PRP facials are most likely the newest, hottest anti-aging facial treatment on the market. Also known as a vampire facial, a PRP treatment uses the power of your own blood to get you looking young again. Plasma facial benefits include improving skin tone, reducing acne scars, reducing sun damage, and regenerating new skin growth. Although the evidence is still out on whether PRP really does have any long-term benefits of facial rejuvenation, many people are still fans of the treatment.1
The stem cells in our blood are called platelets and while they are not new, we are just now learning of the amazing things these platelets can do for our skin. Cosmetic procedures using PRP can range from simple facial treatments to more complex procedures such as laser resurfacing and microdermabrasion.2
Related: 19 Benefits Of Getting Regular Facial Treatment
A doctor will draw your blood and spin it down in a centrifuge to separate out the plasma. She will then apply this plasma to your face using a microneedling technique that creates microholes just deep enough to allow the plasma to sink into your skin. Growth factors in the plasma then force new collagen and elastin to form.3
PRP injections can be used to treat the effects of aging, scars, acne, and stretch marks. Conditions that can be treated by PRP injections include4:
- Wrinkles
- Age Spots
- Enlarged Pores
- Fine Lines and Deep Creases
- Acne Scars and Other Scar Tissue
- Sun Damage
- Stretch Marks and Lipodystrophy
PRP therapy has the potential to treat any of these conditions because it uses your own stem cells. The healing process may take longer than with some other anti-aging treatments, but the results are more natural and long-lasting.5
The results of a PRP facial can be seen in just one treatment or they can last up to six months. Results are cumulative, so the more treatments you have the better your results will be. Platelet rich plasma facial benefits vary from patient to patient and it is not unusual for patients to wait three weeks or longer between treatments.6
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Side effects of a PRP facial treatment are minimal and include mild swelling, redness, bruising, itching, and discomfort. Allergic reactions or hair loss are not expected. The procedure should be avoided by anyone who is pregnant or has a blood-clotting disorder. In addition, if you are taking certain medications you should tell your doctor before undergoing PRP therapy.7
Platelet Rich Plasma Facial Benefits
1. Skin rejuvenation
Elastin production is greatly reduced as we age, leading to more lines and sagging skin. PRP treatments stimulate elastin production in the dermis, leading to smoother-looking skin that is better able to snap back into place after being pinched or pulled. A youthful appearance is achieved through the natural stimulation of collagen production, leading to fuller lips and firmer skin. Getting an injection or applying PRP gel yourself can be done fairly quickly at home.
2. Reduces Acne Scarring
The healing process for healthy skin takes time and can make it difficult for new scar tissue to form. Platelets can speed up this process, enabling new skin cells to regenerate and replace the damaged ones. As such, many people who suffer from acne scars find that PRP facial treatments help heal existing scars and prevent new ones from forming.
3. Can Help with Pigmentation Issues
UV rays and sun exposure break down collagen in the skin, leading to wrinkles. Skin discoloration is another form of sun damage, occurring when cells in the skin are broken or lose their ability to reproduce properly. Plasma facial benefits can help restore pigmentation damage by forcing new cells to grow.
4. Treats Fine Lines and Deep Creases
As we age, cells in the dermis die and are broken down by enzymes. This leads to lines appearing around the mouth, eyes, forehead, and neck. PRP injections can stimulate new cell growth in these areas so that more collagen is produced. The presence of more collagen smooths out fine lines and deep creases, giving the face a smoother appearance. Reducing the appearance of fine lines and deep creases is often one of the first changes noticed by aging adults.
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5. Reduces dark circles under eyes
As we age, the skin around the eyes becomes thinner and more fragile. The blood vessels underneath the skin become visible through this thinness, leading to dark circles under the eyes. Plasma facial benefits can help rejuvenate eye tissue by promoting collagen growth and strengthening capillaries in the area of concern. Red blood cells are also stimulated in this process, leading to more oxygen in the area. This helps restore hydration and moisture levels in the eyes, even out skin tone, and diminish dark circles.
6. Treats stretch marks
The best way to treat stretch marks is by preventing them altogether. A PRP facial can do just that by stimulating collagen production in the dermis. Collagen is a protein that helps skin retain its elasticity, keeping it smooth and tight. While collagen injections are popular these days, they can be expensive. Plasma facial benefits are a much more affordable way to boost collagen levels.
7. Treats sun-damaged skin
Collagen production slows down as we age, leading to more lines and wrinkles. Single skin cells can be damaged by the sun’s UV rays or environmental pollutants, which leads to oxidation and pigmentation problems. A PRP facial stimulates collagen and elastin production, thus restoring a youthful appearance to sun-damaged skin.
8. Improved skin texture
As the outer layer of cells breaks down, fine lines and wrinkles appear. Collagen production slows down as well, leading to more visible pores. Plasma facial benefits can boost collagen production in the dermis so that dead skin cells are removed faster and new ones replace them at a faster rate. The improved texture of the skin is due to this natural exfoliation process.
9. Brighter Skin
Sun damage leads to discoloration, while dead skin cells are less able to reflect light. Plasma facial benefits can help reverse these signs of aging by rejuvenating skin tissue and restoring moisture levels to the skin. This results in more radiance and brightness, making it appear healthier.
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10. Reduced pore size
Pores can get clogged with dead skin cells, causing them to look larger than normal. A PRP facial works at the cellular level by helping skin cells regenerate and grow more quickly. This results in healthier and more refined pores that also look smaller due to reduced obstruction and damage.
11. Improved Skin Color
UV rays can stimulate the skin to produce more melanin, which leads to darker skin tone. Plasma facial benefits can naturally reverse this process by enriching cells in the dermis with more blood and oxygen, allowing them to function at a higher level. This results in a brighter and healthier-looking complexion overall.
12. Treatment for Acne
Acne is a result of clogged pores and bacteria buildup. A PRP facial works by stimulating collagen production in the dermis to help give the skin a tighter appearance, thus reducing clogged pores and preventing future breakouts. It also treats existing acne by reducing inflammation and killing bacteria. In combination with other acne treatments such as retinoids, a PRP facial can help improve acne symptoms and treat current breakouts.
13. Treatment for Rosacea
Rosacea is characterized by redness and broken capillaries on the face. As we age, our skin loses its natural protective barrier. This causes our skin to become dryer and more fragile, leading to fine lines and wrinkles, loss of elasticity, pigmentation issues, and other age-related skin problems. A PRP facial stimulates collagen production in the dermis to protect against damaged caused by environmental pollutants or UV rays. It also treats redness associated with rosacea by increasing blood flow to the skin’s surface for anti-inflammatory effects.
This non-surgical procedure is performed in-office and doesn’t take much time. Medical professionals are trained to perform these facials with the utmost safety, so you don’t have to worry about side effects. Ideal candidates are those who are looking for quick treatment to improve their complexion or help prevent future signs of aging.
The recovery time is short, and results can be seen within two to three weeks. In some cases, the improvement is permanent as your body’s collagen production is stimulated to rejuvenate skin cells. Most often, a series of PRP facials is recommended to maintain optimal results.
For best results, a PRP facial should be performed in combination with topical treatments and other procedures such as lasers to achieve optimal results. Platelet-rich plasma therapy has many benefits on top of anti-aging procedures, including natural skin care and general wellness. Since the procedure is minimally invasive and simple to perform, it is available for patients of all skin types and ages.
For a youthful look and an improved production of collagen a vampire facelift microneedling treatment facial is a great option. Hyaluronic acid fillers are also effective for treating the signs of aging and provide amazing results. Non-invasive treatments are always the best option because aging should never be taken too seriously. A PRP facial is a great way to rejuvenate skin while also boosting your body’s ability to heal itself naturally. Women around the world are already seeing the benefits, so why not give it a try today?