Treatment Overview:
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Platelet Rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM) are treatments that involve withdrawing a patient's own blood and using a centrifuge to separate the blood components. As soon as prepared PRFM is administered, growth factors are released through the formation of a three-dimensional cross-linked fibrin matrix which is essential to the platelet plug as it serves as a binding site for both platelets and growth factors allowing their sustained release.
This scaffolding (fibrin matrix) localizes the growth factors increasing their concentration at the desired location and guiding tissue regeneration. Studies have shown that platelet growth factors are released for up to seven days, supporting collagen production and increased vascularization, which results in overall skin improvements.
These injections have been used for years in sports medicine to help athletes heal faster from injury. The same concept is used here to help your face, neck, and decolletage appear more youthful!
Some patients may require multiple sessions to obtain the desired outcomes due to the natural variation of the quality of PRP. Please note that 3 treatments are recommended for rejuvenation and four to six treatments for PRP/PRFM are used for hair regrowth and this process requires yearly retreatment.
You should not have PRP or PRFM treatments if you have any of the following conditions:
• An impaired immune system due to immunosuppressive diseases, HIV, HTV, or immunosuppressive medications
• Skin conditions and diseases
• Steroid therapy, dermatological diseases affecting the face, communicable diseases, blood disorders, and platelet abnormalities, blood thinners (i.e. Warfarin)
• A history of acne medication over the past 6 months that could affect the skin, i.e. Accutane
• Pacemakers, a history of a severe heart disorder, arrhythmia
• Any active skin disease or disorder around the treatment site; acne, eczema, psoriasis
• A history of keloids or abnormal wound healing
• Any surgical procedure in the treatment area within 3 months
• Avoid chemical peels, waxing, electrolysis, laser treatments, or threading
• Discontinue blood thinning agents such as vitamin E, vitamin A, Ginko, Garlic, Flax, Cod Liver Oil, and Essential Fatty Acids, and multivitamins, a minimum of 7 days (preferably 14 days) prior to treatment.
• If you are taking any blood thinners, please let your provider know immediately, as they may represent a contraindication to this treatment. These medications include Plavix, Coumadin, and Heparin.
• Avoid Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Voltaren, and any other anti-inflammatory medications. We want inflammation to occur – as this is one mechanism by which blood boosters work.
• You may use Tylenol (acetaminophen) as needed prior to the treatment.
• Prescription medications should be taken as prescribed up to and including the day of and the day after your treatments.
• Avoid excessive sun or heat exposure.
• Avoid topical products such as Tretinoin (Retin-A), Retinols, Retinoids, Glycolic Acid, Alpha Hydroxy Acid, Salicylic Acid, or other “anti-aging”, “acne”, and “bleaching” products. Also AVOID waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or the use of hair removal cream on the area to be treated.
• Avoid excessive sun exposure and wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen daily of SPF 50 or higher.
• Do not wear makeup. No lotions, makeup, or other topical products should be applied on the day of the procedure.
• Please drink plenty of water prior to your treatment to get a great blood draw.
• A topical anesthetic cream may be applied prior to your procedure.
• Its normal to have swelling and soreness at the site of treatment.
• Swelling can last 24-72 hrs. Avoid alcohol and salty foods in order to facilitate a quicker recovery
• Asymmetries are normal while healing
• Bruising at the site of injection is possible
• Cool compress may be applied for up to 24 hrs for comfort
• Avoid heat, saunas, hot tubs
• Avoid strenuous activity while swollen
• Drink plenty of water and eat a variety of healthy foods to facilitate healing
• Make sure to get scheduled for a series of 3 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart for best results