Effective Medical Spa Platelet Rich Plasma Treatments?

PRP (Platlet Rich Plasma) treatments have become a staple for some clinics, so what's the deal?

Combining aesthetic techniques is probably the most popular 'cross-selling' technique and platlet rich plasma treatments are an easy add if you're set up for them. PRP serves mainly as regenerative, but it has branched out to anti-aging medicine. A number of clinics and physicians are using PRM an alternative to dermal fillers or adding them to filler treatments.

In a Medscape interview with Dr. Matarasso (plastic surgeon) last 2012 , he emphasizes that fillers and injectables break down over time, while using PRP would last longer—because it is natural and has no risk of rejection and allergy. Additionally, Puri (2015) suggests that given the natural treatment of PRP, it is considered an alternative to any synthetic filler—for patients who are unwilling to have them injected.

Most of the studies we've read have seen better results when adding PRP treatments into the mix, but there are any number of physicians who still have their doubts (perhaps they cynical group).

Using PRP with fat or Adipose tissue?

Sommeling et al. 2012 suggests that using a PRP and fat grafting technique for a treatment would enhance fat improvement. On the other hand, In Malekpour et al. (2014)’s study of the usage of PRP and fat grafting, patient satisfaction was reported despite lesser significant outcomes on the third and sixth month follow-up on the treatment.

Kumaran (2014) suggests that using PRP, mixed with fat grafts in treating scars, followed-up by a fractional laser treatment may yield good results. In the topic of lasers, PRP has also been treated alongside lasers and derma rollers or microneedling; studies focused on those modalities have resulted to patient satisfaction.

The usage of PRP and laser is deemed effective for some patients, reported better texture, elasticity, and lesser erythema (Shin et al. 2012).

In another study, conducted by Oyunsaikhan, Amarsaikhan, Batbyar, and Erdenetsogt (2017), dermarollers are another effective method as there have been improvements on the facial wrinkle grade and after six months, collagen and epidermal thickness had significantly improved.

Most study limitations focused on the ethical use of two materials for one treatment. Research on the treatment for aesthetic purposes is limited. In addition, most physicians noted that with PRP, one is "over-correcting" the treatment on the patient—which some claim that is how you get results. A select few also think that other treatments would be best suited for facial or skin rejuvenation or tightening.

 Most physicians already using PRP seem hopeful about the benefits and look to patient satisfaction as more of an indicator of efficacy .

Anyone having first hand experience is welcome to comment.

Stem Cells & The Vampire Facelift

If you attend medical conferences, or read the trade journals, you’ve no doubt heard about stem cells and their incredible potential in the healthcare industry. These cells have the ability to repair or replace damaged cells, reduce inflammation, and possibly even have a role in disease prevention and cure.

Lately, these cells have been the target of much interest in the cosmetic field. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is the portion of the blood that remains after centrifugation has separated out the red cells. This fraction is unusually rich in growth factors and stem cells, that have the ability to repair damaged skin, and act as a long-lasting filler to volumize the face. The PRP is activated using calcium, and then is immediately injected into the donor’s face.

At Canyon Lake MedSpa, we have been using the patented “Vampire Facelift” technique (Regen Labs) in conjunction with standard HA or CHA fillers. We inject the filler using standard technique and then layer the PRP on top. Although still very new to this technique, we believe we are seeing the early effects including improved skin tone and color. Research has documented significant prolongation of filler effect, but we have not been doing this procedure long enough to attest to that yet.

Since we are only minimally manipulating the blood (centrifuging and decanting off the PRP) in a completely closed system, and re-injecting it into the same patient, there is virtually no risk.

In our next article we will discuss, in greater detail, tips on collecting and injecting PRP, how to educate patients and the outcome of our patients’ results.

There has been tremendous interest in the very-well marketed “Vampire Face Lift” and we have experienced an increase in our Med Spa new-patient visits as a result of this interest.