PRP - Vampire Facial

PRP for Skin Rejuvenation

 

WHAT IS PRP FOR SKIN REJUVENATION?

PRP for skin rejuvenation also commonly known as a “Vampire Facial” is a procedure that combines plasma and platelets from your own blood with Microneedling to help generate collagen production. This can help improve the texture, tone and elasticity of your skin.

HOW DOES PRP THERAPY WORK?

Our platelets contain healing growth factors that can be used to signal to our tissues to regenerate and multiply. The medical field has used PRP as a way to help with wound healing to increase the rate of recovery time and regain healthier, stronger tissue. Medical providers have discovered that this method for wound healing can also be used as a new beneficial way to stimulate collagen production.

IS THE TREATMENT PAINFUL?

When receiving PRP Therapy for skin rejuvenation you may feel some sensitivity. An effective anesthetic solution may be used prior to the administration of the PRP Therapy, such as cold ambient air or a topical analgesic to decrease any potential discomfort.

HOW DOES PRP THERAPY WITH MICRONEEDLING WORK?

This simple process involves using your body’s own platelets in a very straightforward three-step process:

  1. A medical professional will use a special collection tube to draw your blood and it is then placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the blood.
  2. The concentrated platelets are drawn up into a syringe and then gently distributed to all areas of the face (minus eyes and lips).
  3. Lastly, a hand held pen-like device is used to create micro-injuries in the dermis, these micro-injuries with your PRP trigger the body’s natural healing process, which produces new collagen and elastin.

HOW MANY TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?

The amount of treatments needed depends on the patient and the results that they want to achieve. The problem area a patient wants to correct also plays a role in the amount of treatments that are needed. A single treatment will make for a nice subtle change, but a series of 3-6 treatments is ideal for the most optimal results.

IS THERE ANY DOWNTIME TO HAVING THIS TREATMENT PERFORMED?

Most patients will be red and flushed to the treated area for 24-72 hours, depending on how deep the treatment was performed. In some cases, some bruising may occur. To decrease this risk, the patient should avoid any excessive alcohol, aspirin, NSAIDs, and vitamin E for 5-7 days prior to a treatment, unless recommended by your medical provider. These are not contraindicated to performing the treatment.

WHAT SHOULD I DO TO PREPARE FOR MY TREATMENT?

There are some practices that should be avoided before a treatment.

  • The patient should not be on Accutane within the last six months.
  • Any laser, waxing, or electrolysis treatments should be avoided 7 days prior to a treatment.
  • Any retinol, topical antibiotics, hydroquinone, and benzoyl peroxide should be avoided 3 days prior to treatment.
  • No exfoliants, acids, or prolonged sun exposure, should be avoided 24 hours prior to a treatment.
  • No autoimmune therapies or products should be used 12 hours prior to treatment.
  • On the day of the procedure the patient must avoid any shaving to the treatment area and the skin must be clean. If the treatment is being done to the face, the patient should not apply any makeup prior to the treatment.

It should be noted that if there are any active or extreme breakouts to the area being treated, the patient can still be treated but the infected area will be avoided. The service provider also has the choice to reschedule the session if the breakouts are too severe.

WHAT SHOULD I EXPECT OR DO POST-TREATMENT?

After the first 24 hours of the treatment you may wash you face with a gentle cleanser and follow it with a recommended moisturizer. This regimen should be followed for the next 3-4 days, at least. The first few days after a treatment, your skin may feel dry and tight and a sunburn-like feeling may also be present. There may be some peeling and flaking of the skin, this is normal. It is highly recommended to use sunscreen daily post-treatment and direct sun exposure should be avoided 10 days after a treatment.

Listed below are a series of products that must be avoided for 3-4 days post treatment:

  • Cleansers that contain salicylic acid, glycolic acid or benzoyl peroxide; these will irritate the skin.
  • Mineral powder make-up
  • Retinol products

ARE THERE ANY CONTRAININDICATIONS?

There are some conditions and situations where this treatment should not be performed:

  • Patients who have taken Accutane within the last six months
  • Patients who have open wounds, cuts, or abrasions on the area being treated
  • Patients who have had radiation treatment to the skin within the last year
  • Patients who have any kind of current skin infection or herpes simplex in the are to be treated – microneedling can trigger an outbreak
  • Patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding – all the nutrients should go to the baby and not to repair the skin. Also, topical anesthetics cannot be applied to a nursing mother.
  • Patients who have any history of a keloid scar in the area being treated
  • Patients who have poor wound healing – such as diabetics
  • Patients who have eczema, psoriasis, active acne, rosacea, or any other chronic skin conditions to the area being treated
  • People who have active Solar Keratosis
  • People who have raised moles, warts, or lesions within the treatment area
  • People who have had microneedling within the last 4 weeks
  • People who have had Botox or dermal filler injections within the last 4 weeks

Absolute Contraindications (Treatments CANNOT be done on these patients):

  • Patients with history of Scleroderma, blood clotting problems, collagen vascular disease, cardiac abnormalities, immunosuppression, active bacterial or fungal infections, and scars less than 3 months old.

If you are unsure about a health condition, consult your medical provider before receiving treatment.