Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is now incorporated in a broad range of treatments to boost and support the body’s natural regenerative properties. Our plastic surgeon, Christine Petti, MD, combines PRP with Vivace™ radiofrequency microneedling and laser skin resurfacing for skin rejuvenation, in addition to performing PRP injections to create facial volume or restore hair in thinning areas of the scalp.
Learn more about versatile PRP treatment by exploring the informative sections below or contacting our practice:
What is PRP Treatment?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a naturally-occurring substance in the blood that aids in the regeneration of new tissue when an injury takes place. For aesthetic purposes, PRP can be extracted from a patient’s blood, prepared to create a platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM), and applied via injection or superficially over microneedled/laser-treated skin. The presence of the prepared PRP at the micro-injury sites can help maximize the presence of growth factors to optimize skin healing, create facial volume, or restore hair growth.
What Are the Benefits of PRP Treatment?
The use of PRP in non-surgical aesthetic applications has many significant advantages:
- PRP has powerful anti-aging and cell regeneration capabilities.
- PRP supports increased production of new collagen fibers during skin repair.
- PRP can achieve reduction in many visible signs of facial aging—including wrinkles, deep creases, diminished volume, hollows, and skin laxity—for firmer, more youthful-looking skin and a rejuvenated appearance.
- PRP is an all-natural substance produced by your own body, so there is no risk of allergies, skin irritation, chemical exposure, incompatibility, or other unwanted side effects.
- PRP can further enhance the quality of skin rejuvenation results achieved with Vivace™ radiofrequency microneedling and SmartSkin™ CO2 laser resurfacing skin peels.
- In early stages of hair thinning, injected PRP can revitalize the scalp and miniaturized hair follicles to boost hair growth and increase hair density.
- Injected PRP can achieve natural-looking results that last longer than traditional dermal filler products.
What Happens During PRP Treatment?
The details of your treatment depend on the specific non-surgical PRP procedure you are undergoing; however, the process of collecting PRP is the same for all treatments. First, the necessary amount of blood is drawn from your arm. Then, the vial of blood is placed into a centrifuge, which spins at high speeds to separate the PRP from the rest of the sample. The PRP is extracted from the vial and then used to complete the chosen treatment. For some procedures, PRP is combined with SELPHYL® Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM)—an advanced platelet-rich plasma (PRP) preparation, which creates a gel that holds and protects platelets during the healing process to help optimize the efficacy of PRP.
Skin Rejuvenation + PRP
Following either Vivace™ radiofrequency microneedling or SmartSkin™ CO2 laser resurfacing performed on the face, neck, and/or chest, Dr. Petti applies PRP or PRFM to the treated skin. The micro injuries caused by the microneedles or laser absorb the PRP, which aids the healing and regeneration process. Typically, Dr. Petti recommends two or three treatment sessions spaced four to six weeks apart to achieve optimal skin rejuvenation.
PRP Injections for Facial Contouring
PRFM is loaded into a syringe and injected to fill wrinkles, hollows, and add volume to areas of the face as a dermal filler would. The PRFM injections stimulate and revitalize the tissue from within. Platelets are held in place by the fibrin matrix, which supports the formation of new collagen fibers and young cells for smooth, lasting results.
PRP Injections for Hair Restoration
PRP or PRFM is loaded into a syringe and injected into the scalp in areas where hair is thinning. The regenerative process that takes place within the tissue helps to prevent future hair loss, strengthen weak hair follicles, and stimulate hair growth. Multiple treatment sessions spaced apart are often recommended to achieve optimal hair restoration results—this allows Dr. Petti to treat follicles that are on different growth cycles.
“Loved my first time experience with Dr. Petti. She is amazing and caring. All her advice and tips are great. Can’t wait to go back for more sessions.”
What Is Recovery Like After PRP Treatment?
One of the greatest advantages of non-surgical PRP treatments is that the recovery period is usually considered very mild and little, if any, downtime is necessary. The healing process will vary depending on the specific type of treatment you undergo. Most patients do not find it necessary to alter their schedule in any way to accommodate their PRP treatment. If any discomfort is experienced, over-the-counter pain relievers are often sufficient.
When Will I See My PRP Treatment Results?
While there may be some immediate or short-term results that are visible following your PRP skin rejuvenation treatments, tissue repair and the production of collagen typically takes between four to six weeks. The full results of facial contouring injections, however, may take up to three months to be revealed. Hair restoration outcomes typically take the longest to see, and most patients notice thicker, denser hair emerge between four and eight months.
How Much Does PRP Treatment Cost?
The overall cost of your treatments with PRP depends on a variety of factors:
- The type of treatment you are having (skin rejuvenation, facial contouring, or hair restoration)
- How many treatment sessions are performed
- Whether SELPHYL® Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM) is included in your treatment
- Area(s) where treatment is administered
- Size of the treatment area(s)
Following your consultation with Dr. Petti, you will receive a comprehensive cost estimate for your custom PRP treatment plan. A knowledgeable member of our office team can explain any current pricing specials that may apply to your treatment and detail the methods of payment we accept. For information about financing options that can make paying for PRP treatment more affordable and convenient, we encourage you to ask about our partnerships with third-party lenders including CareCredit®, Prosper Healthcare Lending™, LendingUSA®, and United Medical Credit®. Approved applicants can qualify for flexible monthly payments and access low/no-interest loans.
If you are curious about PRP treatments and want to learn more about this innovative approach for skin rejuvenation, facial contouring, and hair restoration, contact our practice to schedule a consultation with Dr. Petti.
