PRP Updates - The Vampire Facial?

Recently, there is a lot of hype about Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) facial since our beloved Kim Kardashian decided to get hers done and post the video on Youtube. There were multitude of responses from complete horror to complete awe. And whilst the whole population was amazed to see the procedure, it is not really a new thing.

(Sourced from www.tagroom.com)

However, the in the medical world - more and more doctors are realising the potential benefits of PRP to treat their patients. As for myself,  PRP is like a lifeline to medical aesthetics alternatives of treatment to patients. We have multiple studies conducted on rejuvenation of the skin and most seem promising. My own patients have also shown great improvements in terms of texture, hydration, pigmentation and scars. The most rewarding was one patient with recalcitrant melasma who improved so much after a few treatments - despite previously tried with IPL, peels and Fraxel. We also had patients doing breast rejuvenation where most are satisfied with the tightening effect and skin rejuvenation effect of using PRP. In terms of volume, only time could tell, since the cases are pretty new. Most PRP facial patients are satisfied with the results and are looking forward for the next one.

So what is new to our Vampire Facial regime?

(sourced from ieeet.com)

After attending so many lectures, hands-on, friendly exchange of ideas with colleagues and literature study, nowadays I do my PRP facials differently than before. Prior to this, I only take 10cc of blood per session, but now I prefer to take between 60-120 mls of blood depending on area needed and indication. For face, usually 60cc of blood is suffice. The centrifuge process is also different where I start with a soft spin, extraction then a second faster spin. From the 6 bottles, I would usually obtain 12 cc of concentrated PRP - and roughly 12 cc of PPP. So what's the difference again?

The Platelet Rich Plasma is the layer between the red blood cells and the upper clearer serum part. The serum part is also called PPP (Platelet Poor Plasma). The platelet rich plasma is where all the growth factors and cytokines are available. The upper portion although has some platelets have minimal benefits, thus sometimes we just give it to the patient as a home mask. Some studies say the white cell are detrimental to healing but others say they have no role or helps with healing. The red cells play no significant role nor does it causes any reduction in effect. And thus, we have an autologous (coming from oneself) cells stimulator.

Luckily with Dermaqueen technique, PRP can be delivered evenly throughout the face without much downtime. Last weekend, I asked my nurse to help inject using the Dermaqueen vacuum assisted needle device onto my face with minimal anaesthesia. (I am still a baby when it comes to pain). There were only minimal needle marks at the thinner skin areas but there was still a remarkable difference. My face was brighter, and some of the pigmentation disappeared. Its been 2 days only and my skin still glows. The tear trough injected manually appear to still keep the volume injected which is good, thus making me look less tired. For a PRP facial, the best results would only be seen after 3-4 weeks although immediately after you would have a refreshed look and brightening of the skin. The best part is that we do observe continuous healing even up to 3 months after the initial procedure. Average results lasting period for a single treatment is between 6-9 months. However, most literature suggest a minimum of 3 sessions per year.

From my observation of doing my patients, I do have a few recommendations for patients planning to try this out. As PRP is from the patient, the patient him/herself has to be optimum to achieve the best results. You should keep yourself well-hydrated and well-nourished before going for a procedure. Smoking and drinking alcohol excessively seems to reduce the effectiveness of the treatment. You should be fit with no underlying infection going on as it will affect the outcome too. Patients with underlying blood or metabolic disease should consult the doctor thoroughly as some conditions are contraindicated for PRP. Use of health supplements that promote healing and cell growth may have some beneficial effects, although a proper study to compare the results is warranted to conclude. Vitamin C and other antioxidant supplementation may also benefit but is still subjected to further proper research.

Personally, I love this treatment as it offers a less aggressive treatment modality for skin rejuvenation as compared to energy devices. At the moment, we are studying the effects of PRP on stretch marks. Can't wait to report the finding.

For more information or to book an appointment with us contact the clinic at 03-21440080 / 014-2233268 or email to faceworksclinic@gmail.com

Want bigger breasts?

Yesterday I attended a very interesting session with Dr Yap in Prince Court Medical Center. It was a small group of women discussing about breast implants and breast augmentation. Dr Yap is a very experienced plastic surgeon who use to practice in UK, but decided to come back to Malaysia to be nearer to his family.

What was interesting in this session was it was attended by all ages of people ranging 30s to 60s of multiple races and nationality. It was more of an informal Q&A session after Hi-Tea sponsored by Allergen, which was the company that supplies high grade silicone implants.

The session started with Dr Yap showing the breast implant and the two common shapes i.e. round or tear drop. Then he called a volunteer from the audience to stand on one of the implants with all her weight (shoes off of course). The lady who stepped forward could be around 80kgs or more perhaps, and the best things was, the implant did NOT break. It feels natural and appears natural too. (We had a live model showing us her results).

Dr Yap then explained about the different types of implants in the world, and so far the best is still high grade silicone implants which if the implant is well-manufactured, and inserted properly without any damage to it, would well last a long time. The other popular implant in the market was the saline implant which he does not use anymore. It came about during the ban on silicone implants in the states in the 1970s. Although some would feel safer with saline implants, the fact is, the lining of the implant was still made of silicone. As for durability, it has a high leakage rate of up to 25% within a year of the procedure and subsequently more. Another problem was the sound of water with every movement which sometimes causes sea sickness in some women.

Other things asked during this session:

1. What size of implants are there?

Anything from 120ml to 600mls or even custom made for the individual.

2. What size should I put in?

Depends on the time done and the measurements taken based on the individual cavity.

3. Will I get cancer from it?

There is no risk for Cancer with silicone implants except for a small minority Dutch race that develops CA with silicone implants (i.e. 2% of the world population). They believe it to be a hereditary factor involved.

4. Will the implant break when I go on a plane.

No

5. Will the implant break if I fall on it?

If undefective - No.

6.How long after putting in my implants can the breasts be handled?

At least 1 month - 6 weeks. (Note to the men)

7.How often do I need to change them?

Up to the individual. Ideally, if you want to change size at least 1 year from original operation. Otherwise, it even lasts more than 20 years.

8. When I grow old and start sagging, will the breasts with implants sag too?

You would expect some degree depending on skin laxity.

9. How long should I wear the support garment?

At least 6 weeks.

10. How long does the scar take to heal? 

Usually the outer part about 6 weeks, but for complete scar maturity about 1 year.

Interested to know more - You can contact my Consultant Sister Kay at sisterkay@meditourmalaysia.com .

Disclaimer: I don't do surgical breast implants.