Few skin treatments are as appropriate for fall as the PRP facial, informally called the “vampire facial.” Despite its somewhat intimidating nickname, this treatment is every bit as gentle as it is rejuvenating. The PRP facial is completely hypoallergenic and utilizes powerful compounds derived from the most natural source of all—your own body.
What is a PRP Facial?
PRP stands for “platelet-rich plasma.” During a PRP facial, a very small amount of blood is removed from the patient and processed in a centrifuge. The centrifuge separates platelets, which are rich in human growth factors, from other components in the blood, like red blood cells.
Once the patient’s PRP has been prepared, a form of microdermabrasion is used to prime her (or his) skin for its platelet infusion. Tiny “micro incisions” are made in the skin, allowing the platelets in the PRP to penetrate deep into the dermis. This way, they’ll stimulate rejuvenation in the connective tissues that support the skin, as well as improving the skin’s surface.
What Makes the PRP Facial so Effective?
The two-step process that powers every PRP facial has important implications for patients looking to fight the signs of aging: First, the abrasive action used to prepare the skin to receive PRP directly stimulates the body’s healing response. This increases production of the skin-firming compound known as collagen. (Collagen levels gradually decline with age, leading to the formation of creases and loose skin.)
This natural healing process is greatly accelerated by the application of PRP. The growth factors contained in platelets have been shown to stimulate collagen production and speed up cell turnover (the rate at which dead and damaged cells are replaced by new, healthy cells). The PRP facial can, therefore, get rid of wrinkles, fine lines, acne, and areas of dull or dry skin (while improving the overall condition of the skin). It accomplishes all of this without the use of lasers or harsh chemical agents, so patients don’t have to worry about lingering redness, soreness, or peeling after having a PRP facial.
What to Expect After Having a PRP Facial
Most patients recover quickly after having a PRP facial. You may notice some mild redness and swelling for the first 24 to 48 hours after your treatment. Then your skin will take on a fresh, rosy glow. We recommend using a cool compress and avoiding the use of makeup for two days after your PRP facial; this will minimize swelling and prevent irritation. You should also be careful to avoid direct sun exposure for at least a week after your facial.
Though you’ll see some improvement in the condition of your skin just a few days after having this procedure, full results continue to develop over two to four weeks. This is the case because changes in skin texture take time to fully manifest. Your body needs a few weeks to completely eliminate dead skin cells and replace them with healthy, collagen-enriched cells.
If you’re interested in making the PRP facial part of your personalized treatment plan, feel free to contact Ritacca Cosmetic Surgery & Medspa to arrange a consultation. We’ll be happy to explain this cutting-edge skin rejuvenation treatment to you in more depth.
