PRP Injections vs. Dermal Filler
What are PRP injections?
PRP is a more natural cosmetic treatment that involves injecting a patient’s own platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the face. PRP is a component of blood that contains growth factors and other proteins that promote healing on a cellular level.
When injected into the skin, PRP can help to improve texture and tone, reduce wrinkles, and encourage new collagen growth.
What is the difference between PRP and filler injections?
Filler product lines such as Juvéderm and Restylane are made from substances like hyaluronic acid, collagen, or biocompatible materials. When injected into the skin, fillers work immediately by adding volume and lift which can help to minimize the look of wrinkles, fine lines, and hollows creating a more youthful appearance. PRP on the other hand, is derived from the patient’s own blood and works over time by stimulating the production of collagen.
Who is the ideal candidate for cosmetic PRP?
PRP can help to regenerate skin tissue collagen improving texture, tone, elasticity, fine lines, wrinkles, and even scars. We can inject PRP into any area on the face where there is volume loss, specifically the under eyes and cheeks. PRP can also be injected into the scalp to try and help stimulate hair growth in certain cases.
What is the process of cosmetic PRP injections?
Step 1: Consultation. During your consultation, we will discuss your aesthetic goals to determine whether PRP injections are right for you.
Step 2: Blood Draw. If you are deemed a suitable candidate for PRP, a small amount of your blood will be drawn from the arm, similar to any regular blood draw.
Step 3: PRP Preparation. We will process the drawn blood in a machine that separates the various components in the blood. The machine spins the blood to concentrate the platelets and plasma, creating concentrated PRP!
Step 4: Numbing. Once the PRP is ready to be injected, we will clean and numb the area with a topical numbing cream to help minimize any discomfort.
Step 5: Injection. Once the numbing takes effect, the concentrated PRP is injected into the targeted areas.
Step 6: Follow Up. Like anything else, results may vary between patients. Some people may need multiple PRP sessions to achieve optimal results, while others may not. Follow-up appointments allow us to assess whether additional treatments are needed.
What can I expect from PRP injections?
Results: PRP stimulates collagen production and tissue regeneration, and therefore the results are seen gradually. Unlike fillers which provide instant results, PRP usually continues to improve for weeks and months following treatment.