The Cosmetic Benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma

In recent years, great attention has been given to therapies that utilize the body’s natural healing potential when treating medical conditions. The field of regenerative medicine is largely responsible for finding new solutions — and one such solution that has recently gained in popularity is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.

PRP therapy, for the most part, is being used to treat sports injuries but also conditions like arthritis and other forms of trauma. However, there are many uses of PRP, including in facial rejuvenation and even hair restoration. Here’s more on what PRP therapy is and its many beautifying benefits.

What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrated component of blood that contains platelets, which are cell fragments that control bleeding, and plasma, which is the liquid component of blood. It is extracted and used through a three-step process:

1. Your blood is drawn.
2. The plasma containing a high concentration of platelets is separated from other blood components with a centrifuge.
3. The PRP is injected into the targeted areas with a syringe or a microneedling device.

PRP is known to accelerate and enhance healing. It has been used since the 1970s but became popular in the 1980s when it was discovered why it works. PRP namely contains hundreds of growth factors, which are bioactive molecules that affect the growth and healing of cells. By injecting a high concentration of PRP in damaged or aged tissue, these growth factors boost the healing and growth of new, healthy cells.

Since this discovery, PRP has been used to treat degenerative conditions. It was also found to promote the healing of tendons, ligaments, muscles and cartilage.

Benefits of PRP Injections in Facial Rejuvenation

Outside of regenerative medicine, PRP has also gained the attention of aesthetic medicine as a potential rejuvenation therapy.

Facial aging happens for many reasons. But the natural decline in collagen production and years of accumulated sun damage are two primary reasons facial skin forms wrinkles, begins to sag and appears dull and uneven. PRP can potentially reverse some of these changes by helping your skin heal and boosting its regenerative potential. Many of our patients at De La Belle Wellness & Spa have noticed the following improvements after PRP therapy:

• Diminished fine lines and wrinkles
• Plump and taut skin
• Brighter and more even skin
• Reduced pore size and acne scars

The treatment itself is also quick and requires no downtime. Treatment begins with a simple blood draw. While the blood is taken to a lab to be separated, your provider applies a topical anesthetic to the treatment site. After that, the PRP is injected into problem areas of the skin, either with a microneedling instrument such as a dermaroller or syringes.

The whole process typically takes 45 minutes to an hour to complete. The results are usually visible within six weeks when the skin begins to produce new collagen, elastin and other cells. As far as longevity goes, most of our patients enjoy a rejuvenated appearance for about six months, but regular maintenance can help you maintain your results.

Benefits of PRP Therapy for Hair Restoration

PRP therapy is also a popular treatment option for hair restoration of the scalp. Thinning hair or hair loss can affect both men and women and negatively impact your self-esteem, but PRP therapy can help restore a thicker, fuller and healthier head of hair.

Male pattern baldness, which is the most common type of hair loss in men, is often due to genetics and in response to hormonal changes that happen with aging. In women, hair loss can also happen due to hormonal and age-related factors. Skin conditions, infections, autoimmune disorders and stress can also make you lose hair.

Several studies have found that PRP restores hair growth and improves hair density in male and female pattern hair loss. It was also found to treat different forms of alopecia. Researchers believe this may be in part because PRP therapy also reduces inflammation and helps hair follicles heal.

Another way to use PRP therapy is in conjunction with a hair transplant. Hair transplants may not always provide the desired results because some of the transplanted follicles don’t survive. However, injecting PRP before a hair transplant was found to lead to 15% greater hair yield in some patients.

How PRP Compares to Exosome Therapy

Exosomes are nano-sized components within cells and contain some of the cell’s proteins, lipids and genetic information. They are present in all cells, tissues and body fluids. They act as messengers between cells and seem to play an important role in immunity, growth and tissue repair.

In regenerative medicine, exosomes are extracted from stem cells. Our exosomes are derived from plant-based stem cells. Injecting exosomes into the skin with the help of microneedling was found to provide a host of benefits, including:

• Diminished fine lines and wrinkles
• Improved skin tone and texture
• Reduced age spots
• Faster healing after other procedures

But are they better than PRP?

Both treatments have their benefits. At De La Belle Wellness & Spa, we offer both treatments to our patients because each has its unique applications. PRP is a quick and simple solution using components from your blood, which makes it one of the most natural ways to rejuvenate the skin and hair. We use EXO|E complex containing plant-derived exosomes to enhance the results of other procedures. The main benefit is that there is no need for blood draws.

Want to Learn More About PRP Therapy?

At De La Belle Wellness & Spa, we are more than happy to answer any questions you might have about PRP for facial rejuvenation or hair restoration, as well as alternatives. We believe in the power of regenerative medicine when it comes to turning back the clock naturally with minimal risks to you. That’s why we offer this treatment to anyone who’s concerned about early signs of aging but wants to avoid invasive procedures with long recovery periods. To find out if this treatment is for you, contact us today or call 901-459-3338 to book your PRP therapy appointment!