PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) – By Dr. Kelly Burkenstock
An Advanced & Natural Treatment for Skin Rejuvenation
Tune into FOX8 live, November 5th, 9:30a local to learn more!
History of PRP
The concept of platelet rich plasma (PRP) began when hematologists created the term during the 1970s to describe the plasma with a platelet count above that of peripheral blood. Initially PRP was used as a transfusion product to treat patients with a low platelet count. Almost a decade later, doctors started using PRP in oral surgery due to its anti-inflammatory characteristics and ability to stimulate new cell growth. In addition, orthopedics began using PRP to heal musculoskeletal injuries, and is now relied on heavily in this field. Today, PRP is commonly used in: cosmetic aesthetic medicine, plastic surgery, cardiac surgery, pediatric surgery, gynecology, urology, and ophthalmology.
PRP and Cosmetic Aesthetic Medicine
More recently, there has been a rising interest in using PRP in cosmetic aesthetic medicine, with a particular focus in tissue regeneration, wound healing, scar revision, skin rejuvenating effects, and angioneogenesis (new blood cell growth).
Skin is naturally comprised of red blood cells along with serum which contains white blood cells and platelets. PRP is essentially an extract of your own serum that contains 3-5 times more platelets, growth factors, stem cells and active proteins. These unique growth factors in platelets help the skin function by increasing collagen, elastin and new capillary growth. They also help to contribute to antioxidant and hydration in the skin, further promoting tissue healing and cell turnover.
PRP is now being used in a similar way as dermal fillers are injected: in a minimally invasive, nonsurgical manner. Along with microneedling, PRP therapy can effectively target premature wrinkles, high levels of solar damage, or anyone who wants an even tone and fresher appearance to their skin.
When PRP is injected into the skin, it catalyzes a localized stem cell response that attracts collagen-producing cells called fibroblasts. These fibroblasts replace damaged tissue with healthy, refreshed, younger, and rejuvenated skin. PRP has also been effective in filling in scars and contour defects, by regenerating and repairing soft tissue that is damaged by aging or trauma. Therefore, PRP can be used cosmetically on the face, neck, decollete and hands to: reduce fine lines and wrinkles, tighten and tone skin, treat mild collagen and volume loss, help with crow’s feet and dark circles, reduce acne scarring and rosacea.
Is Cosmetic PRP Right For Me?
Depending on the age-related concern, some individuals respond better to cosmetic PRP, while others find hyaluronic acid, fillers, peels, or laser resurfacing techniques more effective. Most often, using treatments together can enhance and complement the effects of one another. Both women and men can benefit from PRP treatment. PRP can be likened to putting fertilizer, new seeds, sun and water into one’s landscape; PRP always improves and enhances regardless of what other procedures are done.
PRP and Alopecia
The good news for thinning hair is that growth factors can actually aid in the stimulation of hair follicles, and in fact promote new hair growth. The use of PRP is therefore a great treatment option for hair loss. There are several scientifically based articles that show its efficacy on increasing hair count, hair thickness, and the growth phase of the hair cycle. The treatment has therefore been gaining popularity around the world within the last few years.
PRP and Intimacy
For female patients suffering from low libido, discomfort during intercourse, or urinary incontinence (leakage), PRP can be effective in treating many of these intimacy issues. By naturally enhancing the delicate tissues, PRP can absolutely improve the quality of women’s sex lives. PRP is careful injected into symptomatic areas to restore suppleness, increasing natural lubrication, improve arousal, and provide overall rejuvenation. For men, there is also promising scientific data that illustrates the ability of PRP therapy to safely improve the health and functioning of erectile tissue.
Conclusion
PRP is an effective and natural way of harnessing the healing power of your own blood to help reverse the signs of aging. It is therefore simple and safe, without any risk of disease transmission, allergic reaction, or immune reaction.
PRP can absolutely be repeated, and patients can expect to see better results as they receive more treatments. Best results are seen with a total of 2-3 treatments given about 3-4 months apart. Results get better with time.
Dr. Burkenstock has extensively studied PRP techniques internationally with Drs. Angelos Kanakopoulos Greece & Marie Kardashian in Monte Carlo to perfect her techniques and rejuvenate your appearance with platelet-rich plasma. Visit www.skinbodyhealth.com and schedule an appointment today.
Tune into FOX8 live, November 5th, at 9:30a local to learn more!