Platelet Rich Plasma

Collagen Induction Therapy: Platelet Rich Plasma

Microneedling with prp (platelet rich plasma), also known as a vampire facial or collagen induction therapy is an ideal treatment of wrinkles and fine lines, acne scars, surgical scars, large pores, hyperpigmentation and uneven skin texture. Prp is a simple, efficient and minimally invasive method of obtaining a natural concentration of autologus gfs (growth factors). Generation of prp involves centrifugation of autologous blood to separate and extract the plasma and buffy coat portion of the blood, which contains high concentrations of platelets.

The role of platelets
Platelets are the first cell type to arrive at the site of tissue injury and are particularly active in the early inflammatory phases of the healing process. They play a role in homeostasis, through cell membrane adherence, aggregation, clot formation, and release of substance that promote tissue repair and that influence the reactivity of blood vessels and blood cell types involved in angiogenesis and inflammation. Platelets mediate these effects through degranulation, in which platelet derived gf (pdgf), transforming gf-β1 (tgf-β1), vascular endothelial gf (vegf), basic fibroblastic gf (bfgf ), and epidermal gf (egf) are released from alpha granules. Platelets also store antibacterial and fungicidal proteins, metalloproteases, coagulation factors, and membrane glycoproteins, which may influence inflammation by inducing the synthesis of other intergrins, interleukens, and chemokines. Dense granules in platelets store and release adp, atp, calcium ions, histamine, serotonin, and dopamine, which are active in tissue modulation and regeneration.

Growth Factors Prsent In Prp

Name	Acronym	Function
Platelet-derived growth factor	PDGF	Stimulates fibroblast production, chemotaxis, stimulates transforming growth factor–β1, collagen production, upregulation of proteoglycan synthesis
Transforming growth factor–β1	TGF-β1	Modulates proliferation of fibroblasts, formation of extracellular matrix, cell viability; increases production of collagen from fibroblasts, suppression interleukin 1–mediated effects on proteoglycan synthesis in cartilage
Basic fibroblastic growth factor	bFGF	Produces collagen; stimulates angiogenesis, proliferation of myoblasts
Vascular endothelial growth factor	VEGF	Promotes angiogenesis
Epidermal growth factor	EGF	Promotes cell differentiation, angiogenesis, proliferation of mesenchymal and epithelial cells

Treatment procedure:
First, your skin is thoroughly cleansed and a topical anesthetic is applied 30 minutes before your skin rejuvenation procedure. The microneedling device is a small hand held, automatic device that contains tiny microneedles that is passed over the skin creating tiny micro wounds, or channels and collagen is automatically produced.

Prp (platelet rich plasma) is a secondary procedure to add on to the microneedling.Prp is produced from an individual’s own blood. After a blood sample is obtained from the patient, the blood is put into a centrifuge, which is a tool that separates the prp from the blood. The prp is applied directly to the micro wounds that were created from the microneedling procedure to further stimulate the natural healing process and creation of collagen.

Recovery process:
Recovery after microneedling with prp is typically 24-72 hours; however, no downtime is required. Immediately following the treatment, your skin will be slightly pink and feel slightly sunburned. Your body’s collagen production usually takes about 4-6 weeks, so you will continue to see improvements in your skin over this time.
Avoid tanning beds, swimming, and strenuous activity for at least one day is recommended. Careful skincare and limited sun exposure are also highly encouraged.