Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet rich plasma, commonly known as PRP, is emerging in many medical fields as a tool to assist in tissue regeneration, wound healing, scar revision, skin rejuvenation and even hair loss.
About PRP
Our blood is made of two main parts: red blood cells and plasma. Plasma, the action ingredient in this treatment, contains white blood cells and platelets. Platelets are typically responsible for your blood’s ability to form a clot after a cut, but they also contain growth factors, which act as messengers to signal various cell types to carry out their designated function. When used in facial plastic surgery, growth factor-rich PRP helps repair blood vessels, promote cell growth and wound healing, and stimulate collagen production for younger looking skin. In the case of hair loss, these messengers can be used to stimulate the hair follicles to start growing by prolonging the growing phase of the hair cycle.
PRP at DeFatta Facial Plastics
Dr. Robert DeFatta may recommend PRP as an adjunct to some cosmetic procedures, both surgical and non-surgical, to boost your body’s ability to heal and optimize results. The best part — it’s very low risk and uses your blood’s own components so adverse reactions are virtually non-existent.
During the treatment, a technician will draw a sample of your blood and prepare it by spinning in a centrifuge to separate out the PRP. Dr. DeFatta can then either use it topically on the skin (ex. after SkinPen treatment) or by injecting it into the area where treatment is needed (ex. hair rejuvenation). Treatment may be recommended as a one-time administration or repeated at various intervals, depending on the type of accompanying procedure and response seen.
Though the idea of blood draws and needles might sound a bit scary, rest assured that the procedure can be made very comfortable with our topical numbing techniques and pain reducers. It also carries little risk such as bruising at the blood draw and injection sites, minor-self-limiting swelling, and minimal downtime can be expected.
