During the aging process, two key changes are responsible for most of the signs of aging. The first is loss of fatty tissue from the face, causing the face to appear hollow and angular.
This loss of tissue also causes the skin to sag and droop, because it has nothing underneath it to support it. The other key change is alterations in the structure of the skin.
Aging skin gradually decreases the amount of collagen and elastin that it produces. This makes the skin become thin and non-elastic. Its lack of elasticity is what allows wrinkles and lines to set in.
Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is prepared from the patient’s own blood in a very quick, simple procedure. Platelets are a rich source of a potent cocktail of growth factors. Their normal role is to speed healing of acute injuries.
Some time ago, doctors discovered that applying PRP to chronic injuries or degenerative conditions, such as tendonitis and arthritis, could trigger an acute healing response to cure the condition.
More recently, doctors realized that PRP could induce a regenerative response in aging tissues, essentially turning back the clock and restoring a more youthful physiology to the treated tissues.
When injected into aging skin, PRP induces the skin to produce more collagen and elastin, and improves blood flow to the skin. The skin becomes thicker, more elastic, and develops a youthful rosy glow.
During the procedure, a blood sample is taken from the patient and the PRP is prepared. The face may be numbed with an anesthetic cream, and the practitioner may inject PRP into many different areas of the face.
After the procedure, there may be reddening, bruising, and swelling, but this is temporary. The PRP immediately goes to work to trigger a rejuvenation effect.
The full effect will take some time to become apparent. Some practitioners may recommend a schedule for performing PRP procedures in order to maximize the effect.
If your skin has lost elasticity and you have been dealing with wrinkles and lines, contact Skin Boutique today to learn more information about PRP injections.
