What is PRP - The Medical stuff?
I had a fantastic day yesterday with Pegi Day Aesthetics learning a new skill and all the benefits of PRP. PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma.
Our blood is made of various components, plasma makes up 55% of our blood volume. Platelets make up less than 1% of the composition of our plasma. We want to harvest those platelets and the plasma to deliver the PRP back into the areas of the skin that need stimulating to repair, rejuvenate and replenish.
Platelets have many functions in our body. They detect broken blood vessels and attach themselves to the area to stop bleeding and promote healing. They also secrete chemicals to attract white blood cells that fight off infection, and they release growth factors to aid repair.
During PRP treatment we use tiny needles to deliver the platelet rich plasma to the areas that need it. The needle causes a break in the skin, causing damage to the underlying blood vessels, which then attracts platelets to the area and sends them a signal to ‘do their job’.
The PRP that we yield after taking a sample of blood and spinning it through a centrifuge has a higher concentration of platelets than the blood rushing around your body (4-5 times more with the Cellenis® system), and a higher concentration of growth factors which stimulate cell replication and proliferation.
The skin is made up of several layers of cells. The basal layer is where the new cells divide and then slowing move upwards towards the surface, eventually becoming compact dead cells which are then shed. This whole process takes about 6 weeks, but can range from 1-3 months. The processes involved in ageing slow this skin cycle causing the skin to become more compact, dry, thin and leathery.
So how does PRP help your skin? PRP activates new cells, plumping the skin and increasing collagen and elastin production. This in term leads to rejuvenation and reduction of fine lines and wrinkles. It stimulates growth of healthy cells to improve skin texture. It can be used to improve the appearance of scaring from acne, and stimulate hair growth.
To learn more about this treatment or to book a consultation at our Wilmslow clinic click below