Below are some of the most frequently asked questions patients have about Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP).
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Injections involving platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are the latest wave in facial rejuvenation. Facial rejuvenation with PRP is also known as PRP facial rejuvenation, blood facelift and Blood PRP Lift. PRP is blood that contains higher concentrations of platelets and growth factors than normal blood. These substances stimulate stem cells to produce collagen and blood vessels, in turn slowing or reversing the signs of aging.
A patient’s blood (about 20cc) is placed in a centrifuge and spun in order to separate the blood from the growth factors, platelets and stem cells. This rejuvenative mixture is then micro-injected in areas of the face where signs of aging have appeared, such as the areas surrounding the eyes, cheeks, mouth and forehead.
The regenerative cells in PRP are different from the ones in the fat used in fat transfer procedures. Also, fat transfer has a more “volumizing” effect than the regenerative cells in PRP. However, the two can be combined for a more comprehensive procedure.
Yes. If done alone it can be performed under local anesthesia or sedation. But in many cases, PRP facial rejuvenation is performed with a lower facelift, jowl lift, necklift, or eyelift and browlift surgery. It can also be combined with fat transfer for a more volumizing effect, and with laser resurfacing.
Minor bruising or swelling will last about a week if the procedure is performed alone. Most patients look presentable and return to work in 2-3 days. If it is performed in conjunction with laser treatment, recovery will last about a week. If PRP facial rejuvenation is performed with fat transfer, the recovery is about a week.
All cosmetic filler injections require maintenance, including PRP facial rejuvenation.This is a new procedure that is still under investigation, so at present we do not know for certain how long the rejuvenative effects last. But a good estimate is nine to 24 months.
Yes, for years it has been used successfully in Pain medicine to regenerate lost cartilage in various joints, particularly the shoulder and knee joints. PRP also has been used in injured muscles to repair the muscle tissue. Visit us at jaxPRP.com for more info.
Because PRP facial rejuvenation is a minimally invasive procedure, most adults with signs of aging are good candidates. The fact that it is less invasive makes it an attractive option for elderly patients, since the incisions made in facelift and other invasive facial procedures take longer to heal in older patients. However, it should be noted that PRP injections do have their limits; they cannot make an elderly patient look 25 years old.
Persons with skin disease (SLE, porphyria, allergies), cancer, chemotherapy, severe metabolic and systemic disorders, abnormal platelet function (i.e. blood disorders), and underlying sepsis excludes the use of PRP.
It’s difficult to know because the procedure is so new, but “maintenance” treatments are required. Results should last nine to 24 months, depending on the patient’s anatomy and individual circumstances.
The Blood PRP Lift uses a PRP product to restore collagen and blood flow to tissues for regenerative purposes. It may take longer to see results from PRP injections, but the results may last longer. Juvederm and Restylane are hyaluronic acid fillers that have immediate results; but the results most likely do not last as long as results from the Blood PRP Lift and other PRP-related procedures.
Cost varies based on where you live and how many areas of the face are injected with the PRP product. It also depends on the practitioner. To minimize complications and maximize the benefit, it is very important that you choose a facial plastic surgeon with extensive experience. It is also important to note that not all PRP injections are alike; they can vary widely depending on individual factors, and the cost varies accordingly. Dr. Manohar’s fees start at $1,200 and go on up depending on which areas of the face are being treated.
Facelift is a surgical procedure therefore more invasive. PRP is an injection therefore much less invasive, and may be better for many patients—especially those requiring a less dramatic transformation. These injections also involve far less healing time.
All procedures have potential side effects, and PRP injections are no exception. It is an injection therefore the potential for swelling and minor bruising. No potential for an allergic reaction since it is your own blood!
