If you’re interested in skin care and advanced aesthetic treatments, you may have already heard of ‘The Vampire Facial.’ This treatment, formally referred to as Platelet-Rich Plasma (or PRP), has gained a lot of popularity over the past few years and for good reason — it naturally amplifies the already amazing results of some of your favorite aesthetic treatments! Discover what exactly is PRP and why it’s the hottest solution for natural facial rejuvenation.
WHAT IS PRP?
Your blood comprises four components: red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. We all have platelets which are cells that circulate in our body. When there is a damaged blood vessel, platelets bind together to repair this damage. They are made in the bone marrow, where your red and white blood cells are produced. Plasma is the single largest component of your blood, clear yellow-colored liquid portion making up about 55% of blood.
The primary purpose of plasma is to transport nutrients, fighting diseases and circulating hormones and proteins to the body’s areas that need them.
Platelet-Rich Plasma is liquid gold – a concentrated platelet component from your own blood containing nutrient-rich cells that contain protein growth factors. When used during treatment, PRP stimulates the production of collagen and elastin using your own blood platelets. It accelerates the skin’s own healing process, helps regenerate tissue and creates fresh healthy skin cells.
WHAT TREATMENTS IS PRP PAIRED WITH?
At SKN BAR, we have 2 services that pair advanced aesthetic treatments with PRP — SkinPen Microneedling and the Clear + Brilliant Laser Facial. When either of these treatments are combined with PRP, a powerhouse catalyst is created for collagen regeneration and elastin renewal.
HOW IS PLATELET-RICH PLASMA PREPARED?
Platelet-Rich Plasma can be captured when a small amount of blood is drawn and placed into a sterile, disposable container. That container is placed in a centrifuge and spun to separate the platelets from your blood, resulting in platelet-rich plasma.
PREPARING FOR YOU APPOINTMENT
Prior to your treatment, you will be provided with in-depth instructions on how to get ready for your PRP treatment. Some of these include:
- Avoid any sun exposure or tanning several weeks before your appointment.
- Do not work out the day of treatment or for a several days after.
- Drink plenty of water and have a well balanced meal(s) to ensure you arrive to your appointment well hydrated and nourished.
WHAT TO EXPECT DURING YOUR PRP TREATMENT
Microneedling or a Clear + Brilliant Laser Facial with PRP is a relatively quick process compared to other cosmetic procedures. We recommend you to arrive to SKN BAR at least 10 minutes before your appointment. This will give you time to relax and your blood pressure to return to normal.
The actual procedure involves two steps. First, while your face is numbing, a syringe of blood will be drawn from your arm. The syringe of blood is put into a specific vial and is then put into a centrifuge, which separates the PRP from other blood components.
After about 30 minutes of numbing is complete, the treatment (step 2) will begin. The Microneedling or Laser Facial portion lasts about 45 minutes, depending on the areas treated. The PRP massaged into your skin on the treated areas throughout the treatment. Microneedling and the Clear + Brilliant Laser creates small controlled micro-punctures in the skin, allowing for deep penetration of the PRP.
Once the procedure is finished, we apply the remaining PRP in your vial to your skin. You will wear this home and it is recommended to note wash your face until the following day. As your PRP dries, your skin will be tight — similarly to how if feels when you apply a clay mask. This is completely normal and expected. Your provider will cover all additional post-care instructions with you to ensure you heal properly and achieve the best possible results!
THINGS TO CONSIDER
Like any other advanced aesthetic treatments, there are potential side effects to treatments paired with PRP. Bruises, inflammation, swelling, and redness are the most common side effects after these treatments. These typically appear soon afterward or immediately after the procedure and will clear in 4 to 6 days.
To avoid side effects after Microneedling + PRP or Clear + Brilliant Laser Facial + PRP, you should avoid sun exposure and harsh skin treatments during this time. Wearing at least an SPF 50 is critical. Avoiding rubbing or picking at your face will also help avoid additional unwanted side effects.
Before, on the day of and after your treatment, you and your provider will go over the full list of side effects and how you can help avoid them.
RECOVERY AFTER YOUR PRP TREATMENT
The recovery is relatively minimal. You may return to school or work the next day. There may still be some redness and other minor irritation signs, but you’ll want to avoid applying too many products. Your provider can go over what products you may use and ones to avoid.
Until your skin is fully healed, in general, it’s recommended to cleanse twice a day with a gentle cleanser and moisturize. In the morning, follow with a lightweight tinted sunscreen to help minimize redness and provider your skin with proper protection. In addition, during your recovery stage, we recommend avoiding:
- alcohol-based products
- exfoliating
- rigorous activities to cause excessive sweating and heat production as these can cause irritation and increase the risk of swelling and bruising.
- heavy workouts, swimming in pools, lakes or streams, sitting in the saunas, etc.
THE RESULTS
Microneedling + PRP
Using PRP with traditional microneedling treatments you will experience:
- diminishing of acne scars
- improved skin tone
- refined texture
- noticeable restoration of facial volume
Clear + Brilliant Laser Facial + PRP
Similar to Microneedling + PRP, you can expect to see:
- improved fine lines
- reduction in pore size
- improvements in tone and texture
Best of all, with both of these treatments, you can expect to see continued results during in the weeks and even months following as your body continues to generate new collagen and elastin from within!
To achieve the best results, a series of treatments is recommended. During a complimentary consultation your SKN BAR provider can discuss how many is recommended to achieve your specific needs and goals!
WHERE TO START
Your first step in your skin’s journey to health and skin confidence, call us and schedule a complimentary consultation with one of our aesthetic specialists. Your goals will be discussed at this appointment, and the correct path for your skin’s journey will be planned.
Ready to achieve a younger you, naturally? It’s time for PRP! Call us at (414) 488-7900 to schedule your Microneedling + PRP or Clear + Brilliant Laser Facial + PRP Treatment today!
