PRP skin treatment: Platelet Rich Plasma

PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma, which is blood plasma rich in platelets. In dentistry, orthopedics, and veterinary medicine, PRP has been used for years to promote healing processes. Treatments with this autologous blood plasma are a relatively new technology in aesthetic dermatology. The blood plasma contains substances (growth factors) that stimulate the production of collagen and hyaluronic acid in the skin. This leads to overall skin improvement, reducing fine lines and giving the skin a more rejuvenated appearance.

Scientific research shows that skin treatments combined with PRP work synergistically: the effect of two treatments is greater than the sum of the effects that each of the individual treatments could produce on their own. Therefore, in our practice, PRP is always combined with Collagen Induction Therapy (microneedling).

How does the PRP treatment work?

Prior to the PRP treatment, blood is drawn in our practice. The blood is centrifuged, leaving blood plasma with a large amount of growth factors. This plasma is injected into the area to be treated and applied to the skin with microneedling.

Who is PRP suitable for?

A PRP treatment is ideal for people who want to be treated exclusively with autologous or natural material. Because it is autologous, allergic reactions are virtually excluded, making it a safe treatment for almost everyone.

A series of PRP-microneedling treatments provides excellent results for:

When is PRP not recommended?

Before starting, a thorough discussion is held with each client about their health. PRP is not a suitable treatment if there has been a history of skin cancer or if there is an active skin disease or infection in the area to be treated. It is also not suitable for individuals with chronic blood disorders, clotting issues, or liver disease. The use of blood-thinning medications such as aspirin, anti-inflammatory drugs, and painkillers like ibuprofen, Voltaren, diclofenac, etc., is a contraindication. Consult your treating physician about this.

How often should you undergo treatment?

After the PRP treatment, the growth factors from the platelets start to work, and this process continues for 4-8 weeks. To improve the structure of the skin on the face, neck, and/or décolleté, a course of 3-4 treatments is recommended, with 4-6 weeks between each treatment. To maintain the effect, a single treatment can be done once a quarter or every six months thereafter.

PRP for the under-eye area

PRP is also applicable to the under-eye area. There has been substantial scientific research into this method (specifically targeting the skin under the eyes), and the results are promising.

The protocol suggests 3 treatments, each spaced one month apart. Approximately 2ml of plasma is injected under each eye, which is a significant amount and can cause some swelling for a few days. Maintenance is also important for this treatment, typically once a year, but it depends on individual preferences and conditions. Customization is key; not everyone is a good candidate, and sometimes an initial CO2 treatment might be a better idea.

PRP for hair loss

In recent years, PRP has increasingly been used for hair loss, both in men and women. There has been considerable scientific research into the effect of PRP on androgenetic alopecia, which is male-pattern hair loss that can also occur in women. The results are positive! In the majority of treated patients, hair loss stops or decreases, and an increase in hair density is observed. This treatment also requires multiple sessions to achieve results.

More about PRP treatments for hair loss.