The use of autologous (your own) platelet-rich plasma (taken from your blood) for tissue repair started in the 1990s. By 2006 it was being used across many fields of medicine for healing and even began to be covered by insurance. That’s because it is known to be rich in fibrin and many different important growth factors that stimulate stem cells to grow and tissues to regenerate rapidly. Now it is used to regenerate skin, joints, and hair. It is now even used with impressive results to reverse sexual dysfunction in men and women.

Therefore, PRP is being injected for cosmetic purposes. Studies[1] [2] and clinical experience are confirming its effectiveness for acne and other scar revision, skin rejuvenation, dermal augmentation, and striae distensae (stretch marks).

The cost of PRP ranges from $600 to $1000 per treatment depending on the area being treated. The effects can last from 12 months to 2 years depending on your age and initial skin health.

PRP for facial rejuvenation – more details

Platelets and growth factors from your own blood stimulate a stem cell response, which turns into new connective tissue (skin) cells. They also stimulate collagen and blood vessels, cause the repair of damaged skin, and help slow skin aging.[3] Because it comes from your own blood, there is no risk of allergic reaction or rejection.

Ten milliliters (1 vial) of your blood is drawn and spun down by a centrifuge for approximately 6 minutes to retrieve the platelet-rich and fibrin-rich portion of the blood plasma. This is then reinjected into the tissue being treated.

The indications for the skin cosmetic use of PRP include:

• Skin rejuvenation: for reducing fine lines and wrinkles such as crow’s feet and tear troughs (dark circles under eyelids)

• Tightening skin and dermal augmentation for mild collagen and volume loss

• Scar revision, including acne scars and rosacea

• Stretch marks

• Lip and frown lines

• Deep depressions around the nose and mouth

• Volume loss in the cheeks

• Sagging around the jawline

• Dehydrated skin
   

Within a few weeks after just one treatment you can expect to see improvement in skin hydration, texture and tone. Although it is a gradual improvement over 3 to 5 weeks, there will be new collagen and blood vessels growing. After 3 to 6 months there will be full effect of its correction of fine lines, wrinkles, and volume depletion. You can expect to see a longer-lasting effect than dermal fillers. It is used for larger areas of skin rather than small isolated defects seen with dermal fillers. PRP can be combined with dermal fillers and botulinum toxin for optimal overall cosmetic results.

The effects of PRP can last as long as 18 months.

I am excited to share in my next article the impressive results doctors are getting with PRP for joint healing, hair restoration, and sexual dysfunction reversal.

To your long-term health and to feel good,

Michael Cutler, M.D.

[1] Leo MS, Kumar AS, Kirit R, Konathan R, Sivamani RK. Systematic review of the use of platelet-rich plasma in aesthetic dermatology. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2015 Dec;14(4):315-23. PubMed PMID: 26205133.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26205133

[2] Redaelli A, Romano D, Marcianó A. Face and neck revitalization with platelet-rich plasma (PRP): clinical outcome in a series of 23 consecutively treated patients. J Drugs Dermatol. 2010;9:466–472. [PubMed]

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/20480789

[3] Kim DH, Je YJ, Kim CD, et al. Can Platelet-rich Plasma Be Used for Skin Rejuvenation? Evaluation of Effects of Platelet-rich Plasma on Human Dermal Fibroblast. Annals of Dermatology. 2011;23(4):424-431. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3229934/