Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) More Than Just a Skin Treatment

How is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Performed:

The procedure starts with a blood draw of 30-60 cc in our office by a trained tech. A tiny amount of anticoagulant is mixed with the blood. It is processed in a special machine with a special kit, a new sterile kit being used for each client. Centrifugation concentrates the platelets in an area of blood that includes plasma and a few red blood cells. This final product is a red liquid. This is used for cosmetic, orthopedic or other injections.

The Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Facelift:

At this point one can do a nonsurgical “PRP facelift”. This involves facial injections using PRP. Although PRP procedures are often termed facelifts, they are only injection procedures. No scalpel is used, no general anesthesia is used and the procedures cost a fraction of what a facelift costs. Often fillers, like Juvéderm, are added to make the results more dramatic. These procedures are often called facelifts because the results are dramatic enough with a series of treatments that the wrinkle tightening can be similar to that achieved with a facelift. PRP also shrinks pores and improves scars, which a facelift does not. Other commonly requested cosmetic PRP treatments include neck skin tightening, V-neck or cleavage skin tightening or stretch mark treatments. Special problem areas like baggy or droopy eyes and prominent mouth wrinkles can be treated without treating the whole face for a smaller fee. After skin cleaning and application of a local anesthetic cream Dr. Van Reken will inject small amounts of PRP into the skin in the areas being treated. This is done with small needles. There is more discomfort than with Botox, but less than with fillers. Injections commonly include the forehead, temples, orbits, nose, cheeks, upper white lip, lower white lip and chin—the full face. Stopping after the injection procedure alone produces good results. However, for even better results without additional down time we can add microneedling over the same treatment area. This further reduces wrinkles and is also helpful for scar. Microneedling adds about $200 to the cost and is done by trained staff.

Factors Affecting Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Cosmetic Result:

Factors affecting PRP cosmetic results: clinical results vary depending on individual factors including medical history, skin type, age, pretreatment skin damage, severity of wrinkles, severity of volume loss and prior skin treatments. Wrinkles, loss of facial volume and scar conditions often improve nicely in 1-2 treatments. Good results are usually present within 90 days. Temporary bruising may occur with this or any injection therapy. Bumpiness at injection sites is usually gone in a day, but may persist for up to 3 days. There are 3-4 days of down time, but many patients return to work in 2-3 days.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) with Micro-Needling:

Microneedling can be done as a separate procedure without PRP injections. This is cheaper than when done with PRP and takes less time. As an isolated procedure microneedling is helpful for scar, skin discoloration and wrinkle reduction, but results are not as dramatic as when it is combined with PRP. Microneedling can be performed by our trained medical staff or by our trained aestheticians.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for Female Orgasmic Dysfunction:

PRP injections near the clitoris and exterior portion of vagina greatly improves orgasmic function. Orgasms are much easier to achieve. 10% of adult women have never had an orgasm, but after PRP injections these same women are usually orgasmic. This is the only effective treatment for female orgasmic dysfunction.

Aging vagina syndrome (menopausal atrophic vaginitis):
A woman’s vaginal lubrication is regulated by estrogen. Most premenopausal women lubricate normally and enjoy sex with a loving partner. As a woman ages estrogen levels drop and estrogen sensitive genital tissues are affected. Vaginal changes include dryness, and atrophy–thinning and weakening of tissue. Many menopausal women need lubricants for sex, but it is often still painful. PRP injections in the outer portion of the vagina make the tissues thicker, better lubricated and essentially younger. Sex becomes fun again. Injections near the clitoris also make orgasms easier to achieve. This makes bother partners happier. Results are usually quite good. Vaginal CO2 laser therapy is also effective, but is more expensive over time. One can do both vaginal laser and PRP, although not the same day.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for Leg & Foot Wounds and Ulcers:

Those with poorly healing leg or foot ulcers from varicose veins, arterial insufficiency, trauma and diabetes often benefit from PRP injections into and near the ulcers or wounds to help wound healing and stimulate new skin growth. Insurance and Medicare still do not cover the cost.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Frequently Asked Questions & Answers:

Keep reading below as we answer some of the questions we get about PRP and Micro-Needling and how it can help you look younger longer with minimum downtime.

We hope this info sheet helps you. Ongoing advances in medicine offer exciting new opportunities for us to help our clients with the common cosmetic, orthopedic, menopausal and ED issues which we see in many clients every day. Your questions are always welcome.

Schedule Your Skin Care Consultation Today…

To schedule a Skin Care Consultation, with Dr. Van Reken here at the Reno Sparks MedSpa, give us a call or visit the contact us page.