Our Ultimate Guide to PRP Treatments
Using the power of Platelet Rich Plasma.Estimated Read Time: 4 minutes 38 seconds – Published 01/07/2021
PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma has been used for years in sports medicine and wound healing but has become increasingly popular in treating skin conditions and used for aesthetic reasons. Kim and Kourtney Kardashian, and other celebrities created a culture of excitement around the fantastic “vampire facial” and PRP for hair loss. PRP treatments go beyond the scope of these two treatments, and the principle of PRP can help tackle many biological and aesthetic concerns our clients have. PRP can improve skin texture, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and target a range of male sexual issues.
WHAT ARE PRP INJECTIONS?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an injectable treatment where the patient’s own blood is used to promote collagen production and regenerates the skin tissue and, therefore, can improve various concerns. Platelets found in Plasma are vital to the process of tissue healing and growth of new cells, and PRP treatments use this to accelerate the skin’s repair process, resulting in softer fine lines and wrinkles, less scarring and improved skin texture and tone.
The process begins by your trained doctor drawing some of your blood and then spinning it in a special centrifuge to separate the components. The Plasma rises to the top, and the lower part of the Plasma is the PRP. Platelets are generally about five times more concentrated in PRP than in regular blood. Whilst this is happening, topical numbing cream is applied to the injection sites to help minimise any discomfort. The Platelet Rich Plasma is then injected into the areas or micro-needled back into the skin depending on the treatment.
PRP injections can be used for various concerns and are often combined with micro-needling treatments or hyaluronic acid fillers for even better results.
PRP AND MICRO-NEEDLING
Commonly named the ‘Vampire Facial’, PRP and microneedling can be combined to give your face further stimulation of collagen production, reducing fine lines and accelerating wound healing. After the Microneedling pen creates thousands of micro-injuries every minute, the PRP is spread on top. Those with premature wrinkles, high levels of sun damage or those simply seeking a more even-toned, fresh complexion can benefit from the vampire facial. This procedure takes up to an hour to perform with minimal downtime. 2-3 days is suggested to allow any redness and swelling to heal.
PRP FOR THE FACE, NECK, DECOLLETAGE AND HANDS
PRP injections can help to reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, acne scarring and improve the skin tone and texture, which are common concerns in the face, neck and decolletage areas. PRP injections can be used anywhere on the face; however, they’re commonly used for the nasolabial folds, under-eye area and marionette lines. The neck area often shows signs of ageing, and these can be combated with PRP injections to improve creases on the neck, create less drooping, and decrease pigmentation. Hand PRP treatments can help with not only aesthetic concerns but also pain. Wrinkling, age or liver spots, loss of volume in the hands, arthritis, injuries and carpal tunnel syndrome can all be improved with PRP injections and full results can be seen within 3-4 weeks.
PRP FOR THE UNDER-EYE AREA
Dark circles or sagging in the tear trough area can often be a concern, making patients look older and more tired than they feel. PRP injections in this area can help regain lost elasticity and volume under the eyes by repairing the weakened collagen and elastin in the skin. They can also help clear any puffiness due to excess fluid retention in the under-eye area. A follow-up treatment may be needed 6 to 12 months post-treatment depending on the patient, and full results can be seen within a month.
PRP FOR HAIR LOSS
PRP injections are commonly used to promote hair growth on the scalp and hairline and can be used by anyone who suffers from pattern baldness or thinning hair. It can also be used for patients who want to thicken existing hair and encourage new hair growth. PRP is injected multiple times under the scalp to stimulate hair production and improvement to the treated area and a reduction in the amount of hair loss can be seen within three months. Within six months of treatment, the hair will start to look and feel thicker.
PRP SHOT for Sexual Health Treatment
The PRP Shot for Sexual Health (Priapus Shot) is a non-surgical procedure using PRP injections that can help with a range of male sexual issues such as: erectile dysfunction, Peyronie’s disease, impotence, increasing girth and length and it can often lead to improved sex life. The PRP Shot involves injecting PRP into the Corpus Cavernosum (the area of the penis responsible for erections), which stimulates tissue growth and rejuvenating cells. Although this procedure may sound painful, numbing cream or injections are used to ease any discomfort and it only takes 45-60 minutes. Full recovery and normal activities can resume 3 days post treatment. Some patients may experience immediate results; however, it can take 3-4 weeks for full results, and they typically last 12 months.
Choosing an experienced doctor for this treatment is vital and Dr. Matla is a GP with a special interest in Men’s health. He is part of The British Society for Sexual Medicine (BSSM) with vast experience in Sexual Health and is fully qualified to administer Priapus Shot (P-Shot).
PRP TREATMENT FAQS
How long do PRP treatments take?
Almost all PRP treatments take up to 1 hour.
An additional 30 minutes for the blood to be drawn and spun and topical numbing is needed.
Do PRP injections hurt?
As needles are used for PRP treatments, mild discomfort or pain can be expected, often being described as a stinging or burning sensation. However, topical numbing agents and ice can be applied to help with any discomfort.
How long do the results last?
Results vary depending on the patient’s individual PRP quality, lifestyle and chosen treatment, but results can often last years after the procedure.
Is there any downtime needed?
PRP injections are a great treatment option as little downtime is needed. PRP treatments combined with microneedling might take slightly longer to heal and we recommend 3 days recovery time for the PRP Shot treatment.
How many treatments will I need?
Results can often be seen after 1 treatment. Generally, 2-3 treatments are advised however, this may vary patient to patient.
Am I suited for this treatment?
Patients with certain health conditions, a history of blood diseases including clotting or bleeding disorders, and pregnant women are not suitable for PRP injections. An assessment will take place in your free consultation to ensure you are eligible for this treatment before it goes ahead. Your safety is of utmost importance and having a consultation with a trained medical professional puts you in the safest hands.
Are there any side effects?
Redness, swelling and tenderness are all common side effects from PRP treatments but often clear after 24 hours. Using your own blood eliminates the risks of adverse effects which is another benefit to PRP injections.
What are the costs of PRP treatments?
Areas including face, neck, decolletage, hands and hair loss are £350 per session. However, we offer 3 sessions for £900, saving you £150.
PRP combined with Microneedling, such as the vampire facial is £500 per session.
The PRP Shot costs £1200 per session or £2500 for 3 sessions.
For PRP treatments, a consultation with a trained medical professional is vital in creating your bespoke treatment plan. With Dr Matla’s wealth of experience and ability to create a unique course of high-quality treatments for each patient, you’re only a consultation away from reaching your personal aesthetic goals.