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What is a PRP Facial?

Oct 17, 2019 | Facials

This latest beauty treatment craze renews your face and keeps wrinkles away.  But does it work? And what is it? Why are celebrities like Bar Refaeli and Kim Kardashian such big supporters of this facial?  Let’s look at everything you need to know about the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) facial.

How Did it Start?

The PRP Facial is a treatment developed by designer-physician Charles Runels, M.D. He trains and certifies providers in this procedure.  It is important to use these providers for the procedure. They receive training in every aspect of the PRP facial, from drawing blood to performing each step.  When it comes to your face and a procedure like this, don’t go look for a bargain.

What Is It?

In Los Angeles platelet-rich plasma facial are also known as a “PRP facials”.

This facial treatment starts by taking your blood. Yes, the doctor uses your plasma  on your face.

It’s drawn at the start of the procedure from your arm, just like giving blood.

And it’s a small amount–about the equivalent of a couple of large spoonfuls of blood.

Then the doctor places your blood in a centrifuge to extract the plasma. The plasma contains platelets and growth factors which are beneficial to renewing skin cells.

The plasma is applied on to your face and then microneedle into your skin with our FDA cleared device. This tricks your body to think you have an injury. Your body responds to the plasma with new collagen formation.

Your body produces less collagen as you age. But collagen is essential to maintaining elasticity in your skin.

With the production of new collagen, the PRP facial enhances the regeneration of skin cells resulting in a brighter lighter more hydrated and younger looking skin.

What is the Procedure?

This process uses very thin, very short needles that cause controlled micro-injuries that stimulate the body’s natural wound healing process. The micro-injuries trigger the release of cytokines and growth factors that lead to remodeling of collagen and elastin. Think of dozens of tiny pin pricks all over your face. Depending on your response to pain, this might not feel like much at all.

You’ve probably seen those photos of Kim Kardashian with the blood smeared over her face. It looks dramatic. But it’s the micro needling process that draws tiny amounts of blood through the micro channels in your skin.

In about 10 minutes your PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is ready, it is injected into your face through micro-needling. Your processed plasma is then applied over your face and absorbed through the microneedle channels.

For best results, we recommend receiving the PRP Facial treatment consecutively 3 times, 4 to 6 weeks apart.

Does it Hurt?

Any procedures using needles has the potential for pain. From the blood draw to the micro-needling, the PRP facial involves microneedling with an FDA cleared device called SkinPen.

However, there’s no need to hurt. Don’t worry, we apply topical numbing cream to help increase comfort.

Talk through each step and the possible effects of each part of the procedure.

Also note that if you are pregnant, you will have to forego the procedure.

What are the Results?

Don’t be deterred by Kim Kardashian’s before and after photos showing off her bloody face. That’s not the final result.

The PRP facial results:

Shrinks the pores

Improves acne scars

Improves skin tone

Brightens and lightens the skin

Rehydrates the skin

Decreases wrinkles

Smoother skin

Be sure to protect your face from the sun for the next few weeks after your PRP facial. It will be at higher risk of sun damage after the treatment. Please use sunblock on your face at all times after the procedure.

Over these next few days, you’ll see increased volume in your skin where wrinkles used to be. The desired effect is a “lift.”

Results, however, are not always immediate. Remember, your face is generating new cells as a result of the PRP injections.

Note that the immediate fullness of your face is a result of some swelling. You did just experience micro needling (scraping and poking with the SkinPen).

The swelling and redness should go down within a few days so plan your treatment at least 2 weeks prior to any event.

But… Does it Work?

The desired results sound great. But does it really work?

As with many treatments, you’ll find mixed reviews about the success of the platelet-rich plasma facial treatment. And as with most treatments, there are pros and cons to the PRP facial.

Some people report an almost immediate glow to their skin or a glow that develops over time. Ultimately, results vary with each person.

Some celebrities and influencers swear by the procedure. But you might feel better hearing from “regular Janes” who have had a PRP facial.

What Does it Cost?

A PRP facial is neither the cheapest, not the most expensive skin rejuvenating procedure out there. Either way, you might find the cost worth the results.

Prices will vary with your specific treatment.