What is PRP?
PRP, platelet-rich plasma, is a substance that is derived from your blood. Plasma is the liquid part of your blood, whereas platelets are blood cells. Your platelets are integral to the various healing responses your body engages in when necessary, such as when you get a scrape or cut. Platelets assist with healing by stimulating collagen production, tissue regeneration, and cell reproduction. In the area of skin rejuvenation, providers use PRP in conjunction with microneedling, a complementary modality that stimulates tissue repair and collagen remodeling via micro-injuries in the skin.
The PRP facial involves topical application of the PRP combined with aeration of the skin with Micro Needling or fractionated laser. The platelet-derived growth factors stimulate a healing response that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving the skin’s tone and texture.
PRP naturally improves all aspects of skin health:
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Improves skin’s texture and tone
- Naturally increases collagen production
- Pore refinement
- Creates a natural glow
- Reduces acne scars
How is PRP Administered?
At Old Town Med Spa in Chicago, we administer PRP facials. This treatment combines microneedling or fractional laser energy to rejuvenate your skin. This process begins with a quick blood draw from your arm. While your blood is being processed in a special machine that separates the plasma from red blood cells, your provider may apply a topical numbing cream to the treatment area. The PRP facial begins with microneedling or laser treatment that removes dead and damaged cells while also stimulating a natural wound-healing process. After the skin is treated with laser or microneedling, the provider applies the PRP topically. The laser or microneedling makes the skin more permeable, so the PRP will soak into deeper layers, where it can support a more robust process of tissue regeneration.
How Long Does a PRP Treatment Take?
PRP facials can take from 30 to 60 minutes. This depends on the size of your selected treatment area or the combination of multiple treatment areas in a single visit.
How Long is the Recovery?
Your PRP facial is not a service to schedule when you need to attend work or a special event right away. After your treatment, you may experience minor redness, puffiness, and potentially some bruising. These side effects improve significantly within one to two days. During that time, it is important to be very gentle with the skin. Use a gentle face wash and do not exfoliate or rub the skin. As needed, you may take an over-the-counter pain reliever to alleviate the minor soreness or tenderness that can occur after this treatment. In addition to cleansing and moisturizing your skin as recommended by your provider, you must also take care to avoid excessive sun exposure and apply broad-spectrum sunscreen daily.
As your side effects fade over the first week after treatment, you will begin to see smoother, fresher, firmer skin.
Do PRP Injections Hurt?
PRP treatment in our Chicago medical spa involves microneedling or fractional laser resurfacing before the application of the platelet-rich plasma. These minimally-invasive treatments are performed with the use of a mild anesthetic, applied beforehand. Topical anesthetic does not completely numb the skin but it does achieve substantial desensitization. With that, your PRP facial should be quite comfortable!
