Platelet-rich plasma treatments, also known as PRP, were first pioneered to help chronic pain sufferers deal with their pain. Over time, this technique has been perfected to help with both hair loss and skin care. Let's take a look at some of the history behind PRP and how it can potentially be beneficial for both your hair and skin. History of PRP PRP is not relatively new. The technique came about during the 1970s and developed in the field of hematology. PRP described plasma with a platelet count higher than the surrounding blood. Originally, PRP was used as a blood transfusion process to treat thrombocytopenia, a condition where patients have a low platelet count. In the 1980s, PRP was used in maxillofacial surgery and over time, it was discovered that it could be used for other medical and cosmetic procedures. How PRP Treatments Work For Hair Loss and the Skin PRP, as a procedure, is relatively simple. To start, the practitioner draws a small amount of blood from your body and separates the platelet-rich plasma from the rest of the blood. The area of your body being treated with the PRP injections is numbed and a doctor injects the plasma. PRP treatments, for hair loss, are primarily aimed at treating baldness that is related to hormones and can be used in both men and women. For men, this type of baldness usually starts at the front of the head and women may start noticing that their hair starts thinning towards the crown of the head. PRP can also be used for skin care. The plasma is injected into specific areas of the skin and acts as a matrix to help grow and regenerate tissue through the promotion of collagen and it also potentially speeds up the skin's ability to repair itself. Ultimately, the goal for PRP in skin care is to promote smoother and tighter skin , less scarring, and overall better skin tone. Benefits of PRP For Improved Skin Care and Reduction of Hair Loss Potentially, PRP helps promote hair growth by lengthening the growing phase of the hair cycle. Research supports that the platelets, when they reach the hair follicle, stimulates the cells that support hair growth. For the skin, not only does PRP potentially support elastin and collagen production, but it can help deal with issues like wrinkles, scars, lines and stretch marks. Generally speaking, PRP works by helping promote the cells in the body responsible for hair and skin growth. PRP is not necessarily a good fit for everyone. The research supports that it may be most beneficial for individuals who are experiencing patterned baldness that is related to hormonal changes and, often, has the potential to work best early on when the baldness is first noticed. PRP for skin care often works best when used in conjunction with other types of skin treatments. Consultation with a doctor will often give you the best insight as to whether or not you are a viable candidate for PRP treatments.

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.  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: