*Actual patient of Dr. Lum*
What is PRP Treatment?
PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is prepared from a small amount of blood drawn directly from you. After blood is collected, platelets and plasma are extracted using an FDA-approved system designed specifically for this purpose.
At Lumier Medical, Dr. Lum has two double-spin centrifuge systems, one by Harvest Technologies, the other by Emcyte. If you get this procedure done elsewhere, make sure your provider uses Class II, FDA-cleared systems and collectors.
Tiger-top tubes used for In-Vitro lab testing are not approved to be used for these clinical treatments and potentially dangerous, because they are not held to the same stringent sterilization standards.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is harvested because platelets contain biologically active proteins known as growth factors and cytokines that naturally promote tissue repair at the site and time of injury.
Rejuvenation procedures such as fractional radio frequency and/or microneedling create controlled skin trauma. We do this knowing that the body will respond to the injury by activating platelets at the site of injury, which in turn release bioactive proteins that signal cells to strengthen the site with hyaluronic acid, collagen, form new blood vessels, carry debris away and fight infection. Used in combination with PRP, we can accelerate this process dramatically.
In short, the idea behind PRP is that we are using cells and substances from your “self” to stimulate and enhance your body’s own healing processes. We are helping you heal yourself.
What are the benefits of PRP?
PRP can enhance and accelerate the effects of rejuvenation or resurfacing procedures such as microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy.
It is commonly applied topically to the skin, following microneedling or can be injected directly into the skin with needles or cannulas to reduce wasting the PRP product.
The downside to the direct injection method is that may be slightly more uncomfortable for you when you are poked, plus the PRP may sting as it is injected.
The topical PRP method is less painful and quicker. Dr. Lum may use a variety of methods in combination to improve your results, but also make the procedure as comfortable as possible for you.
Dr. Lum prefers to use a smooth-tipped cannula when treating the tear troughs under the eyes.
Rejuvenation or resurfacing procedures improve the volume, color, texture, tone, and tightness of skin. By “resurfacing,” we are restoring the surface quality of the skin.
PRP is NOT a filler, though when used in combination with other resurfacing procedures or “needling” the skin, it can also enhance the superficial skin volume to make the treated areas look more plump and smooth.
Since PRP promotes healing, it gives a dramatic boost to rejuvenation procedures such as microneedling or fractional radio frequency, which create controlled injury. PRP enhances the rejuvenation of skin. Many of our patients say that their skin has a “glow,” appears plump and smooth “like a baby’s butt.”
They feel better about their skin appearance and more comfortable not wearing make-up.
What Should I Expect During PRP Treatment?
Before a PRP treatment, Dr. Lum requires a pre-treatment consultation to review your medical history, perform an examination of your condition(s) and make an assessment to determine if you are a candidate for the procedure. Dr. Lum will thoroughly educate you about the procedure and answer any questions you may have.
When you arrive for your PRP treatment, Dr. Lum will numb your skin with topical anesthetic. He will collect a small sample of your blood using a sterile, FDA-approved system and collector.
We use only your own blood for the procedure, so there is no chance of person-to-person disease transmission. A small amount of anticoagulant (anticoagulant citrate dextrose) is added to prevent the blood from clotting.
The collected blood is spun twice for a total of 14 minutes. The first spin removes the mature red blood cells. The second spin separates the platelets and stem cell markers from the white blood cells and platelet-poor plasma.
This may all seem a little complicated to you, but the procedure is very easy and straightforward. The PRP that is collected is about 6 to 7 times the natural blood concentration of platelets, which is considered the optimal concentration for creating new blood supply channels.
The skin is thoroughly cleaned with a surgical scrub ingredient or alcohol. A microneedling pen can be used to create controlled channels of injury, while the PRP can be applied topically or injected later.
What Happens After a PRP Treatment?
You may resume normal daily activities immediately after the procedure. However, strenuous physical activity should be avoided until the swelling subsides.
Dr. Lum advises you not to take aspirin, Ibuprofen or other anti-inflammatory medications such as prednisone for several days. Tylenol would be okay.
Expected side effects following the procedure may include redness, mild swelling, bruising, itching, skin irritation (from anesthetic), numbness or tenderness. Swelling is more common if the PRP was injected. This typically takes less than a week to subside.
To learn more about PRP treatment at Lumier Medical, call or go online today to book an appointment.
