Every few years, a new beauty treatment arrives on the market that promises to replace the previous trendy treatment that came along before it. A lot of them end up fading into obscurity, but there is the rare handful that have proven their effectiveness and become skin maintenance staples for many -we’re looking at you cold laser therapy.
Now it looks as if platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is the latest skincare procedure to go from fad to staple.
You may have heard of the Vampire Facelift or Selphyl- two different types of cosmetic platelet-rich plasma treatments currently being offered in skincare clinics. Both use platelet- rich plasma derived from a patient’s own blood sample to rejuvenate the skin. It’s less of a product and more of a system that helps the body regenerate new skin tissue and promote collagen growth.
“A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient’s arm and spun in a centrifuge to separate out the platelets,” explains Dr. Ralph Bieg, MD, a physician who has adopted the treatment at his own practice in North Vancouver. “The platelets are then mixed with a matrix, and injected under the skin into the areas that need correction. The platelets hold a very high concentration of tissue growth factors that aid in the recovery of damaged and aging skin.”
Dr. Bieg acknowledges that wanting to look better is universal in all genders, which is why there seems to be a never-ending search for the ultimate anti-aging skin solution. “A platelet-rich plasma treatment is great because it is a natural process that will give you similar results as more invasive procedures.”
For years, platelet-rich plasma has been used in orthopaedic medicine, physiotherapy and reconstructive surgery for its healing properties; it made its transition into dermatology recently when it was discovered that its healing powers could be applied for cosmetic benefits as well.
“Patients like the idea of having their own platelets injected for a therapeutic or cosmetic benefit as there is no risk of reaction – it is their own blood. It doesn’t get more natural then that!” says Dr. Martin Braun, MD, a doctor who’s had platelet-rich plasma treatment himself. “It is effective for rejuvenating thin skin and fine wrinkles. I have also seen it fade melasma when nothing else worked. I do not know the mechanism of this action, but it is harmless to the patient, and they are obviously thrilled to see recalcitrant pigment fade.”
Its healing properties, combined with its high safety ranking, could be the reason for the procedure’s positive reviews across various medical fields. “It’s also quite effective for various musculoskeletal inflammatory conditions such as shoulder bursitis or Achilles tendinitis. There are no known side effects except a possible bruise from a needle administration.”
So for those individuals who want to rejuvenate their faces in the most natural manner possible, platelet-rich plasma could be the treatment you’ve been looking for. It’s a simple and painless procedure that can be done in under half an hour, however, it’s important to leave the injection process up to the pros. In order to ensure optimal safety and accuracy, only a registered physician should perform PRP treatments.
For the best platelet-rich plasma treatment services in Vancouver and surrounding area, check out the skincare centres listed below:
Physician Skin Care Centre
Address: 122 East 3rd Street
Phone: 604-929-3299
Website: www.skincare-centre.com
Vancouver Laser and Skin Care Centre
Address: 750 West Broadway
Phone: 604-708-9803
Website: www.vancouverlaser.com
Ambleside Dermedics Health Centre
Address: 285 17th Street
Phone: 604-256-3455
Website: www.amblesidedermedics.com
Reviva Laser Skin Clinic
Address: 8220 Lansdowne Road
Phone: 604-233-0878
Website: www.revivamd.com