Understanding Skin Renewal With Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

The Science Behind Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy
PRP Therapy is a cutting-edge medical procedure that harnesses the body’s natural healing abilities to promote tissue repair and regeneration. It involves extracting a small amount of blood, typically from your arm, and centrifuging it to separate its components.

Blood is primarily composed of plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. Plasma, the liquid portion of blood, acts as a carrier, transporting electrolytes, proteins, hormones and the other blood components around the body. Platelets are tiny cell fragments that play a crucial role in clotting to stop bleeding and in wound healing by releasing growth factors. Growth factors are signalling molecules that regulate cell growth, proliferation and differentiation, stimulating the repair of damaged tissues. These superstars are highly valuable in Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy because they accelerate tissue repair, enhance collagen production, improve blood circulation and promote overall healing.

The concentrated platelets and growth factors extracted from your blood are injected back into your target area to accelerate healing, slow down ageing, or alleviate pain. PRP Therapy has gained popularity in various medical fields, including orthopaedics, sports medicine, dermatology and cosmetics, due to its minimally invasive nature and promising results in promoting tissue regeneration.

How Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy Works
At The Lovely Clinic, we use 3 different PRP devices based on your needs: Arthrex, Angel® and Regen.

Arthrex

This system is used extensively in orthopaedics. A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm, similar to a blood test. The tubes of blood are placed into a centrifuge – a machine that spins the tubes at high speeds. Centrifugation separates the blood into its individual components based on their densities. During this process, the heavier components, such as red blood cells, settle at the bottom of the tube, while the lighter components, including platelets and plasma, migrate towards the top. PRP is then injected back into your body at a target site where it begins to work its magic.

Angel® System

Blood is drawn from your arm and placed in specialised tubes containing anticoagulants to prevent it from clotting during processing. PRP and Platelet-Poor Plasma (which is very useful, despite the name) are created in massive quantities, with platelet concentrations up to 16 times the baseline. For hair treatments, the Angel® System can increase leukocyte concentrations, which stimulates growth. This device is used for larger treatment areas as a single procedure creates enough PRP to treat the hair, face and neck.

Regen

3 different types of tubes can be used: one contains an anticoagulant and makes PRP; the second is used to create a fibrin clot, which can then be extracted and used as a type of filler; and the final tube contains uncrosslinked hyaluronic acid, creating a powerhouse PRP/HA combo. A fibrin clot acts as a scaffold for tissue repair. Long fibrin threads create an intricate network that acts as a delivery system, delivering the concentrated supply of platelets and growth factors directly to the target area. Think of it as a biological booster shot, stimulating cellular activity and promoting the rejuvenation of tired, ageing skin.

Benefits Of Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy For Skin Renewal

Boosted Collagen Production

PRP stimulates collagen production, the protein responsible for skin elasticity and firmness. The fibrin clot aids in the stimulation of collagen production, resulting in a smoother, more youthful complexion.

Fading Fine Lines and Wrinkles

By promoting cellular renewal, Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy effectively diminishes fine lines and wrinkles, offering a natural and subtle anti-ageing effect.

Improved Skin Texture

From sun damage to stubborn scars, PRP’s rejuvenating properties can help improve your skin’s texture, leaving it smoother and more radiant.

The Risks And What You Should Know
While PRP therapy is generally considered safe, it’s important to be transparent about potential risks and side effects, even though they are uncommon. These may include temporary injection site pain, bruising, swelling, or redness. As it uses your own blood, allergic reactions are extremely rare. However, there’s a very small chance of infection or nerve injury, which is why choosing an experienced and qualified practitioner is key.

The field of Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy is constantly evolving, with ongoing research exploring its effectiveness and potential applications in various conditions. It’s important to remember that PRP is not a miracle cure and individual results may vary. Our practitioners are happy to discuss the current research with you and determine whether you are a suitable candidate before you make any decisions.