PRP

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that uses a concentration of a patient’s own platelets to accelerate healing + regenerate tissues.

modMD offers two cutting edge dermatological uses for PRP therapy:

PRP for Facial Rejuvenation
PRP for Hair Restoration

PRP Injections for Hair Restoration

How does it work?

PRP therapy involves concentrating platelets from your blood. The process begins with a standard blood draw after which the collected blood is spun in a centrifuge, separating the platelets from other blood components. The concentrated platelet-rich plasma is then extracted and prepared for treatment.

When injected into the scalp at the level of the hair follicles, the high concentration of growth factors in the PRP stimulates the dormant hair follicles, encouraging them to grow.

Benefits of PRP for hair growth:

Enhancing blood supply to the hair follicles
Increasing the thickness of the hair shaft
Triggering and maintaining the growth phase of the hair cycle
Decreasing hair loss

Treatment Regimen

The recommended treatment protocol often includes an initial series of PRP injections at regular intervals (usually monthly) for three to four months, followed by maintenance treatments every 3–6 months. The regimen may vary based on the individual's response to the therapy and the severity of hair loss.

Results and Expectations

PRP therapy results are not immediate. Since the growth cycle of hair takes time, it may take several months for patients to observe visible improvement. Some patients may notice decreased hair shedding, followed by early signs of regrowth and increased length of hair. The full effects of PRP therapy are typically seen after a full cycle of treatments.

PRP Injections for Facial Rejuvenation

How does PRP Facilitate Skin Rejuvenation?

The versatility of PRP makes it suitable for addressing multiple concerns, such as aging skin, volume loss, and textural irregularities.

When used for facial rejuvenation, PRP can:

Stimulate collagen production, leading to firmer and more youthful skin.
Enhance tissue repair and cell growth, improving skin texture and tone.
Reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles by promoting the regeneration of healthy skin cells.
Improve overall skin vitality, resulting in a more refreshed and revitalized appearance.
Improve the appearance of scars by encouraging the formation of new, healthy skin tissue to replace and reduce the scar tissue.

Common facial areas targeted with PRP injections include:

Under-Eye Region: To alleviate dark circles and fine lines, PRP can be injected to stimulate collagen and improve skin quality and thickness, reducing the appearance of tired eyes.
Cheeks and Midface: To restore volume and promote a youthful contour, injections can be placed in the midface area. PRP can also improve skin tone and texture.
Nasolabial Folds: These are the lines that run from the sides of the nose to the corners of the mouth. PRP can soften their appearance by enhancing skin elasticity and fullness.
Perioral Area: The area around the mouth is prone to fine lines and wrinkles. PRP can help in rejuvenating this region, diminishing the signs of aging.
Forehead: Injections may be applied to the forehead to reduce the appearance of horizontal lines and improve overall skin texture.
Crow’s Feet: Located at the outer corners of the eyes, these lines can be smoothed out with PRP, resulting in a more rested look.
Jawline and Chin: To improve definition and address skin laxity, PRP can be utilized along the jawline and chin.
Acne Scars: By injecting PRP into scarred areas, the therapy can encourage healing and tissue regeneration, thus improving the skin's surface.
Overall Facial Rejuvenation: PRP can be injected across the face for a more comprehensive rejuvenation, enhancing overall skin health, firmness, and glow.

PRP and Microneedling:

In this protocol, after performing microneedling, PRP is applied topically to the entire treatment area. The PRP seeps into the micro-channels created by the needles, allowing the growth factors to penetrate deeply into the skin and help promote improved tone and texture.

For more profound results, your aesthetics practitioner may suggest following the topical application of PRP with additional passes of the microneedling device.

A second or third pass can deepen these micro-channels, ensuring that the growth factors in the PRP penetrate further into the dermis. This deeper penetration can stimulate more robust collagen production and cellular renewal, leading to more significant skin rejuvenation. This can also be particularly beneficial for addressing specific skin issues such as deeper wrinkles, scars, or hyperpigmentation.

What kind of results can I expect from PRP injections?

The outcomes of PRP facial injections are not immediate. Patients may begin to notice improvements in skin texture and tone as early as a few weeks after treatment, with more significant results appearing after several months. Results can vary based on the individual's skin condition, lifestyle, and age. For optimal results, multiple sessions may be recommended, usually spaced about 4-6 weeks apart.

After treatment healing process

Post-treatment, the injected areas may experience: Mild swelling, redness, bruising, tenderness. These generally subside within a few days.

Post care recommendations

Avoid touching or rubbing the injected areas for at least 4 hours after the procedure to prevent irritation or infection.
Refrain from vigorous activities and exercise for 24-48 hours to minimize swelling and bruising.
Avoid exposure to extensive sun or heat for the first few days after treatment. Sunscreen is recommended when going outdoors.
Keep the skin hydrated and maintain a routine that includes gentle cleansing and moisturizing.
Stay away from anti-inflammatory medications for a week post-treatment, as these can interfere with the healing process initiated by PRP.
Use cold compresses if needed to reduce swelling.