What is PRP…Also Called ‘The Twilight Facial’?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an “autologous” blood product, meaning that blood is taken from the patient and used for that same patient.  This is important because it decreases the possibility of any side-effects and/or comorbidities that are present in other treatment options.

What is important about the blood plasma is that it contains an elevated level of platelets.  The concentrated platelets contain many different growth factors that are responsible for accelerating the natural healing process when applied to parts of the face, neck, and décolletage. Creating platelet rich plasma can increase the level of platelets up to five times more than in normal whole blood. PRP gives Medical Health Professionals another form of innovative treatment to utilize in their practice.

The National Institute of Health (NIH) published a study describing the systemic effects of PRP; the study can be found here. It found that several different growth factors are increased in the areas injected with PRP specific to healing and multiplying cells, blood vessels, muscles and basic fibroblast activity. These, in turn, develop collagen and elastin, thickening the matrix of the skin.

It is important to note that I use PRP in my practice because it helps with so many different conditions, especially when utilized with micro needling. These conditions are specific to anti-aging, rosacea, sun damage, and acne.

Procedure

PRP therapy is performed in 3 stages:

  1. Approximately 60-100ml of blood is collected from your vein. It’s very similar to having a routine blood test performed at your doctor’s office or clinic. The blood is drawn up by a nurse or phlebotomist.
  2. The blood is then placed in a machine called a centrifuge where your blood is spun for approximately 15 minutes. When the centrifuge has stopped spinning, your blood components have now been separated. The concentrated platelets, PRP, have been separated from your normal whole blood.
  3. The PRP is then drawn up into a syringe for subdermal or IM injection and in conjunction with fillers. It can also be microneedled into the dermis.  Called the “Twilight Facial” or PRP Facial, the process is also utilized into the scalp for hair restoration.