Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP / Vampire face lift)

Have the Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy (‘Vampire Facelift’) with confidence at our Dermatology and Laser clinic in Kenridge by our experienced specialist Aesthetic doctor.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, also known as the ‘Vampire Facelift’ or ‘Dracula Therapy’, works on the basis that the body’s own natural healing powers may slow and even reverse the ageing process – it’s a revolutionary repair system that places growth factors in the exact location where we want the skin to repair and rejuvenate itself.

Platelets contain a high content of “growth factors” – proteins that help to heal injured tissue or damaged skin. Upon re-injection the platelets release their growth factors which trigger surrounding cells to proliferate, in turn stimulating repair, increasing volume and rejuvenating the skin.

Blood (a small amount) is taken from the patient during the treatment, then treated (in a centrifuge) to harvest the platelet rich plasma which will be activated and re-injected into the desired area. The therapy is said to plump skin, fill out fine lines and wrinkles, and give an overall more radiant appearance.

What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy and how does it work?

PRP therapy involves harvesting platelets from the patient’s own blood in order to inject them into problem skin areas, giving it the nicknames Vampire Facelift and Dracula Therapy. Before the procedure, a small amount of blood is taken from the patient and put into a centrifuge, where the blood is spun in order to separate the red blood cells from the platelet plasma. The platelet plasma, which is the component of the blood that is known for being highly effective in treating burns and skin injuries, is then activated and injected into the chosen area, where it plumps up the skin, reducing fine lines and wrinkles.

When the platelet plasma is injected into the skin, the platelets release their growth factors. The growth factors stimulate other cells surrounding the injection site, plumping them up and causing them to increase in volume. The platelet plasma sends out signals to other cells in the body when it is injected, telling them to rush forward to the injection site.

One cell that is stimulated during the process is the fibroblast cell, which is the cell type that creates collagen. Collagen is what gives skin a youthful appearance. As we age, collagen is produced less and less, causing wrinkles and fine lines in the skin, and therapies such as PRP therapy that stimulate collagen production can counteract this. Another cell stimulated during the process is the pre-adipocyte cell, which is a cell type that can convert into a fat cell, which is especially important in the face to fill out lines and to contour the face.

Which areas can be treated?

PRP therapy can be used on the face, particularly around the eyes, mouth and nose, the backs of the hands, scars and all over the body, more commonly the décolletage and even the knees to give skin a more youthful and radiant appearance.

What does the procedure involve?

After a consultation with our specialist cosmetic doctors, your practitioner will draw 10-20ml of blood. This is done in a similar way to when you have blood taken for testing at the doctor’s office.

The blood will then be spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelet plasma from the red blood cells using one of the branded systems described.

Any makeup on the skin will be removed using a wipe, and antiseptic will be applied to the injection site. A topical local anaesthetic will then be applied to the skin of the injection site for 20-30 minutes.

The PRP will then be injected into the skin, with aseptic technique, in the desired area using a very fine needle. Injections will be given multiple times in multiple locations in order to give an overall improvement to the area.

The whole procedure usually takes about 1 hour.

When will I see results ?

It may take a few weeks for the results of the PRP therapy to become visible, but with two to three top-up treatments, you can expect the results of PRP therapy to last for up to one and a half years.

How long will it take to recover from a PRP treatment?

 

Recovery time is minimal with Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, much like a visit to the doctor for a blood test. The actual procedure of reinjection of the PRP involves the use of topical anaesthetic, although not always depending on the patient and area being treated, rather than local or general anaesthetic, meaning that most patients feel comfortable returning to their normal activities straight after the treatment or within a short while.

What are the risks and potential complications from PRP treatments?

There are few side effects associated with Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy. Immediately after the procedure, you can expect some bruising, swelling and redness at the injection sites. You may also experience some tenderness, bruise and pain at the injection sites. However, any side effects should dissipate within a few days following the procedure.

What should you do after a Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy treatment?

 

It is very important that you follow the advice of your physician following treatment. Post-treatment advice could include:

• The use of cold compresses to treat swelling in the treated area, as recommended
• Avoid touching and applying any cream or make up for 6 hrs after the treatment to prevent risk of infection.

Most patients will be able to go straight back to their normal regime following treatment, but if you experience any tenderness or pain at the treatment site, you should take extra care when washing and caring for your skin in the days following the PRP therapy.

Who should NOT have a Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy treatment?

To undergo PRP therapy, you should be in general good health and you should have realistic expectations of the outcome. Most people are suitable candidates for PRP therapy, and it is recommended as a safe treatment for individuals who are unable to undergo more invasive procedures such as a full face lift, due to the risks associated with general anaesthetic (although it will not achieve the same results as a surgical face lift).

Individuals with platelet dysfunction syndrome, critical thrombocytopenia, hypofibrinogenaemia, haemodynamic instability, sepsis, acute & chronic infections and chronic liver pathology are not suitable candidates for PRP therapy.

Those undergoing anti-coagulant therapy are also not suitable candidates.

Anti wrinkle injections

Anti wrinkle injections using botulinum toxin: freshen your look!

Repeated use of your facial muscles to smile, laugh, frown, or look surprised over time causes permanent creases in the skin of the face, particularly around the eyes and in the forehead and frown area. This can create a tired and stressed appearance.

Anti wrinkle injections using botulinum toxin are one of the best known and popular anti-ageing treatments and can easily improve the look of frown lines, crow’s feet, and forehead lines.

In addition botulinum toxin can also be used to treat fine lines around the lips, a dimpled chin, headaches, and hyperhydrosis (excessive sweating).

Pulse Dermatology and Laser, a qualified medical practitioner will assess your suitability for treatment and advise you about any risks. We do not use beauty therapists or have sales consultants or any other non-medically qualified personnel to administer our wrinkle relaxing injections. We aim for a relaxed, fresh appearance; not the startled or ‘blank look’.

 

Non-surgical Rhinoplasty

Non-surgical rhinoplasty is a medical procedure in which injectable fillers, most commonly hyaluronic acid ones like Restylane and Juvederm or calcium hydroxyapatite (Radiesse), are used to alter and shape a person’s nose without invasive surgery. The procedure fills in depressed areas on the nose, lifting the angle of the tip or smoothing the appearance of bumps on the bridge. Non-surgical rhinoplasty is an augmentation procedure, so it cannot reduce the size of someone’s nose. It is a cosmetic procedure and is not used to correct functional problems with the nose, such as breathing difficulties.

Lip Enhancement

Your lips are one of the most important features of your face and say so much about you. Scientists have known for decades that lips which are naturally full with a defined shape are considered sensual and attractive. As time goes by, lips naturally lose their volume, appearing thinner and less defined. Wrinkles and fine lines can alter the smooth look of your lips further, and compromise the shape of the vermillion borders and cupids bow. The corners of the mouth may even turn down, giving a tired and aged appearance.

If you have always wished for fuller and softer lips, then treatment with an advanced dermal filler may be for you.

Voluma

What is Juvéderm Voluma™?

Juvederm Voluma™ is the latest of the Juvederm range of hyaluronic acid fillers specifically designed to restore volume in areas of volume loss. Common areas include the cheeks, cheekbones, and chin. Additionally, due to its versatility it is also suitable for adding definition to the jaw line.

How does Juvéderm Voluma™ work to achieve its results?

According to facial aesthetic expert Dr Herve Raspaldo, an attractive face is characterised by smooth, round contours, high cheekbones and a thin, well-defined jaw line. These features together comprise the ‘triangle of beauty’ or ‘heart of face’, with its base at the top and summit below.

As we age, facial fat loss, gravity and loss of the skins natural elasticity conspire to reverse this triangle’s composition, leading to a narrower, less youthful forehead and temple area, and a wider, heavier jaw line.

Juvéderm VOLUMA™ can restore balance and heart-shaped proportions to the face by subtly adding volume to areas where this is lacking due to the effects of ageing or extreme weight loss. The result is a restoration of the triangle of youth back to its original form resulting in a softer and more youthful appearance. Juvéderm Voluma™ and carefully placed Botox® along the jaw and neck works as a necklift and redefines the triangle of beauty.

Which areas are Juvéderm Voluma™ commonly used in?

Juvéderm Voluma™ is frequently used to revolumise the cheek, cheekbones and chin. As the filler is placed deep within the tissues, it adds support to the overlying skin and restore facial contours.

How long does Juvéderm Voluma™ last?

Clinical trials have shown that the volumising results of Juvéderm Voluma™? can last for up to 18 months. This can vary from individual to individual.

Who is a suitable candidate / patient for treatment with Juvéderm Voluma™?

Patients with facial volume loss due to ageing, sudden or extreme weight loss or certain medical problems such as facial asymmetry or droop can benefit from treatment with Juvéderm Voluma™?. However patient selection is important to discuss suitability with this treatment.

Will an anaesthetic be required with this type of filler?

Most patients have a comfortable experience aside from feeling a slight initial pinprick. Occasionally if a lot of volume is required for extra skin projection patients may feel slightly sore for which Paracetamol after the treatment will be appropriate to relieve the discomfort. For patients with a needle phobia we offer topical numbing cream to alleviate any anxieties.