Three Amazing Things That Platelet-Rich Plasma Can Do for Your Appearance

So-called “Vampire Facials” are sweeping the country, promising to revitalize the skin in a short, comfortable treatment. You may have heard of this trend and have wondered what all the hype is about. We’re about to let you in on the secret that PRP holds for beauty by covering three of the many ways this substance can work on the skin.

PRP for Eye Bags

Many people are troubled by undereye bags, whether they are simply prone to puffiness at the slightest hint of a bad night’s sleep or they have permanent bags that came with age. It is generally believed that bags form as a result of strain around the eyes. When the eyes strain, the blood supply is inhibited in the tissue, primarily under the eyes. Without adequate circulation, the tissue is not fully oxygenized or nourished. This can lead to an accelerated loss of elasticity.

Platelet-rich plasma is effective at reducing undereye bags because the substance contains growth hormones. As such, it stimulates metabolism within the cells. PRP ensures that circulation improves in the tissue under the eyes, promoting the cellular activity that supports elasticity as well as firmness. This treatment is most effective at reducing premature undereye bags. Severe laxity may need to be corrected with eyelid surgery.

PRP for Wrinkles

Wrinkles aren’t so bad. Said no one ever! Most of the people who come to us for cosmetic dermatology treatments are at least a little frustrated with lines and wrinkles. This is where the Vampire Facial can shine. The treatment involves taking a small amount of blood from the arm. The blood is then processed to separate the plasma from other products. PRP is a clear fluid that contains numerous growth factors. To address the signs of aging, PRP is applied to the skin after microneedling. Treatment is conducted with a local anesthetic that numbs the nerve endings in the epidermis. The applicator creates tiny channels in the upper layers of the skin, allowing platelet-rich plasma to penetrate as deeply as possible. Together, microneedling and the introduction of PRP stimulates a strong healing response in the dermis that brings more collagen and elastin to the surface, resulting in smoother, more resilient skin.

PRP for Hair Loss

A little bit of hair thinning isn’t such a bad thing, but it can become a problem as it progresses to bald spots or areas where the scalp can be seen. Both men and women can be affected by hair loss, and both can experience significant self-consciousness about their appearance. Hair thinning and loss occurs when the hair follicles are not regenerating new hair fast enough to keep up with the natural rate of loss. The reason this may happen is that the follicles are not well-nourished. PRP has been found to restore activity in malnourished hair follicles by increasing circulation and depositing growth factors that stimulate tissue regeneration.

Learn more about the benefits of PRP treatment. Call Westerville Dermatology at 614-895-0400