Platelet-Rich Plasma – which you might know as PRP – has become a widespread and increasingly popular treatment in aesthetic medicine thanks to its versatility and regenerative powers. It is the process of using a concentration of platelets derived from the patient’s own blood to stimulate cell growth, tissue repair, and collagen production – making it an effective treatment for skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, and scar treatment.
In this article, we explore all things PRP therapy in aesthetics – from preparation and execution to post-treatment care. We’ll dig deeper into the science behind PRP, detailed procedural steps, expected outcomes, potential side effects, and best practices for aftercare (to name a few!) to ensure that you’re up to date and well-informed on this innovative and transformative treatment. Welcome to the ultimate PRP injections guide, keep reading to learn more about the many benefits of PRP in aesthetics…
Understanding PRP and Its Benefits
The simple definition of PRP or Platelet-Rich Plasma is as its name itself suggests – it refers to the concentration of platelets from the patient’s own blood. Platelets are a component of blood that play a key role in healing and tissue regeneration. Here’s how the process of obtaining Platelets works:
- Blood collection: A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient (typically 15-60ml) using a sterile syringe.
- Centrifugation: The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge where it is spun at high speed (typically 3000 RPM for about 10 minutes) to separate the blood into its different components; red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma.
- Platelet concentration: Platelets are isolated from the plasma and other blood components using a sterile pipette or syringe – to create a high concentrated layer of platelets.
- Injection: The concentrated platelets are then injected back into the patient’s body at the site of injury or intended treatment area.
PRP promotes tissue healing and regeneration thanks to a variety of factors. One of them being that platelets contain growth factors that stimulate cell proliferation, tissue repair, and the formation of new blood vessels – helping to heal and rejuvenate damaged or old cells. PRP also enhances collagen production, which is, as you probably are already aware, essential for skin elasticity and strength. Finally, PRP has anti-inflammatory properties which help reduce inflammation, provide pain relief and accelerate the healing process. As a general principle, Platelet-Rich Plasma treatment leverages the body’s natural healing processes – making it an effective treatment for various conditions, including joint injuries, skin rejuvenation, and hair loss.
Indications for PRP in Aesthetic Medicine
There are a variety of aesthetic PRP applications, including hair loss treatment, improvement of skin texture and tone, and PRP for skin rejuvenation. As mentioned above, PRP can enhance collagen production – resulting in firmer and more youthful skin – and, when combined with microneedling, is effective in reducing fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scars.
It is also used to counterbalance hair loss, as PRP stimulates hair follicles to promote hair growth and density. PRP injections can be used alongside hair transplant procedures to enhance follicle viability and accelerate healing.
Additionally, PRP improves skin texture and tone by enhancing cell regeneration and circulation. It can be used in conjunction with laser treatments to enhance overall skin tone and reduce pigmentation issues – resulting in a more radiant and even complexion.
Preparing for PRP Injections
With PRP injection techniques, there are some clear PRP treatment protocols to follow when it comes to the environment and type of equipment used. It’s crucial to have proper disposal containers for biohazardous materials, as well as a clean and sterile clinical setting to minimise the risk of infection. It perhaps goes without saying, but only trained personnel should be charged with handling and disposing of blood products. The highest levels of technique and precision is key for optimal results and to ensure PRP patient care and safety.
The key equipment that’s needed when managing PRP treatment are the following:
- Sterile syringes and needles
- Centrifuge machine
- Sterile pipettes
- PRP kits
- Anticoagulant i.e. sodium citrate (to prevent blood clotting during processing.)
When it comes to PRP injections, there are three primary focuses, which are:
- Scalp Injections:
- Technique: Use small, fine needles to inject PRP into the scalp at the level of the hair follicles.
- Precision: Ensure even distribution across the treatment area for consistent results.
- Face Injections:
- Technique: PRP is injected into areas of the face such as under the eyes, cheeks, and nasolabial folds. This helps in skin rejuvenation and reducing wrinkles.
- Precision: Use a fine needle or microneedling technique to ensure minimal discomfort and precise delivery to the targeted areas.
- Neck Injections:
- Technique: Similar to facial injections, PRP is injected into the skin of the neck to promote collagen production and improve skin texture.
- Precision: Administer small, precise injections to avoid complications and achieve a natural look.
Accurate injection techniques are crucial to ensure that the PRP reaches the desired tissues and achieves optimal results. As with any aesthetic treatment, patient safety is paramount. Any practitioner should practise proper handling and injection techniques to reduce the risk of infection, bruising, and other complications. And finally, consistency is key! Follow standardised techniques to ensure consistent results across different treatment sessions and patients.
Managing Patient Expectations and Outcomes
As with any aesthetic treatment it is crucial to manage patient expectations of what the results and timeline are likely to be, as well as any possible risks and outcomes. Before even commencing with the treatment, it’s therefore important to let your patient know that Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy results may vary – for some they may see improvements within weeks, whilst for others it may take several months. These improvements might include reduced inflammation and gradual healing, with more significant results occurring over time.
Patients should be made aware that the effects of PRP can last several months to over a year, but this duration depends on a variety of factors such as the patient’s unique physical conditions and lifestyle factors. As a practitioner, you can advise on maintenance treatments to prolong benefits and achieve optimal outcomes. Typically, 3-4 sessions spaced a few weeks apart are recommended for the best results, but, depending on the patient’s unique facial composition and skin texture, the exact number can vary based on their individual needs and response to treatment.
It’s important to advise any new or existing patients of the aftercare required after each treatment, no matter how many times they have undergone the procedure! Remind them to rest the treated area, avoid strenuous activities for at least 48 hours, avoid NSAIDs (e.g., ibuprofen, aspirin) for at least a week, and apply ice if there is swelling or discomfort. The usual aftercare tips such as staying hydrated and avoiding alcohol and smoking also apply.
As with any aesthetic treatment it is also important to monitor the progress of the treatment, looking for signs of pain and swelling, infection, or any adverse or allergic reaction. Through periodic assessments and booster injections, patients can avoid the risk of leaving a bad reaction untreated, whilst also maintaining and perpetuating the results of PRP injections.
In the unfortunate event that there are complications, such as infection or swelling, it’s important to act swiftly and consult a physician, as well as inform the practitioner who administered the injection.
Continuing Education and Training
Ongoing education and training in Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) techniques are crucial for practitioners to stay updated with the latest advancements and ensure the highest standards of practice. The field of PRP is rapidly evolving, with new research and technologies continuously emerging – which is why it is so crucial for any practitioner to remain up-to-date on these developments in order to stay ahead of the curve and maintain a competitive edge. Not only does continuous education help in adhering to regulatory standards and ethical practices, but it also helps to ensure the utmost patient safety and enhance the overall credibility of your practice.
FAQs
What is PRP?
In short, PRP is when a concentration of platelets from your own blood is used as a treatment to promote healing.
How is PRP prepared?
Blood is drawn, spun in a centrifuge to separate components, and platelet-rich plasma is extracted and injected.
What conditions can PRP treat?
PRP can treat tendinitis, arthritis, ligament injuries, skin and tissue healing, and hair loss.
How is the PRP injection performed?
PRP is injected directly into the injured area under ultrasound guidance.
What are the side effects?
Mild pain, swelling, and bruising at the injection site.
How long is the recovery?
Minimal downtime, with gradual improvement over weeks to months.
Is PRP safe?
Yes, since it uses your own blood, it reduces the risk of allergic reactions.
Now is the time to reap the benefits of PRP training – through research, workshops, and conferences you can learn how to administer and incorporate PRP injections into your practice and enhance your overall offering.
Final thoughts…
PRP therapy is becoming increasingly more in-demand, making it an instrumental treatment to integrate into your practice. PRP injections hold so much potential within aesthetic medicine – providing bountiful benefits and healing to the skin, joints, and tissue, as well as helping reverse the process of hair loss. Not only will incorporating PRP therapy into your offering bring in new potential patients, it will also enhance patient satisfaction and retention, helping to boost your practice and its credibility.
