PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP) INJECTION By Joshua Zuckerman, MD, FACS in New York City
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a natural component of blood and appears yellow or gold in color. It is rich in growth factors, has rejuvenative properties, and is derived from a patient’s own blood. Dr. Zuckerman’s Medical Assistant separates out the platelet rich plasma via centrifuge before Dr. Zuckerman uses it during treatment.
Rejuvenative treatment using platelet rich plasma (PRP) is among the most popular trends in non-invasive medical beauty. It is effective and has also become popular due to its appearance on a reality television show involving Kim Kardashian. Although the treatment is often called PRP injection, it actually typically involves rubbing platelet rich plasma on the skin paired with another treatment. The paired treatment generally helps deliver the PRP below the outer epidermis into the deeper layers of skin to potentiate its effects. At Zuckerman Plastic Surgery, the most popular paired treatment is Aquagold microneedling. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a component of the blood and is harvested by drawing a patient’s blood and placing it in a centrifuge to separate out the PRP component. It is rich in growth factors and has long been used to improve healing response in several medical specialties including orthopedics and plastic surgery. It has also been called “liquid gold”, due to its color and rejuvenative properties. Growth factors are not hormones but are responsible for the repair of damaged skin and help regulate collagen and elastin, which themselves maintain skin structure, elasticity and firmness. For skin and facial rejuvenation, we seek to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin in the skin, which otherwise declines with age, by employing platelet rich plasma (PRP).
Dr. Zuckerman customizes each treatment to a patient’s skin type and particular problem areas but typically involves three rounds of the microneedling or Aquagold. Dr. Zuckerman rubs the platelet rich plasma (PRP) on the face in between treatments and performs microneedling over it. The microneedling device forces the PRP into the skin below the outer layer, the strateum corneum, and into the living dermis. Platelet rich plasma may also be added to a laser skin resurfacing treatment for similar effects. Patients may choose to have Dr. Zuckerman himself perform treatment or have it performed by one of his certified, medical professional staff.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) for Acne Scarring
Adding platelet rich plasma (PRP) to a microneedling treatment for acne scarring may help improve the efficacy of treatment. PRP can be added to a laser resurfacing treatment for acne scarring as well.
Key Aspects of Treatment
Treatment with platelet rich plasma (PRP) is best known for its appearance on a reality television show. However, this has inspired some common patient misconceptions.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection Recommended Regimen
Most patients require two to three treatments per year to maintain a continual effect.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection Longevity
The effects of treatment last three to six months.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection Procedure Time
25 minutes per treatment
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection Pretreatment Guidelines
Dr. Zuckerman recommends patients take the following precautions before undergoing this treatment to minimize bruising:
- Avoid NSAIDs such aspirin or ibuprofen within a couple days before and a day after
- Don’t drink alcohol to excess a day before and a day before
- Refrain from lying flat or working out within 2 hours after injection
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection Recovery (Downtime)
Patients’ skin may appear a little pink for up to three days, but most patients have no downtime and go straight back to work after treatment.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection Associated Risks
There are few risks or complications for this minimally invasive treatment when performed in a sterile medical environment, because platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a natural compound derived from the patient’s own blood. By visiting Dr. Zuckerman, an experienced board-certified plastic surgeon, you can be certain that your procedure will be undertaken safely and comfortably and will be customized to your particular aesthetic needs.
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