What is PRP?
PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) is concentrated blood plasma that is enriched with platelets; cell fragments that are found in the blood and contain 8 potent growth factors along with other cytokines that stimulate the healing of soft tissue. In the body platelets are responsible for helping the blood clot and they help rebuild damaged tissue. Externally, studies have shown that platelets can stimulate your stem cells resulting in the growth of new skin.
PRP is created from the patient’s own blood (thus the “vampire” references in the media). About 2 teaspoons of blood is drawn from the patient’s arm and placed inside a centrifuge, which is a device that separates the serum, platelets and white blood cells from the red blood cells. The white blood cells or liquid plasma and the platelets are then collected forming PRP.
What does the procedure entail?
A small blood sample is taken from your own body and the PRP is separated from the other components. The PRP is then topically applied to the skin immediately following a micro-needling procedure. The micro-channels created by micro-needling provide direct pathways to the deeper layers of skin for optimal wound healing. Micro-needling with PRP application is an ideal treatment for smoothing fine lines, wrinkles, and scars or even increasing plumpness and overall rejuvenation of the skin.