Hyaluronic acid fillers are composed of a solid material (hyaluronic acid) that is injected directly into areas of concern, such as wrinkles or areas that have lost volume. These fillers are indicated to soften deeper lines such as the folds around the mouth area, replace volume loss or to plump lips. They usually last from 6-18 months and repeated treatments are required to fill the area again once your body has broken down the injected filler.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is injected in a similar way and can treat similar areas of concern, but the process and timeline is slightly different. When PRP is injected into the skin it stimulates your own collagen to grow for total facial rejuvenation rather than individual wrinkle improvement. PRP is used to add volume to faces that are beginning to look drawn, to plump out cheek indentations, reduce under-eye hollows , improve the skin tone, firmness, and texture, and fill in areas where hyaluronic acid fillers may not be as safe to use.
Hyaluronic acid filler can be used with PRP as the two types of treatments are meant for different purposes; they supplement each other to give the best final outcome of a more youthful looking face. Hyaluronic acid is best suited to fill specific lines and folds whereas PRP improves overall volume, fullness, and skin tone.
Unlike with Hyaluronic filler the results are not as immediate with PRP, a series of treatments over the course of several months are recommended to achieve results. Upon consultation a treatment schedule will be developed and usually ranges from 3 to 6 treatments spaced several weeks apart, followed by annual maintenance treatments that will continue to encourage collagen production.
Pre-Treatment
Preparing for your treatment can help to ensure that everything runs smoothly on the day of your procedure. As PRP is derived from your own blood it is important to follow these pretreatment steps to ensure optimal results.
7 days prior to treatment discontinue using:
Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, β-Lactum Antibiotics, Vitamin E, Multi vitamins, Omega-3 Fatty Acids, Ginkgo Biloba, Ginseng, Alcohol, Green Tea
To maximize results, follow these tips 7 days prior to treatment:
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Stay hydrated leading up to your procedure
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Increase fruit and vegetable consumption 7 days prior to treatment
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Please note that patients suffering from active infection, cancer or other autoimmune disorders are contraindicated for this treatment.
As a non-surgical therapy, injecting with PRP will allow you to return to daily life right after treatment. There may be mild redness, swelling, itching or bruising of the injected areas. If necessary, a cold compress and make up are usually enough to allow you to continue your day. For more information regarding post-care instructions, please click here.
Post Treatment
Who Isn't a Good Candidate?
Most healthy individuals can easily undergo PRP treatments. Certain conditions like blood and platelet disorders, chronic liver disease, presence of an active severe infection, cardiovascular or hemodynamic instability and/or blood thinning medication would make PRP unsuitable. Recent steroid treatments and smoking are not recommended for PRP candidates and should be discussed prior to treatment.
