PRP Facial

 

The PRP facial (aka, the Vampire Facial) utilizes your own plasma to regenerate the skin and reverse the signs of aging.

The plasma, or the clear part of the blood, contains proteins and platelets which enrich the cells under your skin. In addition, platelets contain growth factors and other healing elements.

In the PRP facial procedure, a small amount of your blood is drawn and then spun down in a specialized centrifuge separating the red and white blood cells from the clear plasma and platelets. The platelet rich plasma (PRP) is then spread evenly over the skin. Micro-needling is then used to push the PRP into the skin. This procedure, from the micro-trauma of microneedling and the healing abilities of the platelets in the plasma is powerfully anti-aging, growing new blood cells, new fat cells and new collagen cells. The skin will become tighter, pores will shrink, color will improve, fine lines and wrinkles will diminish.

What is PRP: Platelet Rich Plasma Protein

Platelet Rich Plasma is produced from the patient’s own blood.  After a blood sample is obtained from the patient, the blood is put into a special centrifuge to separate the PRP from the blood.  The platelets are the cells in the blood that helps clotting, but it also helps the healing process and to grow new cells.

This promotes your own collagen to grow, regenerates tissue, and thus acts to naturally smooth and tighten the skin. 

What is micro-needling?

Micro-needling has been around for many years.  We utilize a micro-needling pen that creates thousands of tiny needle holes or channels which allow the plasma to penetrate the skin.  These “micro-injuries” stimulate the body to begin the healing process resulting in an increased production of collagen and elastin resulting in a reversing of the signs of aging and helping to prevent the progression of aging. This is the key to softer, more youthful-looking skin.  Just a few treatments cause noticeable reduction in fine & deep wrinkles, crow’s feet and can prevent new wrinkles from forming.

 

How does the procedure work?

We first apply an anesthetic cream to your face. Then, the PRP is spread on the skin surface and the micro-needling device is used to create thousands of tiny “micro-channels” across the entire area that is treated. The depth and speed of the micro-needling will vary depending on the skin thickness in different areas of the face. You can anticipate spending about one hour at the office from beginning to end of the procedure.

Does it hurt?

At East Bay Innovative Medicine, we use a special topical numbing cream that will eliminate any pain from the procedure. Most of our clients feel no pain at all during or after the treatment. If any pain is felt, it is very mild. 

Can I go to work the same day?

Your face will be red and irritated, there is a possibility that some bruising will take place. In most cases people feel comfortable going back to work the next day, but this will depend on each patient’s situation. Two days after the treatment (on average) your skin will have no trace of micro-needling.

How long until I will see benefit?

There will be some noticeable improvement immediately and you will continue to see improvement in your skin as your body’s natural repair process creates more collagen.  The full benefit may take 4-8 weeks to occur.

Can I combine micro-needling with other treatments?

Yes! In fact micro-needling is a component of many other combinations. The results are typically superior when procedures are combined.  Dermablading may be performed 2 weeks prior to microneedling treatments and can enhance the results. The best combinations will be discussed during your consultation.

PRP Rejuvenation / PRP Facial Options

• Option 1: PRP injection + hyaluronic acid (dermal fillers) + micro-needling = most significant improvement
• Option 2: PRP injection + hyaluronic acid = 2nd most significant improvement
• Option 3: PRP Injection Therapy = 3rd most significant improvement
• Option 4: PRP Facial (micro-needling)

How do I care for my face after the treatment?

At East Bay Innovative Medicine, we enhance the treatment with a post microneedling facial mask that is cool, soothing and therapeutic. You will also be given advice regarding the best skin care products to enhance your outcome.

 

What are the potential adverse effects?

This procedure is almost free of any serious adverse effects. However, there is potential for infection to occur anytime the skin is punctured. There is potential for unexpected changes in the pigment of the skin, such as darkening. Although the anesthesia is highly effective, some clients perceive minor pain during the treatment. 

How often can I micro-needle?

Micro-needling can be performed every three months. The frequency will depend on your skin condition and the treatment objectives. In some cases, once a year will be adequate to preserve your skin and prevent aging.

What if I have a blood borne disease or chronic illness, can you still use my blood?

Yes. Because it is your own blood there is no increased risk of amplifying any medical conditions you currently have. Other individual circumstances will be evaluated at the time of your consultation.

 

Add “Growth Hormone” Booster to any PRP treatment

 

Growth hormone is essential for new tissue generation. Its use can improve the texture and quality of skin, collagen, and other components of soft tissue.

At East Bay Innovative Medicine we utilize a protocol using injectable growth hormone boosters to enhance the effect of our anti-aging treatments. This does not involve using growth hormone itself, but rather an injection of the hormone that stimulates your body to produce more of its own growth hormone. The needles that are used are very small and nearly painless as they are injected. The recommended cycle of treatment is for 30 days. 

The booster treatment is appropriate for most of the anti-aging modalities. The use of this booster can be discussed at your consultation. 

ADD “The Firm” Intravenous Collagen Booster to any PRP treatment

Vitamin C is a critical component in the formation of collagen. By giving high-dose Vitamin C intravenously, along with other collagen forming vitamins (such as biotin) and supplements, the effect of your treatment can be enhanced.

We recommend an intravenous infusion the day of your treatment, and then weekly for two doses. This will maximize the benefit during the time that the healing is most active from the treatment.

The intravenous boosters are safe and painless. They take about 30 minutes to infuse.