PRP Facials– Platelet Rich Plasma

Firstly, your blood is drawn by our registered nurse, just like during a blood test, into the specialised vials, and spun in a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells from the platelet rich plasma. This process only takes a few minutes for the blood draw, and an additional 5 minutes for the centrifuge to work it’s magic. Your skin will be cleansed thoroughly, and a topical anaesthetic may be applied. The treatment itself can take anywhere from 30-60 minutes depending on the treatment area and the technique being used.

PRP can either be applied to the skin following a Secret RF treatment, which allows the PRP to absorb into the micro-channels created by the needles, or we will spot treat with micro-injections of PRP. Depending on the treatment area/ results you are trying to achieve, our trained practitioners will recommend an option to best address your concerns.

Before your treatment begins, your skin will be thoroughly cleansed to ensure it is free from dirt, debris, and any skincare products. After sanitising your skin and depending on the treatment area, a topical numbing cream may be applied to maximise your comfort throughout the treatment. After the topical anaesthetic has taken effect, you may feel the treatment is applied, but there should be very minimal discomfort. 

There will be noticeable results immediately following your treatment, but these are temporary due to the plasma sitting right under the skin and not yet being absorbed, and also some mild swelling. 

As is the case with most cosmetic treatments, you can begin to see the results of the treatment before your recovery time is completed. But for PRP, the results from the treatment only get better with time, which is to say that the results are more noticeable after your recovery time is over.

 For PRP treatments of the face, you can expect to see some results starting at 2 or 3 weeks. These results will be a brighter complexion, a healthy glow to the skin, and even a plumper skin texture. Results for facial treatments continue to improve over the next 1-2 months as the body settles into a higher rate of collagen production.

If you have to wait for results, then surely those results will last a long time, right? The quick answer is yes, PRP treatments do have a tendency to last for a long time. For both face and hair treatments, as well as PRP for medical issues, the results of PRP treatment can last for up to 1-2 years at a time. Again, the duration of the treatment’s effects is determined by many variables such as your age, hormones, the natural rate of regeneration and lifestyle.

While you may see immediate results that are downright astonishing, we recommend a minimum of 3 treatments to get the full effect. These treatments are spaced four weeks apart and we do recommend 1-2 annual follow-up treatments to maintain your results.

The downtime after PRP injection is minimal. Its immediate side effects are tolerable, but avoiding strenuous activities for the first few days minimises the risk of trauma to the treated area. Additionally, since tissues absorb PRP, briefly limiting your activities and avoiding strong pressure on your face help retain the fluid at the site for as long as possible.

Recovery from PRP treatments depends on your normal rate of regeneration. The theory behind PRP injections is that it will help boost your body’s normal regenerative abilities. However, this benefit only begins when the PRP is fully absorbed into your body, meaning that until the absorption happens, your body is still operating at its normal rate of regeneration. This is why patients who are older or who have slower regenerative abilities may see results later than other patients.

The most common side effects of PRP therapy are injection site pain, swelling, redness and pinpoint bleeding. Vulnerable patients may also see some bruising.

Rare side effects include numbing cream allergy, infection, headache and skin discolouration. PRP is taken from your own blood, so it is unlikely to cause hypersensitivity on its own. Infection is also uncommon, especially with good aftercare, because PRP has antimicrobial properties.

We recommend that all patients undergoing PRP treatment use sunscreen daily for at least one week prior to your appointment. It is also important that you are well-hydrated at the time of your treatment, so please ensure you drink plenty of water the day before, and the day of treatment. Cease the use of active skincare products for 48 hours prior. Finally, come to your appointment with a bare face. Do not wear makeup, moisturiser or any other skincare product.

Immediately after treatment with PRP, there may be slight redness, swelling, tenderness, bruising or an itching sensation in the treatment area. This is a normal result of the injection and generally disappears within a couple of days. The swelling after an eye treatment may last longer. If symptoms persist, or other reactions occur, please contact the Clinic.

• Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours.
• Sleep elevated to improve swelling.
• Do not touch the treatment area for at least 4 hours.
• Do not wash the treatment area for at least 4 hours.
• Do not expose the area to intense heat or sunlight for 48 hours.
• Paracetamol may be used to relieve discomfort if required.
• Avoid NSAIDs for 72 hours unless prescribed.
• Consider LED Light Therapy.
• Avoid alcohol for 24 hours.
• Do not use active skincare for 3-5 days post-treatment.
• Avoid facials, facial waxing, AHA or BHA Peels, laser, or any energy-based treatment and dermabrasion treatments for 2 weeks post PRP treatment.
• Do not massage the treatment area unless instructed.
• Do not apply to make up until the following day.
• NO smoking.

Because PRP and treatments are natural and safe, most patients who are interested in the treatment make good candidates. Qualified candidates include patients who are looking for comprehensive and long-lasting restorative skin rejuvenation treatments, as well as patients who would prefer minimally-invasive treatments over surgery. You may be a good candidate if you want to:

• Improve skin thickness
• Reduce acne scars
• Diminish fine lines or wrinkles
• Diminish dark spots and sun damage
• Even skin tone and texture
• Reduce dark circles
• Boost libido and sexual sensitivity (O-Shot)

The PRP treatment is NOT suitable for advanced wrinkling and severe scarring. The treatment is not suitable for patients who have any of the following conditions:

• ​Low platelet count
• Platelet Dysfunction Syndrome
• Critical Thrombocytopenia
• Hypofibrinogenaemia
• Sepsis
• Acute and Chronic Infections
• Chronic Liver pathology
• Anticoagulation therapy (Warfarin, Aspirin)
• Hepatitis C
• HIV or AIDS
• Any type of blood cancer
• Cardiovascular disease, which requires taking a blood thinner
• Skin cancer in the area to be treated