Friday, February 11, 2011

PRP Facial Rejuvenation.....

How about using your own blood to rejuvenate your face? I get a lot of reaction when I ask this question. "Blood - ewww... scary" Some would say. "Is it safe?", and most would ask me "Why blood?"

Its really a simple procedure you can do in my clinic. Using a special kit from Regen-Lab (biotechnology Swiss company) called Regen-ACR, I can provide a facial rejuvenation using your own blood (the plasma platelet component that is) to improve texture, and act as a collagen stimulator.

Platelets have been known to have many functions and is now being considered as a regenerative treatment due to its functions and properties such as:
  • Tissue regeneration and rejuvenation
  • Increase collagen production
  • Recruitment of other cells to the site of injury
  • Initiation of vascular in – growth
  • Induction of cell differentiation
  • Allo-allergenic since it comes from your own body thus eliminating risk of donor transmissible infections.
  • Acts as a biological Glue: for tissue adhesion especially in skin flaps, bone grafts and trauma.

How is it done?

It is a very quick and easy procedure. 1st of all, I would withdraw some blood - approximately 8-10cc and put it into a sterile Regen-Lab PRP tube. The blood is then centrifuged for 8-10 minutes. Once the process is complete, there will be a good definition between red blood cells and the plasma component of the blood. The plasma component is then withdrawn carefully into a syringe and the PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is then used on the face using either Nappage technique, dermaroller or as a filler at nasolabial area and other wrinkle sites.

PRP has been used in many otehr medical fields such as orthopedics, stomatology and reconstructive surgery for the opast 10 years. In medical aesthetics, it was first introduced in Europe since 2003 and has been used for improvement of:

  • Cheeks
  • Nasolabial folds
  • Eye areas - crow feet, eyelids
  • Lips, chin and forehead
  • Neck and nape of neck folds
  • Cleavage
  • Hands
  • Improving acne scars
  • Male type alopecia
It has shown to give the skin youth and vitality, improve density and tension of skin, nourishes and regenerates the skin and improves the structure and colour of the skin.

How long does it last?
Based on the literature surrounding the usage of PRP, it recommends for patients 30-45 a one time treatment and for >45 years old 2X treatments in a year. This is for facial rejuvenation. Immediately after you normally feel a tightness which is due to the techniques used which lasts a week or 2, but the rejuvenation process of diminishing fine lines and collagen stimulation would take 3 weeks or more to occur. Most patients would agree that there is immediate tightening and hydration of the face, with a healthy glow which lasts up to 2 weeks or more. However, if you are treating alopecia (balding) or acne scars, you may need monthly treatments and results will only be obvious after a few months.

Contraindications:

Despite this cool new technology, not anyone can have this procedure done. It is contraindicated for patients with:
  • Skin disease (SLE, porphyria, allergies),
  • Cancer,
  • Chemotherapy,
  • Severe metabolic and systemic disorders,
  • Abnormal platelet function (i.e. blood disorders).
  • Anti-coagulation therapy
  • Underlying sepsis
Also, smoking, alcohol or drug abuse and unhealthy lifestyles would contribute to minimal outcome of treatment. Otherwise, you should normally get a satisfiable result immediately and months to come.




Interested to try? Call or email us now for an appointment : 03-21440080 / info@faceworksclinic.com