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

Mother's Day Promotion....

     Last week we had a nice event in Faceworks Clinic for Mother's Day. Although it was a week earlier, but the thought that counts and we had a good turn up of guests. You can see pictures on our Facebook Faceworks Clinic Page - http://www.facebook.com/FaceworksClinic (Do like our page if you could :) ). It was a wonderful event. I gave a talk on medical aesthetics and what we can do with the current technology and medical advancement that we have. Mr Terry from Dermaqueen gave an interesting overview about our latest service called Dermaqueen, and Mrs Nazli gave a nice talk and short demo on Nutrilite organic nutrition as an important supplement to keep healthy. Then we had the nice delicious home cooked variety buffet. I personally made the marinara and buffalo wings. Whilst we had Kak Nora prepare some traditional lontong. Kak Nora is excellent with traditional menus and she even had some of the AFC chefs come down to learn her recipes. (Yes, if you want to try her cooking or learn you can ask me how to contact her). Bite Size kitchen prepared the colourful and beautiful muffins. (Thank you Ayu) and Mrs Haze prepared the delightful Tiramisu. (Yes, she also takes orders for her cakes). Dessert was delightful with Mr Belo's puddings that was delivered by Mr Belo himself - Neatly placed puddings for any occasion. As usual, Faceworks Clinic Events have the most wonderful palatable tastes, so it is definitely an event worth going to.

     After most of the guest indulged the food, we had a lip filler demo with Juvederm Ultra XC - the new range of hyaluronic acid filler with lidocaine to reduce pain, bruising and swelling. Our model was very brave, as she did not request for any nerve block, just some numbing cream, but with the new XC, you do not really need any nerve blocks since pain is reduced up to 70% compared to the previous fillers without lidocaine. And the best part is that it is already infused in the gel so that the filler does not get diluted and hence the efficacy of the filler remains the same. So say bye bye to painful lip fillers, because that is the thing of the past.

     I also demonstrated Obagi Blue Radiance Peel which gives instant radiance and evening of skin tone even after 1 application. We applied a complete 4 layers on the Model (a different one) and he was able to tolerate the pain (scored around 6 and improving to 0 over 5 minutes). We then left it on for 15 minutes, and applied a soothing mask afterwards for another 15 minutes to reduce any redness. Instantly after the procedure he looked more refreshed (well, who wouldn't after a nice 15 mins of lying with a mask and lavender pillows on the eyes in a dim room). I called him a few days later and he said he was okay, with minimal skin peeling but looking a lot more refreshed, with even skin tone and less oily compared to before. Yes, the Obagi blue peel radiance although is very good, does have a social down time of around 3-5 days, so I would normally tell my patient to do it on a social clear calender. It only takes 20 minutes to do anyway, so you can run in during lunch time. You only start peeling during day 2 onwards.

     The last demo was the highlight of the day, i.e. the Dermaqueen Demo. I had one of my friends as Demo i.e. Mr Ed (The Nutrilite guy). We numbed his face for 30 minutes and did the treatment on his face. There was a slight tingling sensation, with a pain score of maximum 2 - merely negligible. You can see pictures of him on our Faceworks Clinic Facebook Page. Immediately after the procedure, he felt his skin feel so hydrated and lifted. I met him yesterday and today and he looked fairer with better skin tone and he still feels the hydrating effect. He also noticed that his pores appeared smaller and because his skin is tighter, he looks better. Not bad for a guy who just went through a swimming marathon. (Which was why he got so tanned in the first place). For those interested to try this treatment out, we are giving a 1st trial special price of RM 1080/=. (Normal price RM 1800/++ session). 

Overall, the event was a definite success. A lot of my guests were impressed by the instant results from the demos, and of course the wonderful food. We had fun, and I hope my guests had fun too. Thank you so much to all my suppliers who helped sponsor goodies for my guests, and thank you to all my guests who came till the final hour. Thank you also to all my food providers for the wonderful food. Can't wait for the next event.

Well, for those who missed it, these are the promotions that we launched that day.

For more information please call us at 03-21440080 or email us at info@faceworksclinic.com