Pure Platelet Rich Plasma
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an autologous (coming from one’s own body), concentrated solution of platelets and growth factors that is manufactured from one’s own blood. Because it is autologous, there is no risk of cross-contamination, immune reactions, or transmission of microbial infection.
The clinical application of PRP is based on the increase in concentration of growth factors contained in the alpha granules of concentrated platelets, as well as in the secretion of proteins which stimulate the healing and rejuvenating process at the body’s cellular level.
It has been invented to restore beauty by starting the natural rejuvenation process of the skin and aiming to make it function as younger one, maintaining the skin’s youthfulness and fullness.
Platelet Rich Plasma has been used for several decades with wide-ranging applications in cosmetic plastic surgery, as well as in treatment of burns, arthritic conditions, joint and tendon injuries, and sports medicine.
The process entails obtaining a blood sample that is processed through a special double-spin centrifuge method, resulting in a PRP that has 4-7x the normal concentration of platelets found in whole blood, rich in platelet-derived-growth factor, transforming growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and many other healing substances.
It's use has been studied and proven to be beneficial in treatment and rejuvenation of aging around the eyes (crow’s feet, dark circles under the eyes), mild and moderate wrinkles/photoaging in the face, poor skin texture and quality, acne, facial and neck scars, deep melolabial/nasolabial folds, as well as hair loss in both men and women.
Particularly special applications of PRP in Facial Plastic Surgery include use of rejuvenation of the eyes where traditional filler injections are not ideal cosmetically, use with fractional microneedling/collagen induction therapy to optimize comprehensive rejuvenation of aging skin in the face and neck, and the treatment of hair loss in both men and women.
It can be administered subdermally through traditional cannula and needle techniques, or topically after making microchannels in the skin with our MDPen/microneedling system.
All treatments take place in our in-office procedure and treatment room, where you can expect privacy and a relaxing environment. Our in-house phlebotomist will take a sample of your blood (no different than a needle stick). This will be processed into platelet-rich plasma with a special centrifuge system. Dr. Hohuan will then use this autologous PRP to treat target areas, typically around the eyes, cheeks, and mouth area using a cannula or needle. This is very similar to standard filler injections. Additionally, if you are getting collagen induction therapy/fractional microneedling treatment at the same time, the PRP can be used topically and delivered to the immediate sub-epidermal layer to optimize the effect of the collagen induction.
Most treatments take anywhere between 45-60 minutes, depending on how much PRP is being manufactured, and what additional treatments are being administered at the same time.
Most patients receive 2-3 treatments spaced out 4-6 weeks apart. After this, we recommend one annual maintenance treatment to maintain youthful and healthy skin.
Pain is minimal, and is reduced with topical application of numbing creams for 25 minutes prior to the procedure, as well as ice during the administration of PRP.
Bruising and swelling is minimal, but can last 3-5 days.
PRP is autologous, meaning that it comes from your own body. There is no risk of cross-contamination or immune reaction from using PRP. It is ideal for lower eye rejuvenation, particularly crow’s feet and the dark circles under the eyes. Hyaluronic Acid filler is sometimes used in the lower eyelid. However, one of its biggest drawbacks is that it can cause an unnatural, blue hue (Tyndall effect) to the lower eyelid skin that is very hard to treat. The use of PRP obviates this disadvantage because it stimulates the body to create collagen and new skin to tighten, firm, and rejuvenate the areas underneath and around the eyes.
PRP can also synergistically improve the results of fractional microneedling, as well as routine filler injections that I use in my practice. Because of its concentrated mix of growth factors, it catalyzes and augments all of the regenerative properties of all the procedures and techniques we apply to improve someone’s appearance.
Finally, PRP has been useful in improving hair loss in men and women. Multiple studies have shown progressive increase in the diameter of the actual hair follicle and shaft, as well as the density of hairs. The improvement usually requires 3 injections administered 6 weeks apart with maximal effect at 6-9 months.
