How is PRP Used in Aesthetics?

What is PRP?

PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma, a blood derivative processed from each patient’s own blood. Human blood contains plasma, white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. The platelets are rich in proteins called growth factors. These growth factors and stimulating factors are then released from the platelets and are central to the body’s ability to heal and repair. The The initial release of these factors also stimulate and encourage the formation of blood clots to protect wounds.

How is PRP Used in Aesthetics?

PRP is a relatively new treatment protocol for various medical and cosmetic procedures. In the last decade, the use of PRP to improve facial aesthetics has increased dramatically. PRP can be used to rejuvenate skin and promote cell renewal. It is often used in conjunction with other cosmetic procedures, including cosmetic surgery, to improve the results and promote faster healing soft tissue healing and in the process activation of production of new cells. At Modern Surgical Arts of Denver, we offer PRP to our patients to rejuvenate their skin and enhance the outcome of any facial cosmetic procedures.

The following are examples of scenarios where we incorporate PRP into the service:

1. PRP + Microneedling: In our medspa our esthetician providers may use PRP to activate cells and repair the face, hands, or scalp after the microneedling process.
2. PRP + Facial Filler: Our injectors can add PRP into your facial filler for added volume, natural appearance, and activation of the adjacent cells for added rejuvenation along with the volume replacement.
3. PRP + Fat cell transfer: PRP can be used with our fat transfer procedures by our board certified cosmetic surgeon Drs. Dastoury or Zwiebel in order to further increase the uptake of the fat cells into the transferred area of the body. PRP used in this way can help the viability of the fat cells being transferred, thus improving the results of your fat transfer.
4. PRP + Hair growth: Our aesthetic providers can use PRP to activate dormant hair follicles in order to attain a fuller and more vibrant hair on the scalp as part of a comprehensive hair regrowth plan.

How is PRP beneficial for the skin?

Patients who undergo cosmetic surgery benefit from platelet-rich plasma applied to incisions and surrounding areas to promote rapid healing and turnover of new skin cells. There are a variety of ways cosmetic surgeons and aesthetic professionals can use platelet-rich plasma to improve the appearance of patients. Used topically, it can help reduce fine lines, blemishes, and scars. Subcutaneous injections of PRP help restore facial volume and stimulate collagen production for a more youthful appearance.

At Modern Surgical Arts of Denver, we may use PRP in conjunction with other procedures or as a stand-alone treatment. The following list describes further areas where PRP is useful as an injection or topical treatments:

• Dark undereye circles
• Fine lines around the nose and mouth
• Forehead wrinkles
• Fine lines around the eyes
• Acne
• Nasal folds
• Smooths and improves skin tone and texture
• Plumps grooves from nose to mouth
• Plumps cheeks
• Hair follicles
• Fat cells
• Reduces the appearance of surgical scars
• Firms and tightens skin
• Boosts collagen production
• Enhances moisture retention for healthier skin

How Do You Obtain PRP?

One of the most exciting aspects of using Platelet Rich Plasma is that it is obtained from each patient’s own blood, so there are no concerns about the body rejecting the treatment. We carefully withdraw a small amount of blood (less than two ounces) and place it in a centrifuge to spin the blood into its different components. The separated plasma has an extremely high concentration of platelets, stimulating new cell growth when injected into the body. Processing of the blood to obtain PRP takes less than 15 minutes.

What is PRP Rejuvenation?

When platelet-rich plasma is injected into the skin to improve skin tone and texture, it is often called PRP Rejuvenation. This in-office procedure usually takes less than an hour, including the time to derive the PRP from your blood. It is increasingly popular because it is very low risk, has sustainable results, and does not introduce foreign chemicals into your body. The result is a fresh, natural look that enhances your skin’s natural glow and gives patients a more youthful appearance.

PRP injections stimulate collagen production. Within a month of receiving PRP injections, most patients see improved skin texture, with maximum results within three months. The effects last a year or more, with many patients getting single touch-up treatments after a year to continue collagen production. A typical treatment plan is 2-3 treatments spaced several weeks apart. You can combine PRP rejuvenation with other treatments such as Botox, laser skin resurfacing, micro-needling, and cosmetic fillers.

If you are interested in PRP rejuvenation or in augmenting your cosmetic surgery or other aesthetic treatments with PRP, the first step is scheduling a consultation with our double board certified cosmetic surgeon, Drs. Dastoury or Zwiebel to explore your options.