Skin is the largest organ of the human body. Old literature refers to good skin as ruddy, bloomy, or alabaster. Good skin is considered a sign of good health. With age, fine lines and wrinkles can mar the smooth appearance of the skin. If you’ve spent time researching skin rejuvenation, you’ve probably come across facial PRP. Celebrities have endorsed it. It is all over social media with influencers flaunting their facial PRP treatments.
To a layman, the process uses a person’s own blood to rejuvenate their skin. The science behind the process is much more complex. If you are considering this treatment, there may be many questions that plague you. Is the treatment painful? Is it worth the investment? How long do the results last? And much more.
This blog answers every question first-time clients commonly ask. Read on to learn more about the procedure, how it works, who benefits, and what realistic results look like.
What Exactly Is Facial PRP and Why Is Everyone Talking About It?
For a first-time client, this might sound scary…having your blood drawn and applied to your face. It sounds like a vampire movie, doesn’t it? Thankfully, it is not so spooky. PRP is Platelet-Rich Plasma. Facial PRP relies on the regenerative power of your own blood. Your blood contains white blood cells, red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Platelets are packed with growth factors that help repair tissues.
The treatment uses the client’s own blood. A small amount of blood is drawn from the client, similar to the amount drawn for routine blood tests. Using the client’s own blood significantly reduces the risk of allergic reactions. The drawn blood is centrifuged to separate the platelet-rich plasma from other components. Platelets contain proteins and growth factors that support tissue repair and stimulate collagen production. Collagen production slows with age. Facial PRP stimulates collagen production and improves skin texture and firmness. Facial PRP differs from fillers. While fillers add volume to specific areas, facial PRP improves overall skin quality.
Are You the Right Candidate for Facial PRP?
So, how do you know if this treatment is for you? Let’s explore the signs that indicate this treatment may be right for you. Have you noticed tiny lines around your mouth and eyes of lately? They used to be occasional guests that now seem to have taken permanent residency on your face. Then, facial PRP may be the solution.
If you have survived acne breakouts and now struggle with the residual scars, this treatment helps improve skin texture and create a more even complexion. If you feel like you are looking tired even after proper sleep, then this treatment can refresh your look. If your skin is losing its firmness and is subtly changing, starting facial PRP early can help you maintain your youthful appearance. If your skin looks dull and tired from sun damage and your pores appear enlarged on your face, a few sessions of facial PRP can rejuvenate your skin.
This treatment is impressive, but it is better to have realistic expectations from the procedure. Facial PRP is preferred by many clients because it is autologous and minimally invasive. The results take time and consistency but deliver natural-looking results.
What Happens During Your First Facial PRP Appointment?
At Colibri Laser and Beauty, the first consultation starts with a skin assessment. The injector draws blood from the client. The blood is centrifuged to separate its components. Platelet-rich plasma is extracted for use. PRP can be applied in many ways. PRP can be injected into target areas to accelerate repair. PRP can also be applied topically to the skin. More often, facial PRP is combined with microneedling. Microneedling involves using tiny needles to create micro-channels on the skin. These channels allow the PRP to penetrate more deeply into the dermis and deliver the growth factors.
You may experience mild discomfort, which is usually managed with numbing creams. The procedure requires minimal downtime. Though the procedure is minimally invasive, it is performed in a sterile and hygienic environment. There might be mild swelling and redness after the treatment, but this is normal and will subside in a couple of days.
Is Facial PRP Painful? What First-Timers Should Know
First-timer clients may feel anxious because the treatment involves drawing blood. During the consultation, injectors will discuss the procedure and allay your fears. Most of us know the discomfort of blood being drawn for routine blood work. This is about the same level of discomfort you will experience when blood is drawn for centrifugation.
When PRP is applied to the face, it is usually combined with microneedling. Microneedling can be uncomfortable. The discomfort is managed with numbing creams. Injections can cause mild discomfort that is very transient. Pain perception is subjective and varies from individual to individual.
How Soon Can You See Results and How Long Do They Last?
Clients who have a cosmetic enhancement usually expect instant results. Facial PRP works differently. It does not change your appearance overnight, but instead encourages your skin to heal and regenerate naturally. During the first few days after treatment, most clients experience a healthy glow as their skin starts recovering. Mild redness and swelling are common for a day or two, after which the redness and swelling subside.
PRP contains growth factors that stimulate collagen and elastin production. This process takes time. Most people begin to see visible improvements in skin texture, tone, and firmness within four to six weeks. The three-month mark is when collagen production is at its peak, and the skin appears smoother, healthier, and more youthful.
The longevity of the results depends on age, skin condition, lifestyle, and skincare routine. In general, the results of facial PRP last for 12 to 18 months. For deeper issues, practitioners may recommend a combination of treatments for better results. Maintenance sessions help preserve results for longer.
The Hidden Benefits of Facial PRP That Most People Don’t Know About
The treatment improves skin quality and healing. Growth factors improve collagen production and build a stronger collagen network. The skin texture improves after treatment. The skin glow is literally a glow-up!
Increased skin elasticity creates a more youthful appearance after treatment. Inflammation on the face is reduced with facial PRP. This cosmetic enhancement delivers a fresher appearance without looking “done”. The risk of allergic reaction is virtually non-existent because the client’s own blood is used for treatment. Improved skin tone and texture can boost confidence at work and in social settings. This treatment nurtures skin health for the long-term.
Common Myths About Facial PRP That Scare First-Time Clients
PRP has been falsely believed to be dangerous. It is a completely safe procedure. People expect immediate results after treatment. It takes time for growth factors to stimulate collagen production and for the increased production to translate into healthier skin. It is not a miracle cure and often needs more than one session.
People believe that litres of blood will be drawn for the procedure, but the blood drawn is only a small amount. Skincare cannot be avoided after a facial PRP. Many people believe the treatment is painful, but this is not so. There is a mild discomfort associated with needles and injections, but this is usually managed with numbing creams.
Conclusion
Facial PRP is a safe, minimally invasive, natural skin rejuvenation treatment. The treatment improves skin tone and texture. It is not a miracle cure for all skin issues, but for the right candidate, it can be the most rewarding investment. PRP encourages your skin to repair itself by stimulating collagen production.
At Colibri Laser and Beauty, we promote facial PRP as a partnership with your skin. Book an appointment today and discover whether facial PRP is right for you.