Last week my staff and I added Platelet Rich Plasma treatments to our list of offerings. 

It generated a fair bit of buzz on Facebook and Instagram, and with good reason, so read on if you’re curious! 

What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?

PRP is blood plasma, or the golden liquid left behind after blood is spun down, leaving a high concentration of platelets, the cells in whole blood responsible for healing after injury and formation of new tissue over the injured site. 

PRP is thought to help regenerate and revitalise damaged tissues. 

While the jury is still out on robust evidence (eg injection of PRP in a patient compared to injection of just saltwater for example and comparing skin improvement) it is an area that is continuing to provide some promising results for use not only in skin rejuvenation, but also hair regrowth and inside joints for injuries and it is believed by many that the evidence does exist, pending appropriately planned clinical trials. 

How does it work? 

Direct injection of PRP is thought to help accelerate the process of tissue regeneration and repair with production of collagen, elastin and new blood supply to the injected site, much as happens when you cut yourself for example. 

How many treatments are required? 

This is best discussed with your doctor based on your situation. For most patients, a series of treatments are recommended, usually 2-3 treatments, 4 weeks apart and then maintenance. 

There is good evidence PRP works better in some areas compared to others, example under the eyes for wrinkles and eyebags, less so for pigmentation under the eyes, which requires different treatment options.

ARTICLE: Platelet-rich Plasma for Skin Rejuvenation and Treatment of Actinic Elastosis in the Lower Eyelid Area 

There is also promising evidence of this working for female hair loss, usually requiring x3 monthly treatments of PRP to the scalp, with new hair growth unto 6 months after the last treatment, less breakage and increased volume. Read more about PRP and Hairloss.

How quickly does it work?

You may notice improvement as quickly as 3-4 days and then gradually over a few weeks with injection under the skin. 

Unlike dermal fillers, this is NOT a quick lift/ volume replacement. If you have significant volume loss in your face, PRP is best used in addition to, and not instead of, dermal fillers, biostimulator fillers, thread lifts and other modalities to improve skin quality and volume over time. 

Will I need much downtime?

There is minimal downtime. There may be some redness at the injection sites, which will fade, and a small chance of bruising but that is it for most patients. 

Prior to treatment

Immediately after 22 mis of PRP to her face and neck

24hrs post-treatment

Are there side effects?

PRP utilises your own blood cells, which Dr Joshi will collect on the day, spin down and then use to inject you. This is known as A-PRP or autologous PRP, so risks and side effects are minimal, and if any, irritation at the site of injection, bruising and some swelling. 

Where can I have PRP injected?

PRP may be injected on the face, the neck, décolletage as well as backs of the hands for skin rejuvenation. Bear in mind, a single treatment is usually NOT enough for lasting change and a series of treatments usually 3 monthly treatments, is recommended as the minimum. 

How much will it cost?

We are offering this treatment from $500/tube, depending on the areas of concern.

As a guide, PRP under the eyes and around the mouth is approximately 1 tube. 

To the entire face, 2 tubes.

Face and neck or face and décolletage 2-3 tubes.

The number of tubes will also depend on how much PRP is obtained from your collection in volume – this is dependent on you, and may range anywhere from 5mls of PRP/ tube to 7+ml/tube, as with our model above.

Please enquire at contact@skinessentials.com.au for more info or to book online please do so here: