It's easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer number of wrinkle treatments on the market today. From creams and laser treatments to surgery, dermal fillers and injections, how can you decide which option is right for you? One of the newer options today is something called PRP therapy.
Platelet Rich Plasma therapy, or PRP, has been used for decades in sports medicine and to help people recover from wounds. Over the last few years, it has gained a reputation in the cosmetic industry for its ability to rejuvenate skin. PRP injections can do what dermal fillers, surgery and other treatments cannot: it not only improves the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, it also improves skin texture and tone. One of the biggest benefits is that PRP is also all natural, as it uses your own blood to treat saggy skin on the face, forehead wrinkles, crow's feet and more.
Understanding Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
Platelet rich plasma therapy begins by drawing vials of blood from your arm and spinning it in a centrifuge to isolate the platelets. Once these platelets and growth factors are concentrated, they are injected into treatment areas of your face or neck. Platelets are tiny cells that help with clotting. When they come together in the blood, they release enzymes that speed healing and prompt tissue repair, while also drawing stem cells to the damaged area.
PRP can be injected into sun-damaged skin, wrinkled skin or sagging areas to focus your natural healing ability where it is needed to achieve a more youthful appearance.
How PRP Injections are Used
PRP therapy can speed healing, improve fine lines, and improve your skin texture. Unlike many fillers, which are only appropriate for small or large wrinkles, or certain areas of the face, PRP therapy can improve the following:
· Deep acne scarring
· Forehead wrinkles
· Neck lines and wrinkles
· Bags under the eyes
· Sagging, loose skin
· Lip wrinkles
· Marionette lines
· Nasolabial folds
· Crow's feet
PRP Side Effects: What You Should Know
Another benefit of PRP therapy? There are virtually no side effects, aside from redness at the injection site and the potential for mild bruising, both of which are common after any injection. Because this treatment uses your own blood, you do not risk any allergic reaction or rejection.
It's important to realize that PRP therapy, while impressive, will not offer surgical results and it cannot offer a dramatic improvement in very loose skin or very deep wrinkles. Still, this anti-aging treatment can offer big improvement in many skin problems like fine lines and poor skin texture.
When used for cosmetic or anti-aging purposes, you can expect to need up to three injections that are spaced four weeks apart. This will offer the very best results, which may be visible as soon as one to two weeks after your procedure. The final results can take up to three months, as PRP induces your body to use its own healing mechanism. Results usually last around two years.
