What is a PRP injection?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), a part of your own blood, is rich in growth factors. Our aesthetic providers use PRP therapy for facial rejuvenation treatment by using it in combination with procedures such as microneedling and via injection.
The goal of PRP when used for facial rejuvenation is to stimulate collagen, reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve texture and tone, reduce pore size and improve the overall appearance of your skin.
Microneedling is coupled with the ProGen PRP Platelet Concentration System, which has been cleared by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Combining these therapies can create faster, more dramatic changes by using your body’s own growth factors to promote healing and cellular regeneration.
Our Med Spa offering PRP for aesthetic procedures are part of multiple departments within The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, including Dermatology; Facial Plastic Surgery (Ear, Nose and Throat); and Plastic Surgery. Our Med Spa team that includes board certified and nationally ranked plastic surgeons, doctors, physician assistants, nurse practitioners and aestheticians.
You can schedule your appointment in MyChart or call a provider of your choice listed below. PRP is also used in other areas of medicine and has many uses, including reducing inflammation, sports orthobiologics, stimulating healing, hair growth and even aesthetic vaginal rejuvenation.
What is a PRP facial treatment?
A PRP facial treatment is an advanced, noninvasive skincare procedure that uses the serum component of your own blood to treat the appearance of your skin. Compared to some other cosmetic treatments, a PRP facial is a nonsurgical anti-aging treatment that is much safer and requires little downtime.
What are the benefits of a PRP facial?
As you age, your body naturally stops producing high volumes of collagen. PRP facials help to increase collagen production to keep skin firm. Specifically, PRP:
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Lightens scarring from acne and other tissue damage
- Improves skin texture and tone
- Shrinks the appearance of skin pores
- Has fewer potential side effects compared to other nonsurgical and surgical treatments
Can you combine PRP injections with other Med Spa procedures?
Under the guidance of Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center professionals, you can build a treatment plan that combines PRP with other noninvasive Med Spa treatments. The most common treatment to combine with PRP is microneedling.
What happens during PRP therapy?
A small amount of your blood is collected and placed into a centrifuge. This machine spins rapidly to separate your blood into three layers: platelet-rich plasma (PRP), platelet-poor plasma and red blood cells. The blood is carefully separated to isolate the platelet-rich plasma. Finally, the isolated PRP is used for the desired treatment area by a professional member of our aesthetic team.
There are then two options to apply the PRP as a facial treatment:
One option is to spread the plasma on your face, then use microneedling to help your face absorb the proteins that make the treatment effective.
The other option is sometimes called the vampire facial, where the plasma is injected into your skin like fillers.
How long do PRP treatments last?
Like any skin procedure, PRP treatments require maintenance for the best results. On average, a series of three treatments is recommended up front with additional treatments every 6 to 12 months.
Every patient is different, however, and treatment plans may vary depending on desired results. You can trust our aesthetic experts at the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center to provide a treatment plan tailored to you.
Who should or shouldn’t get PRP injections?
While PRP treatments are incredibly safe and performed by a trained professional, there may be risks involved and not everyone is a candidate for this procedure.
You may not be a candidate for PRP if you:
- Have been recently diagnosed with cancer or chronic skin diseases
- Are an active smoker
- Take blood thinners
- Have a low platelet count
- Are actively fighting chronic illness or have a condition that impairs your immune system
Why choose Ohio State for platelet-rich plasma therapy?
PRP therapy can only be administered by a licensed medical provider or a plastic surgeon. At the Ohio State Wexner Medical Center, we have a team of licensed experts who are prepared to provide you with PRP therapy in a safe and comfortable environment.
We are committed to ensuring that you understand every aspect of this procedure. We can answer any of your questions, provide you with additional information about treatment and aftercare, and help you make informed decisions about your noninvasive cosmetic treatment plan. Reach out to us today to request a consultation or evaluation.
FAQs
Typically, patients find platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy to be relatively painless, with only some mild discomfort.
Some people experience mild swelling or bruising in the treated areas after a vampire facial. There is a rare potential for an infection, but if you follow the post-treatment protocols, you should not experience any serious side effects
The length of your PRP appointment will depend on the area being treated, but you can expect to be here for at least an hour, including prep and recovery time.
Depending on the type of PRP treatment you and undergoing, you can expect to see results within a month.
Most people choose to receive multiple treatments over several months, with maintenance treatments following the initial treatments to maintain the results of PRP.
Other than minimal discomfort or fatigue post-treatment, you should be able to resume your usual lifestyle and activities.
Additional Information
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