PRP: A Guide to Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy for Skin and Hair
12th September 2024
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is one of the most innovative treatments in modern aesthetic medicine, harnessing the body’s natural healing processes to rejuvenate the skin, treat various conditions, and address hair loss.
As more clinics offer this treatment and it’s becoming increasingly popular, it’s important that you always perform your own research and speak to a qualified practitioner before deciding whether the treatment is right for you.
In this article, we’ll explain what PRP is, its benefits, the areas of the face that can benefit from PRP, and how it can be used to treat hair loss.
What is PRP? Hint…It’s not all just about the famous Vampire Facial.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a treatment that uses a concentrated dose of platelets taken from your own blood. We use centrifuge to separate red cells and plasma. Plasma has platelets which have growth factors which help with hair and skin rejuvenation.
The first recorded use of PRP can be traced as far as the 1970s when hematologists began to study the role of platelets in blood clotting and wound healing. So it’s been around for a while!
How PRP Works
PRP works by stimulating the body’s natural repair processes. When injected into the skin or scalp, the platelets release growth factors that encourage cell turnover, collagen production, and tissue regeneration. This leads to healthier, more youthful skin or improved hair growth.
Benefits of PRP Therapy
PRP therapy has become popular for both cosmetic and medical applications due to its numerous benefits:
- Natural Healing: PRP uses your body’s own cells, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or infections.
- Collagen Stimulation: It encourages collagen production, essential for youthful, plump skin.
- Minimal Downtime: PRP procedures are minimally invasive, allowing for a quick return to normal activities.
- Versatility: PRP can be applied to various areas of the face and scalp, treating multiple concerns at once.
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves skin tone and texture
- Minimises acne scars and hyperpigmentation
- Speeds up recovery after treatments like microneedling or laser therapy
- Benefits for Hair Loss
- Encourages new hair growth
- Strengthens thinning hair
- Prevents further hair loss by improving hair follicle health
- Treats conditions such as androgenic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness)
PRP for the Face
Often referred to as the “vampire facial,” PRP uses the healing components of your blood to rejuvenate the skin. The following areas of the face can benefit from PRP treatment:
- Under the Eyes
The skin under the eyes is thin and prone to dark circles, puffiness, and fine lines. PRP helps reduce these issues by promoting collagen production and improving blood circulation. It is a good option for those wanting to minimise under-eye bags or tired-looking eyes.
- Cheeks
PRP can help restore volume to the cheeks by stimulating collagen, resulting in a fuller and more youthful appearance. It is commonly used alongside microneedling to further enhance skin texture and firmness.
- Forehead and Crow’s Feet
PRP is effective for treating fine lines and wrinkles on the forehead and around the eyes (commonly known as crow’s feet). The growth factors in PRP work to smooth out these lines by encouraging skin regeneration and increasing elasticity.
- Around the Mouth
Smile lines, or nasolabial folds, are common areas where wrinkles develop. PRP can help plump these areas, softening the appearance of fine lines and creating a refreshed, youthful look.
- Acne Scars
PRP is an excellent treatment for acne scars, as it accelerates the healing of scar tissue and promotes smoother, clearer skin. When combined with treatments like microneedling, PRP can significantly improve skin texture and reduce the visibility of scars.
PRP for Hair Loss
Hair loss affects millions of people and PRP therapy provides a non-invasive, effective treatment option. By stimulating the hair follicles and improving blood flow to the scalp, PRP encourages natural hair growth.
How PRP Treats Hair Loss
- Growth Factors: The platelets in PRP contain growth factors that stimulate new hair growth by triggering the body’s natural regenerative processes.
- Strengthens Existing Hair: In addition to stimulating new hair growth, PRP strengthens existing hair, making it thicker and healthier.
- Reactivates Dormant Hair Follicles: PRP is particularly useful for people suffering from androgenic alopecia, where hair follicles become dormant. The treatment reactivates these follicles, slowing hair thinning and promoting regrowth.
Who Can Benefit from PRP for Hair Loss?
- PRP therapy is especially beneficial for those in the early stages of hair thinning or those experiencing patchy hair loss. It is effective for both men and women, although individuals with more advanced hair loss may see less dramatic results and may need additional treatments, such as hair transplants.
PRP vs. Other Hair Loss Treatments
Unlike topical treatments or medications, PRP offers a natural solution with fewer side effects. It doesn’t involve harsh chemicals or surgical interventions, making it a preferred choice for those looking for a non-invasive approach.
PRP at R3 Aesthetics
At R3Aesthetics we suggest a course of 3-4 sessions depending on individual hair loss. All procedures are performed by qualified doctors, and you can rest assured that you will be in the right hands with us.
PRP therapy is a highly versatile and effective treatment for both skin rejuvenation and hair loss. By using the body’s natural healing properties, it offers a safe, minimally invasive solution for a wide range of cosmetic concerns. Whether you’re looking to reduce fine lines, improve skin texture, or address hair loss, PRP may be the ideal treatment for you.
It’s always important to consult with a qualified professional to determine whether PRP therapy is suitable for your individual needs, and to ensure that you understand the treatment process, any potential risks, and the necessary post-procedure care.
Interested to learn more or are you considering PRP? Get in touch with us today for a complimentary consultation.