The name PRP facial may sound daunting, but it is not as alarming as it sounds. PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. In this facial, the patient’s blood is used to rejuvenate the skin.
PRP facial gained popularity after Kim Kardashian famously shared photos of her treatment on social media. Other celebrities, such as Rupert Everett, Bar Refaeli, and Richa Chadha, have also famously endorsed it.
PRP facials are a natural way to rejuvenate the skin. They are said to aid in collagen production, which naturally decreases with age. Like any PRP treatment, PRP facials use the plasma in the patient’s blood to stimulate cell regeneration. PRP is rich in growth factors. It is usually combined with microneedling.
If you have been wondering what the fuss is about PRP facials, read on and find out.
What is a PRP Facial?
PRP facial is a cosmetic procedure that utilizes platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in the patient’s blood to rejuvenate their skin.
The process is simple. Blood is drawn from the patient and centrifuged. Centrifugation separates blood into its components. Plasma is the component of interest. It is extracted, and this platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the specific area. PRP is rich in growth factors that stimulate collagen production and enhance cell regeneration. It is done along with microneedling. Microneedling is a minimally invasive procedure that uses tiny needles to make micro-injuries in the skin. This procedure induces the body’s natural healing mechanism to repair the injuries. As a consequence of this mechanism, there will be increased collagen and elastin.
The increased collagen production will help rejuvenate the skin and reduce fine lines. Remember, a PRP facial is not a ‘facelift’. It can help improve skin texture and reduce the signs of aging.
The Science Behind PRP Facial
PRP is a component of blood that is a concentrated source of platelets. Platelets are responsible for blood clotting and tissue repair in the body. When PRP is injected into the body, the platelets release growth factors that stimulate cell growth, regeneration, and collagen production.
It is combined with microneedling, which uses tiny needles to create micro-injuries in the skin. The body works to repair the injuries, increasing collagen and elastin production.
When PRP is performed in conjunction with microneedling, you can use the benefits of both- the collagen-stimulating effects of microneedling and the growth factors of the plasma-rich platelets. PRP with microneedling delivers the growth factors directly to the micro-channels created by the needles. This will improve the skin thickness, firmness, and elasticity.
PRP can also be applied topically after the PRP facial to enhance the results.
Procedure: What to Expect
Let’s understand the procedure of the PRP facial.
Blood Draw
Blood is drawn from the client as it is normally drawn for a blood test.
PRP Separation
The drawn blood is centrifuged to separate the components. When blood separates into its components, platelet-rich plasma is extracted from it.
Application
The PRP which is rich in growth factors, is then applied to the face. This is usually done after microneedling, which creates micro-channels of injury on the face. These tiny channels will enhance the absorption of PRP.
Rejuvenation
The growth factors of the PRP will stimulate cell regeneration. Collagen production is aided by the growth factors and enhanced by microneedling.
Microneedling may cause some discomfort. Numbing creams are used to manage the pain. The procedure usually takes between 45 minutes to an hour. Always engage the services of a professional studio or clinic, like Colibri Laser and Beauty, for the best results.
Benefits of a PRP Facial
A PRP facial is recommended for adults with moderate signs of aging. It can give you a natural-looking facial rejuvenation. People with fine lines, wrinkles, uneven skin tone, sun damage, acne scars, or dull skin are ideal candidates for a PRP facial.
PRP facials rejuvenate your face by improving the skin texture and tone. They can significantly reduce fine lines and wrinkles. People who bear acne scars will also see an improved skin texture.
The biggest appeal of a PRP facial is that it uses the body’s own product to rejuvenate the skin. It is autologous. There is reduced risk of any allergies or reactions when the PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood.
Risks and Side Effects
Common side effects of PRP facials are redness, swelling, and sensitivity. These are temporary and can be attributed to the microneedling injection process. These effects will subside within a few hours or a day.
You can expect slight bruising or sensitivity at the injection site or blood draw site. It will be resolved in a few days.
Some people may experience pain or discomfort after the procedure.
As the skin heals, some mild itching may be noticed.
The skin may feel dry for a few days as it recovers.
Like any other procedure, if the procedure is not performed in a clean and sterile environment, there is a risk of infection. Some people experience temporary numbness at the site of injection. In rare cases, PRP facials can cause the formation of lumps or bumps on the skin.
Recovery Time & Aftercare
The downtime after a PRP facial is short, usually 1-3 days. It varies from individual to individual.
Immediate post-treatment care involves gentle cleansing and application of ice. Avoid touching the treated area for at least 6 hours after the facial. It is advisable to sleep on your back with the head in an elevated position for the first 24 hours to minimize swelling. Avoid makeup for a few days after a PRP facial. Be cautious to keep the makeup brushes clean before and after use.
As a general rule, after a PRP facial, you should avoid sun exposure and use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF 50 or higher. Avoid harsh products on the skin. Keep yourself hydrated and eat healthy meals. Get enough sleep to aid the healing process. It is also better to avoid heat and any strenuous activity. That includes heavy exercise, hot baths, and steam rooms.
Keep a close watch on the treated site and contact a dermatologist if you experience any pain, swelling, or redness.
Realistic Expectations
After the first session of a PRP facial, most people experience slight swelling and sensitivity, which will subside in 1-3 days. Some people see a subtle glow and smoother skin texture in a week. Dramatic changes should not be expected after just one session.
After multiple sessions, the changes are more noticeable. The skin texture will be smoother, and there will be a visible reduction in acne scars and fine lines. There will be improved elasticity and firmness to the skin. The skin tone will be more even and bright. Multiple sessions are 3-4 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart.
Within 1 week of the first session, clients will see a glow on their skin. Three to four weeks after the facial, collagen and elastin production are increased. The peak results can be seen 2-3 months after a PRP facial, especially if you have had multiple sessions.
Conclusion
PRP facial is a natural way to rejuvenate your skin. It is a PRP facial and uses the client’s blood to improve the skin. Platelet-rich plasma is extracted from the client’s blood and applied to the area to be treated. Microneedling is usually done before the topical application of PRP.
The treatment increases cell regeneration and collagen production. This will help to rejuvenate the skin, improving skin texture and tone. Downtime is 1-3 days, and results begin to show in a week.
The results of the PRP facial are significant and lasting. If you are looking for a natural, fresh look, this just might be what you are looking for!