Platelet Rich Plasma Treatments

Due to the incredible rejuvenation potential of PRP, it has been used in many aspects of medicine for many years, including orthopaedics, sports medicine, dentistry and surgery.

In cosmetic medicine, it can be used on any part of the body where repair, rejuvenation and improvement are required. It is particularly suitable for around the eyes and lips (where other treatments are more problematic), cheeks, mid-face, jaw line, forehead, neck, décolletage, hands and there is even some evidence for use on the scalp for hair rejuvenation.

One of the most exciting features of PRP treatment is that it is YOUR blood – nothing artificial or modified and therefore very safe! As it is your own plasma that is injected, allergic reactions do not occur. Preparation for the treatment is simple and quick and carried out in the treatment room. The whole procedure is carried out by a medical professional under aseptic technique so there is no contamination and the risk of infection is very low.

Topical anaesthetic cream is applied to the treatment area to minimise discomfort and local anaesthetic is also added to the syringe prior to injection to ensure the procedure is as comfortable as possible. There may be some minor discomfort when treating sensitive areas.

Treatment may not be suitable for you if there is a history of platelet disorders, certain skin diseases, certain medications or if there is an infection present.

As with any injectable treatment, there is likely to be minor swelling and bruising following the procedure which usually settles within 24-48 hours. It sometimes takes up to 7 days for the swelling to resolve and very occasionally, bruising may be more severe and take longer to disappear. The skin is often a little red afterwards but this usually settles by the next day. Bruising can also appear at the site the blood was taken from.

There may be some discomfort or aching after treatment which can take a few days to calm down. Painkillers can be taken after the procedure if needed. We do not recommend taking aspirin or other anti-inflammatory medications prior to the PRP treatment (unless prescribed by a doctor for a medical indication) as this can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding. It is also not recommended to take vitamin supplements or certain other herbal remedies for a week before treatment.

Rarely infections may occur where the skin has been penetrated and cold sores may be precipitated in clients who are prone to these, medication may be prescribed to lessen this risk where required.

A full medical history will be taken prior to any treatment being performed.

Although some people may notice some improvements to the skin as early as 3 weeks, the best results are not seen until 3 months and improvements will generally last up to 2 years. Repeat treatments are popular and sometimes 3 treatments may be required to obtain optimum results.

Results will depend on many factors, including age, sex, alcohol and tobacco intake, lifestyle and general health.

Aftercare Advice 

Immediately after treatment there may be some swelling, redness, itching and tenderness. This is a normal result of the injections and will settle. The swelling may remain for up to a few days, the other symptoms usually settle more quickly. We advise not to use ice packs or heat on the skin for a few days as this may affect the results of PRP.

There can be bruising after the procedure and the risk of this is higher if you have used aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen or herbal remedies within the last two weeks. Bruising can be quite marked in some instances and last longer.

Sometimes there can be some discomfort or aching following treatment which may last a few days, painkillers can be taken if required.

During the procedure the PRP will be injected where required and no further manipulation will be required. It is advised to avoid touching or rubbing the skin as much as possible to avoid disturbing the treatment and lessen the risk of introducing infection. We also advise to avoid applying make-up for 24 hours to the treated area.

If you have had cold-sores in the past there is a risk that the needle punctures can cause another eruption – you may need some tablets or cream from the practitioner who treated you to prevent this.

Results can start to appear at 3 weeks but the full effect is not seen until about 3 months, results will vary according to many different factors and sometimes further treatment is required to obtain the optimum results. The final result will last up to 2 years, although in some people this may be considerably shorter or longer.