How long does the PRP effect last for?

Plasma rich platelets takes about 3 days on an average to start showing visible results. Micro injury induced by the needle to heal and for the swelling of the face to reduce also takes about the same time. The optimum skin changes can be seen 3 to 4 weeks after the first treatment. The effect of PRP lasts for 18 months to upto 2 years. The results for PRP are more gradual and can be seen improving over time with a more natural look as compared to Botox treatment which is more immediate but less natural appearing.

Does the PRP treatment have no side effects?

Plasma rich platelet treatment is a treatment which is done by using one’s own blood which is centrifuged to obtain the plasma and platelets without any involvement of foreign bodies. Hence, this form of treatment has a very minimal to none side effects. There should be zero allergic reactions and the side effects would be just a swelling or redness of the skin just for the first few days. There might be slight peeling and itching of the skin in some cases but good skin moisturisation and antihistamine pills should be adequate to solve these issues.

Which other treatments can PRP be combined with for better results?

PRP treatments can be combined with other treatments to obtain a better outcome. Plasma rich platelets are used concurrently with laser treatments, Botox injections, chemical peels, wrinkle fillers, and even microdermabrasion. But these treatments have to be chosen based on the patient’s skin issue and whether it is suitable for the individual. No cross reactions or adverse effects have been seen when these treatments were used together with plasma rich platelet treatment. It is shown that the results for lasers are much superior when combined with PRP as compared to done alone.

What are the precautions to be taken?

PRP is done using a microneedling technique to inject the plasma into the skin. Precautions taken include local numbing cream applied prior to the procedure to reduce patient discomfort. After the procedure, icing of the face is done to reduce the redness, and swelling and also to soothe sensitive skin. Moisturizing the skin is also essential after the procedure to prevent itching and drying of the skin as this helps hasten the recovery process.

What are the other areas that can be treated using PRP?

Plasma rich platelets treatment have been used for other conditions prior to the face treatment since the early 1900s. It is used most commonly in sports medicine and orthopedics and then it was adapted by dermatology. Currently, it is used in aesthetic practices in Kuala lumpur, Malaysia. The uses of PRP other than for aesthetics are :

• Hair loss : PRP has been used to treat male pattern balding.
• Osteoarthritis : PRP is injected in to the joints and it is apparently more effective than hyaluronic acid.
• Postsurgical repair : PRP has been injected into the system to treat torn tendons or ligaments after surgical repair to hasten the recovery process.
• Acute injuries: in cases of pulled hamstrings or knee sprain, PRP is given to treat the injury.
• Tendon injury : conditions like tennis elbow, achilles tendonitis or even jumper’s knee can be treated using PRP.

These are few of the many conditions which can be treated by PRP.

Is the procedure painful?

Plasma rich platelets treatment is done using microneedling technique. It is supposed to be uncomfortable but prior to the procedure numbing cream is applied all over the face to reduce the pain and discomfort. After the procedure, you will feel a bit of soreness of the face but that is assured to reduce within few days post procedure.

Am I a good candidate for PRP?

Plasma rich platelet treatment can be done for most people except in certain cases such as pregnancy, anemia, bleeding or clotting disorders. People undergoing anti-coagulation therapy who cannot suspend the treatment temporarily should not undergo this procedure. In cases like an active infection, skin disease or even a metastatic disease, this procedure is contraindicated.

How long is the treatment?

Each session of the PRP takes approximately 30 to 40 minutes, majority of which is spent drawing the blood and centrifuging it. A person on average requires up to 3 sessions for the best outcome.

What is the recovery time after the treatment?

After the procedure is done it takes approximately 3 days for the redness and swelling to reduce. For results to be seen it takes about 3 weeks as the new collagen cells need to be synthesized and multiply.

How many treatments are required to achieve the results?

On an average a person who is undergoing this treatment for wrinkle removal requires 3 to 4 sessions at least 2 months apart for the effects to be optimal and long lasting and to allow the skin to regenerate and heal in the interval. This also depends on the degree of skin rectification required and the type of skin the patient has. Older patients would require more sessions as the skin requires more collagen and the recovery period is slower as compared to younger patients.