PRP Therapy in Sacramento
THE WRINKLE ERASER
What Is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrated solution derived from a person’s own blood, containing a higher concentration of platelets suspended in a small amount of plasma. Platelets are tiny blood cells that play a crucial role in the body’s natural healing process. They contain growth factors, hormones, nutrients, and other bioactive compounds that are essential for tissue repair and regeneration.
PRP is derived through a process of centrifugation, where blood is separated into its four main components: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. The platelets are then combined with a small amount of plasma to create platelet-rich plasma, containing at least twice the concentration of platelets found in normal blood plasma.
Initially used in dentistry and oral surgery in the mid-1990s, PRP gained popularity among athletes and sports medicine practitioners for its ability to expedite healing in joint, soft tissue, and bone injuries. Presently, PRP is gaining prominence in the field of cosmetics due to its undeniable efficacy in repairing and rejuvenating aged or damaged tissues, making it an attractive option for various aesthetic treatments.
In the blood, along with platelets and plasma, there are also red blood cells and white blood cells:
Red blood cells are the most abundant cells in the blood and contain hemoglobin, responsible for its red color. They play a key role in carrying oxygen throughout the body.
White blood cells are essential for the immune system. They regulate other immune cells, attack infected cells and tumors, and produce antibodies.
Plasma is the liquid part of blood, composed of water, sugar, fat, protein, and salt. It acts as a transport medium for blood cells, nutrients, waste products, antibodies, proteins, and hormones throughout the body.
Platelets, being small fragments of cells, contain potent growth factors. They are pivotal in blood clotting, wound healing, and tissue regeneration processes. PRP therapy involves harnessing the healing properties of platelets by concentrating them and then utilizing this enriched plasma to promote tissue healing and rejuvenation in various medical and cosmetic applications.
How Does PRP Work?
PRP’s elevated platelet concentration greatly enhances the healing and regeneration process in the injected area. The released growth factors from the platelets act as signals to surrounding cells, prompting them to repair damaged tissue and generate fresh, healthy tissue.
ome of the key PRP growth factors involved in this process include:
- Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)
- Transforming Growth Factor group (TGF)
- Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)
- Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF)
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF)
All PRP procedures follow a standardized three-step process: blood is drawn, processed to extract the PRP, and then injected into the targeted treatment area.
As PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, the risk of rejection or adverse reactions is minimal. Therefore, PRP therapy is entirely natural and considered highly safe.
Reverse Aging With PRP
Aesthetic PRP treatments offer a highly effective and non-surgical approach to rejuvenating the skin and promoting hair regrowth. It can be combined with other anti-aging treatments, such as microneedling, to enhance its effects, or used independently for procedures like hair restoration or facial injections. PRP’s versatility and regenerative properties make it a valuable option in the realm of cosmetic enhancements, providing natural and long-lasting results without the need for invasive surgery.
Microneedling with PRP (the “Vampire Facial”)
Microneedling is a skin rejuvenation technique that involves using small needles to create micro-channels in the skin. This process stimulates the production of new collagen and elastin, leading to the filling of fine lines, softening of wrinkles, enhancing volume, and restoring a more youthful appearance by improving skin elasticity.
When microneedling is combined with PRP, often referred to as the “vampire facial,” the regenerative effects are significantly amplified.
Despite its name, the procedure is not as painful as it may sound. Before the treatment, a topical anesthetic is applied to minimize any discomfort, ensuring a more comfortable experience for the patient. This combination of microneedling with PRP has become a popular and effective approach in the realm of skin rejuvenation, providing remarkable results with enhanced collagen production and skin revitalization.
Hair Restoration
Hair loss often occurs due to damaged hair follicles, and PRP has shown the ability to stimulate the repair and regeneration of these follicles, just as it does with other damaged tissues.
PRP injections into the scalp have demonstrated their effectiveness as a natural treatment for hair loss, promoting the repair of damaged follicles and stimulating hair regrowth. The outcome of this non-surgical procedure is thicker, fuller hair that looks completely natural, providing individuals with a rejuvenated and voluminous hair appearance.
Face Volumizing “Filler”
PRP offers a viable option either independently or in conjunction with hyaluronic acid fillers like Restylane® or Juvederm®.
As a volumizing injectable, PRP is administered under the skin similarly to traditional fillers. However, PRP’s unique feature lies in its ability to not only fill sunken areas but also activate your body’s collagen and elastin production, thereby restoring a natural, youthful volume in those areas.
Utilizing your own PRP can effectively address cheek indentations, improve under-eye hollows, and enhance skin tone, tightness, and texture, providing a comprehensive solution for various aesthetic concerns.
Is PRP Right for Me?
If you struggle with any of these issues, PRP may be right for you.
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Skin that needs toning or tightening
- Loss of collagen and skin volume
- Dark circles under the eyes or crow’s feet
- Scarring from acne
- Redness from rosacea or similar skin conditions
- Sagging breasts
- Hair loss
- Decreased male and female sexual performance
How to Prepare for your PRP treatment?
- Discontinue anti-inflammatory medications 3-4 days prior, avoid aspirin for 1 week prior to treatment. Discuss with your doctor prior to discontinuation of medications that you take regularly and are prescribed to you.
- Discontinue any blood thinning herbs, supplements, or vitamins 1-2 weeks prior to your treatment.
- Discontinue systematic steroids 1-2 week prior to treatment. This needs to be discussed with your doctor, do not stop steroids abruptly on your own.
- Discontinue steroid injections 1 month prior to your treatment. This needs to be discussed with your doctor, do not stop on your own.
- Avoid alcohol for 2-3 days prior to your treatment.
- Eat a healthy breakfast and drink plenty of water on the day of the procedure.
What to do After your PRP treatment and what to Expect?
- You may experience some mild discomfort at the injection site.
- Make sure you stay hydrated.
- Do not take any medications without consulting with your doctor as it may affect the healing process.
- Avoid Anti-inflammatories 2 weeks post procedure. May use Tylenol.
- Avoid herbs, supplements, or vitamins for 3-4 days post procedure.
- Avoid systemic steroids for 2 weeks after your procedure.
- Don’t apply ice after the procedure for 72 hours.
- Don’t take a hot bath or go to the sauna for the first few days after the treatment.
- Avoid alcohol for 1 week after your procedure.
- For scalp procedures and joint procedures, avoid swooning the first 24 hours after your treatment.
- Reduce Caffeine consumption in the first week after treatment.
- Avoid smoking for the first 2 weeks.