Have wrinkles, dullness, or discoloration in your skin? You can thank aging for that! It happens to all of us, but we don’t have to passively accept its effects. With so many different anti-aging products and procedures out there, at Elizabeth Adams MD, we want to be transparent with what services we offer and why. That’s why we are focusing on our PRP (platelet rich plasma) facials in this blog post.
You may have heard of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. PRP injections are widely known in the medical field for promoting healing, particularly among sports-related injuries. Recently, the same process that has been used to promote healing in aesthetics.
So, what are these PRP treatments and what exactly does this procedure, that has been used by big name athletes such as Tiger Woods, have to do with our aging skin?
Let’s break it down.
Our blood is made up of plasma (the liquid) and platelets (the solid, clotting components). These platelets contain hormones that promote new cell growth, which is part of your body’s healing process. When isolated, these platelets can speed up recovery by increasing the rate at which new, healthy cells are produced.
So, how do we activate these growth hormones inside of platelets?
That’s where the PRP treatments come in. The process of a PRP treatment involves drawing a patient’s blood, isolating the platelets, then injecting the platelet-dense material back into the treatment area to encourage the growth of new cells. This type of procedure is highly effective, because a patient’s body is much more accepting of an injection of its own tissues over that of a foreign substance.
So, how does this relate to anti-aging?
When it comes to aesthetics, the PRP method is the same. A patient’s blood is drawn, the platelets are separated, and the platelet rich plasma mixture is injected back into the area of concern. The difference lies in both the treatment area and the process of injection.
Because we are addressing aging concerns, the treatment area focuses on the face (hence the name PRP Facial). And because the face is so sensitive, we use micro-needling for the injections. During a PRP Facial, a tiny needle called a derma pen passes back and forth over the face to open up the skin before the PRP mixture is applied. Once applied, the PRP mixture soaks into the skin for several hours. Once the skin is well-saturated, it begins to use the surge of platelets to heal itself. The result is rejuvenated skin!
At Elizabeth Adams, MD, we use the latest micro-needling tool, which is called the Skin Pen. It’s currently the only FDA-certified device on the market.
So, what can you expect from a PRP Facial?
PRP Facials treat the visible signs of aging—such as fine lines, wrinkles, and skin texture—in as little as 3 treatments, with effects that can last up to two years! Even better, there are no risks associated with PRP facials, since it the procedure doesn’t introduce harsh chemicals or foreign substances to your skin. PRP facials literally use the good stuff your body is naturally producing to promote healing. If there are side effects, they’re mild—redness, swelling, and peeling that may last for a few days.
But you don’t have to simply take our word. Here’s what one of our PRP facial clients had to say about her experience:
“I had my first PRP facial in December. I was interested in the procedure, because I thought that using your body’s own material should be better than chemicals! I didn’t know much about the procedure, so the unknown left me a little apprehensive. However, before my first facial, Dr. Adams explained the whole process in such detail that she put my mind at ease. She left no question unanswered!
The procedure has a different feel for sure, so the numbing cream Dr. Adams provides is a must. My face was red (like a light sunburn) and a little dry for the next few days, but after my second facial, I started seeing results. The fine lines all over my face started to gradually go away. It’s not an overnight fix, but is a lasting one. I definitely recommend staying hydrated to help with the side effects. Dr. Adams suggested drinking lots of water following the facial, and it really helped healthy things to start happening in my skin after the procedure. I am so excited for my next facial in a few weeks!”