PRP can be used to treat Acne scarring once the active acne is controlled.

The PRP is injected and micro needled into the skin.  Depending on the location of severe scars it might also be possible to perform subcision of the underlying fibers of the scar tissue.

My PRP facial always involves micro needling as the injections work synergistically with the microneedling.  PRP contains proteins and several growth factors that regulate and activate cell migration and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.

Micro needling helps create micro channels for the PRP delivery and the micro injury kick starts the healing cascade leading to more rapid collagen production.

The PRP facial costs £250 per session for a standard facial. Additional areas will include a fee, I can provide you with bespoke information on this at your consultation.

The PRP facial is a course of three for maximum results with a maintenance treatment required at six months.

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Essentially they are the same thing.  When you think of the procedure you might think of Kim Kardashian who brought the PRP facial to the attention of the general public.

Kim was treated by a clinician called Dr. Runels who has a registration for the trademark “Vampire Facial” to apply to this procedure. Owning the name doesn’t mean he has ownership rights to the procedure, but it is the same technique.

PRP facial is an effective treatment when used for skin rejuvenation.  As a clinician I know this from my own patients, but it was also the research area of my MSc.

The scientific evidence shows us it is a safe and effective treatment for reducing the visible signs of aging. Fine lines around the eyes also benefit.  The result of the treatment is improvement in collagen levels, fine lines, pore size and skin texture.

Maisel-Campbell AL, Ismail A, Reynolds KA, Poon E, Serrano L, Grushchak S, Farid C, West DP, Alam M. A systematic review of the safety and effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for skin aging. Arch Dermatol Res. 2020 Jul;312(5):301-315. doi: 10.1007/s00403-019-01999-6. Epub 2019 Oct 18. PMID: 31628542.

PRP facial is very low risk and thought to be safe. There may be some pain, swelling, or bruising after the procedure that goes away in a few days.

The PRP facial is largely comfortable and well tolerated.  There is the small pinch when your blood sample is taken.

Numbing cream ensures the injections and micro needling of the the PRP is very comfortable.

Platelet Rich Fibrin (iPRF), Platelet Rich Plasma and Plasma Rich in Growth factors are all derived from blood plasma but there are subtle differences.

Both PRP and iPRF are very similar and used in the same way.  Since completing my MSc and recent research, I use the newer iPRF because it contains a stronger concentration of the valuable cells required for regeneration and it also contains no other chemicals.

When preparing PRP and PRGF the blood collection tube contains anticoagulants and a special gel to extract the growth factors and platelets.  The growth factors are then only released and active for a few minutes once injected.

iPRF is the new more advanced version of the traditional PRP.  Sterile tubes are used and there are no artificial anticoagulants or gels introduced into the product.  The higher concentration of growth factors and other regenerative cells are then released into the skin, for up to 7 days.  This allows the cells the opportunity to absorb them as efficiently as possible.

During a standard PRP facial I will treat facial areas including around the eyes, forehead, jaw line, cheeks, nasolabial lines and marionette lines.  The treatment can be extended to include the neck.  Other areas that can be treated include the hands, scalp for hair loss or post transplant and decollate.

Platelet rich plasma improves skin texture and tone by regenerating collagen which helps reduce wrinkles and lines, improve skin texture around the delicate eye area, tackle blemishes, improve scarring and restore a healthy glow.

Platelet Rich Plasma is a regenerative skin treatment that harnesses the body’s own healing powers to stimulate new tissue growth, giving your skin a healthy, more youthful appearance.

A small amount of the patients own blood is taken and the plasma is then separated out from the rest of the blood, by means of a centrifuge to create the platelet rich plasma.

This plasma is then injected into the area of concern where the platelets release their growth factors. This is the same as the healing cascade reaction that happens following an injury. This natural process rejuvenates the skin.

Immediately after any injection there may be some swelling, redness, itching and dryness of the skin present.

Bruising can also occur and will usually resolve within 5-7 days. This is a normal occurrence and has to be expected. The settling down period will vary from person to person.

A slight purple discolouration of the skin for 2-3 days post treatment can occur due to the colour of the plasma that has been injected.

Paracetamol can be taken post treatment for swelling and pain but NO aspirin or anti-inflammatory medication should be taken for at least 7 days post treatment.

It is advised not to take Vitamin E supplements for 48 hours prior to treatment.

Avoid exercise as sweating can introduce bacteria into the open channels in the skin.

Make up may be applied the day after treatment.

Avoid alcohol for 6 hours post treatment.

Factor 30-50 sun protection should be used daily following treatment.

Avoid the use of sunbeds, especially on the face.

Remember that these treatments give very subtle changes, we very quickly forget how we looked prior to treatment.

Most people will be a candidate for PRP facial, however there some exclusions.

It is inappropriate for those who have a medical condition that may worsen or spread with injection such as active infection or metastatic disease.  Certain blood and bleeding disorders may exclude you from treatment.  The treatment is unsuitable for Pregnancy and breast feeding though there is no evidence to suggest it may cause harm.