An article by Dermatologist and Venereologist, Dr Maria Kassini
What is PRP therapy?
PRP therapy (Platelet Rich Plasma) is one of the most revolutionary and modern methods in aesthetic medicine, which takes advantage of the therapeutic properties our blood has. Plasma is a component of our blood which after careful processing, it has proven to be enriched with platelets (blood cells), growth factors and stem cells, these blood substances can help prevent skin ageing of the body and face.
How does it work?
Anaesthetic cream is used in the targeted area in order to take a blood sample. The blood sample is then sealed in a container and placed in a centrifuge. This procedure helps to separate the plasma and other blood components, one of which is the platelets. After that, the therapy can be done with an injection or using a microneedling device. In some cases, both methods can be combined. This therapy does not cause any pain and lasts for about 60 minutes. It takes place in a surgery room and the patient can return immediately back to his/her daily tasks.
What to expect from this procedure?
PRP stimulates the natural healing purposes of the skin cells such as fibroblasts and stimulates collagen and elastin production. Because of this, cell rejuvenation occurs which leads to skin improvement and oxygenation. The result is the overall improvement of texture and tone of the skin. It effectively smoothes wrinkles and pores, discolouration of the skin is reduced and scars are diminished. When PRP is applied on the hair scalp, healing of the hair follicles is accelerated to help hair growth.
Where can PRP be injected into the body?
It can be injected into the face, body and hair scalp. It is important to note that this method stimulates natural healing mechanisms of the human body that no equivalent therapy can achieve. In addition, it has long-lasting results which have been proven by several scientific studies.
How many PRP sessions are needed?
Results take between 10-15 days to appear after the therapy and the whole result is seen only within a few weeks later. A series of sessions may be needed depending on the case. For better and long-lasting results, it is essential to repeat the treatment once a year.
PRP treatment applied in Dermatology:
- Anti-ageing, skin regeneration and rejuvenation
- Scar and discolouration therapy
- Therapy for stretch marks/striated skin markings
- Hair loss