Using your own blood product for healing and rejuvenation is a concept originating from wound healing and orthopedic research. When whole blood is separated into its components by centrifuge, the liquid portion containing platelets, plasma, and dissolved naturally-occurring growth factors can be isolated. This PRP, or platelet rich plasma, is highly beneficial in reversing many of the signs of aging. Typical benefits include increased smoothness, improved elasticity, and “that healthy glow”. These changes are related to the amount of PRP that penetrates the outer skin layer, thereby activating the existing multipotent stem cells to develop and stimulate new collagen, healthier connective tissue, more micro blood vessels, and new micro fat cells, all that regularly repairs older skin. Depending on the individual and the specific procedures, these effects improve for 2-3 months, and last for up to 2 years.

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HOW IS PRP OBTAINED?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is derived through a simple and efficient process at the Vein Specialists Institute in La Quinta and Palm Desert. One or two tubes of blood are drawn from an arm vein and spun in a centrifuge for about 10 minutes. This process separates the platelets, plasma, and growth factors from the rest of the blood. The resulting PRP can then be applied to the treated skin, either topically or through injections. Key benefits of PRP include improved skin texture and tone, reduction of fine lines and wrinkles, regrowth and thickening of thinning hair, and enhancements in scar and stretch mark treatments.

HOW IS PRP GIVEN?

The skin serves as a barrier to protect the body, so introducing PRP through therapeutic breaks in the skin allows it to work effectively. Here are the primary methods of PRP administration.

  • PRP Injections: This stand-alone treatment for the face is particularly popular in Europe. It stimulates new collagen production, enhances microcirculation, and promotes regrowth of healthy skin. Additionally, PRP injections stimulate hair growth and thickening in areas of the scalp with thinning hair. The growth factors start working immediately, activating the injected platelets to release additional growth factors, which accelerates desired effects.
  • PRP with Injectable Fillers: This method combines the volumizing effects of injectable fillers with the skin-enhancing properties of PRP. By injecting PRP alongside fillers, patients experience maximal benefits, effectively addressing signs of aging such as wrinkles and enhancing the appearance around the eyes and mouth.
  • PRP + Laser or RF (radiofrequency) Treatments: significantly reduces the recovery times associated with laser or RF treatments on the face neck chest hands or body, while meaningfully enhancing the results of the energy treatments. Topically applied PRP is maximally absorbed for 15-20 minutes following the laser or Radio Frequency treatment due to the desired therapeutic injury to the skin. The 30 minute topical PRP treatment significantly reduces the duration and amount of post treatment redness, while increasing the observed effectiveness of the overall session.
  • PRP + Microneedling: also known as collagen induction therapy, microneedling is a minimally invasive skin rejuvenation procedure using a device that contains fine needles. The microneedling pen is programmable to puncture the skin thousands of times per minute in a highly controlled fashion – each puncture creates a micro channel that triggers the body to produce collagen and elastin to fill the channels. By applying PRP immediately before and after the microneedling, the desired bio-cellular products are introduced into and retained by the treated skin, producing the desired benefits.

If you’re interested in learning more about PRP therapy and how it can benefit your skin and hair, or if you would like to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ken Jesser at the Vein Specialists Institute, please contact us today. We’re here to assist you on your journey to rejuvenated, healthy skin! We’d be happy to assist you!