Your body has the natural ability to heal, and this process is undertaken by special components of your blood that support cell growth. But did you know that these cells can now also be used for cosmetic skin treatments? Here is what you should know about platelet-rich plasma injections in Adelaide.
Through modern technology we have worked out how to increase the healing process through PRP injections.
But to understand what PRP injections are, you must know what platelets and plasma are.
What are platelets?
Platelets, also known as Thrombocytes, are tiny blood cells which function to stop bleeding by forming into blood clots. Damaged blood vessels send signals to platelets, which causes platelets to rush and stack the area up to form blood clots to stop the bleeding.
What is plasma?
Plasma is a body fluid, it’s the clear-yellow watery liquid part of your blood that is responsible for carrying proteins, hormones, and nutrients to all the parts of your body that need it. The plasma also carries waste that cells put out, and disposes of it.
What are platelet-rich plasma injections?
Platelet-rich plasma, also known as autologous conditioned plasma is a high concentration of a person’s own platelets in plasma that is injected to accelerate the healing process.
This is meant to increase the healing of injured ligaments, tendons, muscles and joints, to improve musculoskeletal problems.
How is platelet-rich plasma made?
Between one to a few tubes of blood is taken from a patient, and this blood is run through a process called centrifusion, which concentrates the platelets.
The centrifusion works by rotating a liquid at high speeds in order to separate solids from liquids.
By centrifuging the blood in a tube, the plasma will rise to the top, as the platelets rest in the bottom of the tube.
These activated platelets are then injected directly into the injured area or diseased bodily tissue.
Cosmetic Uses of PRP aka “The Vampire Facial”
The vampire facial, also known as a vampire facelift involves injecting the platelet-rich plasma back into your face.
The purpose is to treat acne, scarring, surgical scars, melasma, fine lines and wrinkles. The platelets work to stimulate cell growth in the area, which makes your skin look glowy and younger.
Over the following weeks to months, your face will begin to look younger, refreshed and revitalised.
This treatment has been increasing in popularity over the years.
Other uses for PRP injections?
PRP injections have been seen to improve side-effects of certain health conditions and injuries, as it increases the healing process.
PRP injections can help with:
- Damaged tissue
- Injuries
- Torn tendons
- Muscle injuries
- Arthritis related pain
- Joint injuries
- Tendinitis
Do PRP injections work?
So far, numerous studies have concluded that PRP injections help with certain conditions, such as acne, scarring, surgical scars, melasma, fine lines and wrinkles along with increasing the healing of injured tissue and tendons.
Side-effects for PRP injections
Since PRP involves injecting a substance into your body (even though it is technically your platelets), there are potential side-effects. There is almost no change for allergic reactions as we are injecting your own platelets back into you.
However the risks are:
- Nerve injuries
- Infection
- Tissue damage
- Injection site pain
- Bruising
These issues are commonly associated with any injection.
Recovery time after PRP injections
Generally most people can resume their daily activities after PRP injections, however you must take care of the area to which the PRP was injected.
While you won’t immediately see any visible changes, the affected area should experience a faster healing process than usual. Within either weeks or months you should notice the area is healing faster and even regrowing hair.
PRP injections at Cranford House Plastic Surgery
If you are interested in finding out more information related to PRP injections, or would like to book in for a consultation about having PRP injections, then please contact our staff here.