything having to do with the connection of muscle and skeletal systems as they work together for movement.

How does platelet-rich plasma work to heal tissues? It’s what’s inside this plasma that promotes healing. Platelets are a part of the cascade of immune system responses throughout the body, and these are often found in plasma and are concentrated here, as well as various proteins, vitamins, fibroblasts (fibrinogen), albumin, globulins and other minerals. The plasma is rich with healing factors from those that attack unwanted infections within the body to blood clotting factors that aggregate when an injury occurs.

Plastic surgeons and dermatologists have now begun promoting this therapy because of the potential for rejuvenation in the skin and other tissues. Because platelet-rich plasma is packed with growth factors that can restore the production of collagen fibers within the skin and restore some of the damage from the aging process, its ability to heal is a vital part of the immune system. Using platelet-rich plasma is attractive to physicians because of its low rejection rate for each patient as it’s of their own making. The likelihood that there are any serious reactions to plasma injections are minuscule if any arise at all.

Fine lines and wrinkles develop as the skin becomes thin and weak from outside factors such as sun damage (UVA and UVB rays), intrinsic tissue breakdown and dehydration in the skin. In order for us to slow these signs of aging, it is necessary for us to revive these tissues. Injection of the platelet-rich plasma is done into the areas that could use deep reconstruction.

How is PRP done?

The physician will draw a vial of blood from the patient and send the blood off to the centrifuge where blood cells and plasma will be separated from one another. As the physician waits for two cycles of the centrifuge to finish, a topical anesthetics is applied to the client’s skin and will sit for twenty minutes. Once the blood plasma is separated from the blood cells, the physician will remove the plasma with a syringe and prepare it for injection. Before the PRP treatment, the doctor will have discussed specific areas of the face that require rejuvenation of the tissues. Our clients at Incredible Veins request this treatment in areas under the eyes (bags), around the mouth, hands, neck, and cheeks. These areas are prepared by creating a small puncture in the skin with a small needle; another syringe is injected into this small puncture carrying the plasma. The plasma is injected under the skin, superficial to any muscle to begin settling. As the injection is being made some swelling may occur, but will go done within a day or so following.

PRP Treats:

• Fine lines
• Wrinkles
• Face
• Neck
• Hands
• Bags under the eyes
• Nasolabial lines
• Laugh lines
• Skin laxity

PRP treatment takes less than twenty minutes for most patients and can require two treatments total. Each treatment will require four to six weeks time between to begin collagen stimulation and cell rejuvenation to take effect. Patients often notice these effects after one treatment, weeks following. Call Incredible Veins to learn more about our platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment today. Why start with a facelift when you can try a minimally invasive, natural treatment that is quick and effective.

About Eclipse PRP

The Eclipse PRP procedure can be performed right in our office and takes less than 30 minutes to complete. First, a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient’s arm, which is then placed in a special centrifuge that separates the plasma from the red and white blood cells. Within minutes, the plasma is ready to be applied to the treatment area, either by injection or topically. Because the patient’s own blood is used for the procedure, there is no concern over an allergic reaction. In fact, side effects are minimal and may include skin redness, itching or mild swelling around injection sites.

Results of an Eclipse PRP treatment can often be seen right away, but will continue to improve in the days following the procedure. Within approximately one week, skin will appear smoother and signs of aging and other skin concerns will begin to be lessened. Skin condition will continue to improve over the next several weeks. Repeat treatments (series of 3-5) maybe required for optimum results. Treatments performed every 4-6 weeks. Because this procedure stimulates the body’s own collagen production, results may last for many months.

Eclipse PRP is a minimally-invasive, innovative way to achieve full skin rejuvenation. To learn more about this procedure, contact Incredible Veins Skin & Body at 818-446-2995.