Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy in Melbourne

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a cutting-edge form of regenerative medicine that is becoming widely used for cosmetic therapy to help restore a youthful skin and smooth out fine lines and wrinkles. This revolutionary new treatment is one of the cosmetic services offered by MY Natural Look Cosmetic Clinic in Melbourne.

What is Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy?

Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a revolutionary injectable treatment which makes use of your own blood (autologous blood) for a restorative technique in which the plasma is concentrated with platelets and re-injected back into the tissues of your skin. Since its discovery in the 1980’s, PRP is now being used in a wide range of regenerative and healing medicine such as treatment of ulcers, orthopaedics, maxillofacial surgery, arthroscopic surgery, sports medicine, and cosmetic surgery. As this unique therapy uses the patient’s own blood to harvest and prepare concentrated plasma which is rich in platelets, PRP therapy for restoring a refreshed and youthful appearance is sometimes referred to as The Vampire Facial.

The rationale for PRP therapy lies in the fact that when injected, the platelets release critical growth factors and natural substances that are responsible for attracting stem cells that stimulate rejuvenation and regeneration of skin tissue for tissue healing process.

Growth factors and stem cells also increase cellular turnover, promotes collagen, elastin and hyaluronic acid production, and stimulates skin tissue regeneration, restoring damaged skin conditions related to ageing and scarring.

The effects of tissue regeneration include:

Refreshed, hydrated and youthful-looking skin

Improved skin tone, colour and texture

Glowing and radiant skin

Softened facial lines and wrinkles

PRP Treatment Areas

Platelet-rich plasma therapy can be performed on any part of the body, including the eyelids and directly under the eyes.

Treatment areas include:

The full face, neck, décolletage and hands can be treated. Other body areas that can be treated include the knees, elbows, upper arms and post-baby tummy.

A wide range of skin conditions can be treated with PRP injections, including the following:

Eliminating fine lines and wrinkles – Crow’s feet, forehead lines, nasolabial fold, marionette lines, jawline and neck wrinkles, lip wrinkles
Uneven or dull skin tone
Dehydrated and dry skin
Fine, thin crepe skin on the neck and back of hands
Fine, thin crepe skin around the eyes and eyelids
Eye circles
Active acne
Acne scarring
Burn scarring
Surgical/trauma Scars
Scar improvement
Improving skin elasticity
Stretch marks
Hair loss

What does Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy Involve?

Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a very safe, quick and comfortable treatment. The treatment procedure involves the following steps:

Collection

A numbing cream is firstly applied to the skin to minimise any discomfort during the injections. Then, a small amount (about 10mL) of blood is drawn from the arm and collected into a PRP tube.

Separation

The PRP tube is placed into a specialised centrifuge to prepare the blood for use. During the separation step, the platelets are separated with plasma from the rest of the blood cells after spinning for 6 minutes.

Activation / Collection

The separated plasma which is rich in platelets (PRP) is then transferred to an activation tube for re-injection into the skin.

Application

The PRP is applied on the treatment areas by superficial injections. This might be done by mesotherapy technique or micro skin needling. This immediately activates growth factors and stem cells, triggering tissue rejuvenation that will result in improved skin texture, elasticity and hydration.

The entire PRP procedure takes around 45 to 60 minutes. The longest part of the treatment is the spinning and separation of the blood in the centrifuge while the injecting process itself is performed in as quickly as 15 minutes.

Results of PRP Therapy

The body takes time to respond to the influx of growth factors after a PRP treatment, as regeneration of skin cells occurs gradually over time.

Whilst visible improvements can be seen after just one treatment, a minimum of three platelet rich plasma treatments performed at monthly intervals are usually recommended for optimal results. Up to six treatments may be needed.

The treatment protocol depends on the skin condition and treatment area. PRP therapy may be combined with other aesthetic procedures like hyaluronic acid dermal fillers, micro needling, chemical peels and laser treatment.

PRP therapy provides natural and long lasting results as the accumulative healing and regenerative effects after each treatment continues for over twelve months. Ongoing maintenance treatment may be performed every six to twelve months as a follow-up.

Safety of Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy

As treatment with platelet-rich plasma uses your own blood cells, it is a very safe and well-tolerated treatment.

As PRP therapy involves an injectable procedure, it is performed in a hygienic environment using sterile techniques to prevent any complications.

An anaesthetic may be applied to the treatment area to minimise pain during injection and maximise comfort during the treatment session.

Pre-treatment Guide

During an initial consultation with our cosmetic doctor will establish your suitability for the procedure and determine if PRP therapy will be the best treatment option for your specific skin concerns.

Before the PRP session:

48 hours leading up to the procedure, you should drink plenty of fluids to keep yourself well-hydrated. Water is strongly recommended.
One week prior to treatment, avoid other facial treatments that sensitise the skin.
One to two weeks prior to the treatment, reduce your fat intake.
Two to three weeks prior to treatment, stop all omegas, green teas and other supplements that increase bruising.
Reduce your alcohol and caffeine intake.

Post-treatment Guide

After a PRP treatment:

Do not touch your face for at least 4 hours to allow the injection sites to heal.
Wash your hands before touching injected areas to avoid introducing external infection.
Use a gentle pH neutral skincare recommended by our cosmetic doctor for the following 72 hours.
Do not wear make up for 24 hours.
Avoid using oil-based products, heavy cosmetics and thick moisturisers for at least two days.
Do not undergo any other facial treatments for at least two weeks.
Avoid sun exposure and use at least an SPF30+ sunscreen every day.

The treated area will feel tender for up to two weeks post-treatment.

Avoid rigorous exercise, saunas, hot baths and excessive amounts of alcohol, as these will exacerbate swelling and increase the possibility of bruising.

Bruising may be reduced by the use of Arnica tablets and Bromelin extract, along with massaging Hirudoid cream into the area.

Do not ice the area or have hot showers (platelets do not like extremes of temperatures).
Sleep with the treated area elevated by propping yourself up with multiple pillows.