While many patients love traditional dermal fillers others prefer a more natural product such as platelet-rich plasma, known as PRP. At ANEWU Medical Spa, P.C. we are excited to offer this all natural product for patients interested in a more organic treatment and for those with a history of anaphylactic reaction where traditional dermal fillers are contraindicated.
What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?
Platelet-rich plasma, known as PRP, uses growth factors from the platelets of the patient’s own blood. When injected into the tissue, the highly concentrated platelets release growth factors that flood the area and stimulate the body’s own natural collagen building process to help improve volume and remodeling of the tissue (*).
Where does platelet-rich plasma come from?
PRP is created by taking a sample of blood from the patient that is being treated. The blood is then placed into a centrifuge where it is separated into platelet-rich plasma, platelet-poor plasma, and red blood cells. During the centrifuging process the platelet-rich component is separated out from the other components and concentrated to more than 4-13 times baseline.
How does platelet-rich plasma work as a dermal filler alternative?
PRP may be used as an alternative to dermal filler or in conjunction with it. When PRP is injected into the skin it helps to stimulate the deeper tissues to produce collagen and increase volume (*). Unlike dermal fillers which produce long lasting volume, PRP acts to provide some volume while also stimulating the body’s own collagen (*). When the body’s own natural collagen is stimulated, PRP will help to naturally restore facial volume, remodel the tissue and improve facial lines, wrinkles, and folds such as the nasolabial folds and marionette lines.
When used in conjunction with dermal filler, PRP can help increase the effectiveness and longevity of fillers (*).
What is considered “Quality” PRP?
There are many factors that can influence the quality of PRP. First is the quality of the patient’s own platelets. Patients with a known history of low platelets or platelet dysfunction may not be an ideal candidate for PRP treatments. For optimal results most PRP applications require a 5-7x greater than baseline concentration of platelets. At ANEWU Medical Spa, P.C. we are proud to offer a system that allows us the ability to customize both the concentration as well as the volume of PRP for each patient. This highly customizable closed system allows us to deliver excellent results for our patients.
Where can PRP fillers be used?
- Tear Troughs*
- Cheeks
- Nasolabial folds (the lines alongside the nose down to the sides of the mouth)
- Lips
- Marionette lines (lines from the corners of the mouth to the chin)
- Jowls
- Scars (when applied topically with microneedling or skin resurfacing treatments)
*Due to risk of long term swelling we do not offer this procedure.
How many treatments will I need and how long will my PRP Filler last?
Individual results vary. The results and longevity of PRP treatment are dependent on the patient’s ability to respond to their own cell stimulation (*). Some patients may only require one treatment while others may require one treatment monthly for 3 months to provide longer lasting results of up to 1-2 years (*).
Does PRP Hurt?
When PRP is injected into the tissue a burning or stinging sensation may be felt. Lidocaine is often mixed directly with the PRP to help reduce discomfort. In more sensitive areas a local anesthetic may also be used. Some patients may experience mild discomfort after a treatment. Most patients do not require any medication post-treatment however acetaminophen may be taken if you experience discomfort (*).
What To Expect
- A consultation is required for all patients to review one’s medical history and to determine which product would be the best to address the area(s) of concern as well as to estimate how much product is needed to restore volume.
- Results are typically seen immediately but may take up to 72 hours to see the full effect (*).
- Product is sold by the syringe. Most patients will use 1-2 syringes which is 10-20 ccs of depending on the amount of volume loss and the area(s) being treated (*).
- Pregnancy
- Breastfeeding
- History of severe medication allergies or anaphylaxis
- History of active infection or uncontrolled diabetes
- Active or recent cold sores or shingles in the treatment area
- Anticoagulant use such as Coumadin, Plavix, and Pradaxa
- History of cancer or chemotherapy (requires clearance from oncologist)
- History of bleeding disorders or platelet dysfunction (high or low platelet count)
- History of lupus or porphyria
- History of severe or metabolic systemic disorders
- History of liver disease
- Use of corticosteroids or steroid injections within one month of treatment
Since PRP involves using a person’s own platelets, it is uncommon to experience an adverse event.
- Common side effects include redness, swelling, bruising and mild tenderness and itching. Occasionally redness may occur and could last a few days however it typically resolves within a few hours and swelling within 72 hours.
- Bruising is common and can be mild to severe. To minimize bruising it is best to discontinue anti-inflammatory medications, aspirin, alcohol, fish oil and Vitamin E for two weeks prior to treatment. Do not discontinue medications without consulting your prescribing physician first.
- If you have a history of cold sores or shingles at or near the treatment area an anti-viral medication may be prescribed to minimize the chance of an outbreak.
- In rare instances nodules may form and can be a long term side effect.
- When the tear troughs (area under the eyes) are treated it is possible to have chronic swelling called lymphedema which typically occurs as a result of how the individual’s body processes the product.
- Rarely, numbness at or near the treatment site may occur.
- Occasionally product may migrate away from the area where it was injected.
- As with any injection, infection is a potential but rare side effect.
- The area may be iced for 15-30 minutes.
- To reduce the likelihood of bruising Arnica Montana may be used either orally or topically both pre and post treatment.
- Refrain from exercise, strenuous activity, sun exposure or tanning for 24-48 hours.
- If PRP has been injected into the tissue do not massage the treatment area for 6 weeks unless instructed to.
- If PRP has been injected into the tissue refrain from having a facial for 6 weeks.
- Refrain from laser or intense pulsed light treatments for a minimum of 2 weeks after PRP has been injected and a minimum of 4 weeks after microneedling and upwards of 6 weeks-4 months after an Acupulse™ CO2 Resurfacing treatment.
- Refrain from chemical peels and waxing for 4 weeks after microneedling.
What other PRP treatments do you offer?
PRP can also be used topically like a serum during microneedling and skin resurfacing treatments to help promote wound healing and reduce downtime (*). When injected into the scalp PRP can help stimulate hair growth (*).
Interested in PRP facial fillers?
We can help!
If you experience any adverse effect, please contact us at 603-882-9334.