PRP – THE PLASMA FACELIFT
This new cosmetic procedure is actually based on advanced medical technology involving the separation of platelets from red blood cells. The procedure was popularized when Kim Kardashian Instagramed a picture of her face lathered in blood. However, this is not the kind of surgical facelift with which we are familiar. The PRP requires that a dermatologist extract a small amount of the patient’s blood, place it in a centrifuge that separates fibrin and platelets from blood cells and then insert this jelly-like substance (the fibrin and platelets) into the skin to firm sagging skin and smooth wrinkles. This substance stimulates the production of new skin cells that rapidly fills in lined, tired skin and gives people undergoing this procedure the appearance of having an invasive facelift.
The Selphyl System
The device used by doctors and dermatologists to separate white and red blood cells from fibrin and platelets is called the Selphl System. In addition to reducing wrinkles, plumping out those crescent-shaped folds that develop along the nose and sides of the mouth and firming loose skin, the Selphyl System has also been successfully used to fill in surgical and acne pitting. Unlike synthetic dermal fillers, Selphyl is a natural type of dermal filler that cannot be rejected by the body. Consequently, people who have experienced allergic reactions to traditional dermal fillers do not have worry about having an allergic response to the Plasma Injection Facelift.
Additionally, the Selphyl System will not produce knots or lumps under the skin nor does the platelet jelly harden once it is introduced into the skin. No side effects have been reported and the entire procedure is usually completed within 30 to 45 minutes. However, individuals on aspirin therapy, those taking vitamin E supplements or people with blood clotting disorders may not be good candidates for the PRP and will need to discuss their candidacy with their dermatologist.
How Does the Selphyl System Work?
The doctor collects around nine cc’s (two teaspoons) of blood from the patient wanting a Plasma Injection Facelift. This blood is put into a centrifuge for five to six minutes where the process of separating blood cells from fibrin and platelets is initiated. The platelet/fibrin solution can be stored for two hours if necessary without losing any of its effectiveness. Before this solution is injected under a patient’s skin, it is poured into a tube that contains a polymerizing substance that induces a chain reaction resulting in the formation of free radicals, which are molecules responsible for promoting the formation of new skin cells.
The Plasma Injection Facelift is essentially a type of PRP, or Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy that takes advantage of growth factors found in blood platelets. These growth factors encourage production of collagen as soon as it is injected into the skin. Popular as a facial rejuvenation technique in Europe and Japan since its approval in 2006, PRP is also an important part of medical procedures requiring dynamic tissue healing such as major joint surgery.
Although a platelet’s primary function is to prevent blood loss from open wounds, they also contain concentrated amounts of proteins that afford amazing healing effects to injured organs, including the skin, the body’s largest organ. Manufactured in bone marrow, platelets are actually cell fragments covered in sticky proteins that allow them to adhere to broken blood vessel and capillary walls in order to stop the bleeding. When someone receives an injection of PRP, the serum immediately starts to promote collagen production and stem cell growth, which both encourage the creation of new skin cells at a faster than normal pace. Generally, patients experience visible evidence of a Plasma Injection Facelift after two to three PRP treatments. Some swelling may occur that lasts two to three weeks, after which patients will see much less wrinkling, healthier skin tone and firmer skin.
For people who want rejuvenated, youthful, tightened skin without the downtime associated with a surgical facelift, the Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, offers the chance to experience smooth, firm skin without risking allergic reactions, infection or the high cost of a hospital stay.
