As we age, we notice many unpleasant changes in our skin and body, including wrinkles and facial lines. Most individuals seek ways to address these issues without undergoing invasive surgery.
Well, we have good news; one effective, non-surgical option for skin rejuvenation is Plate-Rich Plasma (PRP) injection therapy. A PRP facial triggers collagen production, helping to rejuvenate the skin.
At Alyssum Cosmetic, we offer PRP injections combined with microneedling to enhance their effectiveness. This combination can significantly improve skin tone and texture.
Read the article to learn more about the effectiveness of PRP injection therapy and other helpful information that may you need.
Understanding PRP Injection Therapy for the Face
PRP facials are aesthetic procedures, not medical treatments. At Alyssum Cosmetic, we take a blood sample from our patients and use a device called a centrifuge to create PRP. When we place the blood sample in the centrifuge, it spins to separate the blood components. The plasma, rich in platelets, is then concentrated to create PRP.
Platelets are a key component of our blood, known for their clotting abilities and containing growth factors that trigger cell reproduction and stimulate tissue regeneration or healing in the treated areas. PRP contains high levels of these growth factors, which can stimulate healing and tissue regeneration, including collagen production in the skin. This makes PRP injection therapy a popular option among dermatologists for promoting collagen growth.
Collagen is the main protein in our skin, playing a crucial role in skin rejuvenation and elasticity. The full effect of PRP facial treatments typically appears within a few weeks or months. Depending on your skin condition, multiple sessions of PRP may be needed. We usually recommend 3 or 4 sessions (one per month) to achieve optimal results.
How Is PRP Created?
To clarify the process, the centrifuge spins the blood sample to extract the platelet-rich plasma (PRP), concentrating the platelets and plasma, which are rich in growth factors and essential for stimulating skin rejuvenation.
PRP Injection Cost at Alyssum Cosmetic
Combining PRP facial treatments with microneedling can enhance their effectiveness. We offer a special package to make this treatment affordable for almost everyone seeking brighter, more rejuvenated skin:
- PRP Facial + Microneedling: $350 per session
Unfortunately, PRP facial treatment isn’t covered by insurance as it’s considered an aesthetic enhancement.
How Does the PRP Facial Work?
There are two different ways to get the treatment.
First Option – The Recommended Option
During this procedure, after undergoing microneedling across the forehead and cheeks, plasma separated from your blood is injected into your face for better protein absorption.
Microneedling creates microscopic holes in the skin using sterile, tiny needles. Both PRP facials and microneedling stimulate collagen production and help enhance the appearance of the skin.
Second Option – Vampire Facials
In this procedure, plasma separated from the patient’s blood sample is injected into the skin, similar to a filler. This method involves only PRP injection therapy without microneedling.
The Benefits of PRP Facials
PRP facials can be highly beneficial for individuals with wrinkles, sun damage, or scars. By injecting PRP into the skin, cell proliferation is stimulated, which boosts elastin and collagen production. This results in tighter, fuller, and smoother skin.
For areas with deeper wrinkles and lines, doctors may also use hyaluronic acid fillers or neuromodulators. Fillers help restore facial volume that naturally diminishes with age, while neuromodulators, similar to Botox®, prevent facial muscles from contracting, reducing lines caused by muscle overuse, including crow’s feet around the eyes. Combining these treatments can effectively rejuvenate the entire face.
Is PRP Injection Therapy Safe?
According to Webmed, PRP treatment appears to be safe, though research is still ongoing. After the procedure, it’s common to experience pain, swelling, or bruising, but these side effects typically subside within a few days.
The main concern is the handling of blood products, which must be kept sterile to prevent infection. It’s also crucial that patients receive PRP derived from their own blood, not from someone else’s.
Aside from these considerations, there are no significant concerns regarding PRP injections.
Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP Injection Therapy?
PRP can be performed on both men and women at any age. This treatment is almost effective for all skin types. Moreover, the treatment is the best for those who seek anti-aging skin options and postpone the process of aging.
Additionally, PRP facials are a great way for those who want to keep their skin healthy and enhance its appearance before a big event.
Who Cannot Have PRP Injections?
Although PRP injection is safe for almost all people, regardless of their age and gender, there are some people who are not candidates for PRP injection therapy:
- Individuals who have HIV or AIDS
- Individuals who suffer from any type of blood cancer
- People who have Hepatitis C
- Individuals who have cardiovascular disease, requiring blood thinners
Platelet-rich plasma may have an adverse effect on the individuals above, and they cannot be candidates for PRP treatment.
PRP Injection Risk
The procedure is safe for almost all people except for those that we mentioned above, as well as individuals who suffer from clotting conditions, require blood thinners or other have blood-related health issues.
Business, pain, and swelling are the most common side effects of PRP facials, which are removed after a few weeks.
Note: If your skin is very loose or has a deep sun damage, PRP facials cannot help you so much and give you the result you want. In these cases, surgery may be a better option.
Immediately after PRP facials, most individuals typically feel well enough to drive home. Normal activities can generally be resumed within a few days as the skin’s inflammation and redness subside.
During the PRP injection recovery time, it’s crucial to wear sunscreen and minimize exposure to sunlight to protect the treated skin.
Key Considerations for PRP Facials
Here are some other important points to consider regarding PRP facials:
- For those undergoing vampire PRP (PRP only), results typically appear after a series of treatments spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart.
- It’s important to have realistic expectations when undergoing an invasive procedure like PRP treatment. While it can improve skin texture and tone, it does not produce the same results as a facelift.
- Apart from temporary redness, inflammation, and bruising, PRP treatments are generally safe; significant side effects are rare and usually due to human error.
- Equipment used for PRP facials must be kept sterile to prevent the risk of blood-borne infections.
- Maintenance PRP treatments may be necessary in the future to sustain results.
What Should We Do After PRP Facials?
After a PRP face, experiencing redness, swelling, and minor skin sensitivity is normal. These effects are temporary and typically subside within a few days. Here are some post-procedure care instructions to ensure optimal recovery:
- Avoid intense activity and sun exposure for two to three days until the swelling and redness diminish.
- Do not wear makeup immediately after the procedure.
- Avoid using exfoliating facial cleansers for at least three days.
- Refrain from touching your face for at least six hours.
- Apply cold compresses wrapped in a calm, dry towel to help reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Avoid rubbing your face, especially when washing and drying it.
- If you need to touch your face, ensure you wash your hands first with soap and water.
- Sleep on your back with your face slightly elevated for at least two days after the procedure.
- Avoid wearing makeup until the day after the procedure.
- If your pain and swelling last longer than 24 hours, you can use over-the-counter painkillers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen.
Following these guidelines will help you achieve the best results and minimize any discomfort after your PRP facial.
FAQ
Is a PRP injection painful?
Pain during the injection highly depends on individual tolerance. Generally, the pain is tolerable, but some individuals might experience discomfort or a sensation similar to a light sunburn during the procedure.
How often should I get a PRP facial?
We recommend our clients receive a PRP facial for at least 3 consecutive months to achieve the best results. Most individuals see results after three months; however, this may vary depending on how well your skin responds to the treatment.
Is the result of PRP injection therapy permanent?
Technically, no. Most individuals require repeat treatments at least once a year after completing their first three sessions. However, for some, the results may last up to three years.
Is PRP injection under eyes effective for reducing dark circles and puffiness?
Yes, PRP injection under eyes can be effective for reducing dark circles and puffiness. The growth factors in the PRP stimulate collagen production and improve skin elasticity, which can help rejuvenate the under-eye area. However, the effectiveness can vary depending on individual skin conditions and responses to the treatment.
How much does a PRP facial cost?
The cost varies depending on the number of sessions required. At Alyssum Cosmetic, a cosmetic clinic in Toronto we offer a special package:
- PRP Facials + Microneedling: only CAD $350 per session
