Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a facial treatment that uses a patient’s blood to plump the skin and reduce the appearance of wrinkles for a younger-looking appearance.

PRP, or popularly known as the vampire facial, isn’t as intimidating as it sounds. The method involves a high concentration of nutrient-rich cells in the blood plasma that supports collagen production and repairs damaged tissues. Since PRP is the patient’s blood, there’s virtually no risk of rejection or allergic reaction.

Plasma makes up roughly 55% of the body’s total blood volume. It also carries cells and proteins throughout the body, one of which is platelets.

The platelets are like microscopic first responders at the scene of an accident. If a blood vessel gets damaged, an emergency signal is sent to rush platelets to the site of damage, where they’ll form clots to stop bleeding.

The clotting triggers the reaction of the body’s healing processes to get to work, stimulating the growth of new cells.

Let’s take this understanding of how platelets work into the facial PRP process itself.

Micro-needling creates fine punctures about 2 mm deep into the skin, which the platelets react to as an injury.

The body’s incredible rejuvenation process gets to work quickly by increasing the production of collagen and new skin cells, helping to diminish the appearance of scars and plump up the skin for a more youthful look.

Despite involving blood, a facial PRP isn’t as scary as it sounds.

If you’re familiar with in-clinic facials, this process is a combination of micro-needling — followed by applying the patient’s plasma to the face to promote skin cells’ health.

Step 1: Venipuncture To Draw Blood

Venipuncture is a routine medical procedure where blood is drawn from an accessible vein inside the arm or hand. Aside from the needle pinch, it’s a quick and painless step.

Step 2: Run The Blood Through A Centrifuge

The blood vial collected is then run through a piece of lab equipment that spins the vessel at high speed to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the blood fluid.

Step 3: Dermaroller Micro-Needling

Your skin is then cleansed and ready for micro-needling.

Micro-needling is a minimally invasive treatment involving fine needles that prick the skin about 2 mm deep to stimulate elastin and collagen production. In addition, the needle pricks help the skin absorb the platelet-rich plasma.

This step in itself is proven effective for addressing signs of aging, uneven skin tone and acne scarring.

Step 4: Appling The Platelet-Rich Plasma

We then apply your plasma to the skin and your cells do all the work from here.

Since platelets are cells that are called to injured sites in the body to control bleeding via clotting, the platelets are activated by the micro punctures on the skin, stimulating the healing process.

The skin responds by plumping and thickening, which eliminates fine lines and reduces wrinkles. Immediately after the session, your skin will feel tighter. And as the texture and colour of the skin adjust after the slight irritation of micro-needling, you’ll notice that your skin will look more radiant and feel softer, too.

These benefits to the look and feel of your skin become more apparent in the weeks to come.

To ensure that you are comfortable during the procedure, we will apply a topical anesthetic. Once fully numbed, your provider will then use a special hand piece to deliver tiny punctures and radiofrequency bursts to heat up deeper skin layers to cause small amounts of targeted damage. This will stimulate the body’s natural repair processes, which leads to a stronger collagen support network and the growth of new skin cells. You will experience mild redness for several days after treatment, as the body’s immune system is trying to repair the micro damage caused by the radiofrequency bursts.

Following a package of RF microneedling you will see significant improvements in: 

Red or brown spots 

Acne scars 

Wrinkles 

Melasma 

Rough texture 

Enlarged pores 

Redness associated with rosacea

This amazing treatment does not rely on laser technology, but instead utilizes radio frequency waves. This allows your Skintology Health and Wellness Centre provider to deliver the energy deeper into the skin, while leaving the surrounding tissues virtually untouched.

Most patients handle this procedure very well, treatment time can be as short as 15 minutes and will typically be able to apply makeup to the area the next day. To reduce recovery time, RF microneedling relies on a fractionalized approach which delivers the radio frequency waves in separate columns that only treat a portion of the area. By leaving more of the tissue untouched, the body is able to heal faster, which eliminates the need to take time off work. As the body repairs itself, you will notice smoother skin texture and reduction of dark spots.

Want to know the best part… RF microneedling can be cominbed with PRP treatment for even more incredible results.

Are you overwhelmed and not sure where to start. Contact us today for a free consultation so we can help you address your skin goals.