Dr. Alessi Explains the Anti-Aging Benefits of PRP Treatments

Dr. Alessi Explains the Anti-Aging Benefits of PRP Treatments

What is PRP?

PRP or ‘Platelet Rich Plasma’ is used to enhance the shape of the face, restore volume, and minimizes wrinkles and scars. A simple in-office nonsurgical procedure which uses a concentrated serum processed from your own blood to stimulate your body’s natural collagen building process.

How does it work?

PRP utilizes your own natural platelets to encourage the body to create new collagen for tighter, smoother and better-toned skin. It can be utilized with or without fillers although filler will enhance the overall result. The platelet solutions can be introduced with individual injections or by using the Eclipse Micro Pen Elite, an automated micro-needling system or as a topical addition to laser resurfacing.

The PRP procedure can be performed in about 30 minutes in office. A small vial of blood will be taken from your arm. The blood is then placed in a vial and spun in a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells and plasma. The process concentrates the platelet count to about 4X normal. Platelet-rich plasma that is then activated and injected into the skin or applied topically in a surface regeneration action.

The addition of calcium chloride activates the plasma. The activated plasma serum mimics the body’s response to injury and facilitates healing platelets to rush in to create a rich fibrin mesh. This fibrin mesh in turn calls out to natural healing cells, releasing growth factors and stimulating the process of fibroblast production (the cells that create collagen) to energize the skin and heal.

PRP has been used for years to speed joint, tendon and tissue repair and is a popular treatment for professional athletes such as football players, golfers and basketball players.

What is the down time for PRP?

Bruising and swelling are normal for 2-3 days following the procedure.  Results will start to appear in a few weeks to a month and will last 2-3 months.

What results can I expect?

  • healthier skin appearance
  • thicker dermis (reducing wrinkles and scars)
  • improved overall tone
  • prolonged duration of fillers (Used with underlying fillers such as Juvderm, Restylane or Radiesse, the PRP serum prolongs and amplifies the filler correction with the need for less filler per treatment and a longer duration.)