Platelet Rich Plasma – PRP Facial FAQS
Tutera Medical is one of only a few medical offices in the Scottsdale area to offer state-of-the-art, highly effective, 100% natural PRP facials. This amazing anti-aging treatment can tighten sagging skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, minimize dark spots, and plump hollow facial contours. PRP facials are also effective at smoothing uneven skin texture and reducing scars from acne, chicken pox, surgery, or injuries.
In this article the anti-aging experts at Tutera Medical in Scottsdale, AZ answer our patients most frequently asked questions about revolutionary PRP Facials.
What is a PRP Facial?
PRP Facials use “Platelet Rich Plasma” that is extracted from the patient’s own blood to re-activate the body’s natural cellular repair mechanisms. Only 10cc are extracted from the patient’s arm, just like a regular blood test. The blood is then spun in a centrifuge to separate out the liquid plasma from the red and white blood cells.
The concentrated serum-like Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) that is left is rich in platelets – the component of the blood which contains natural “growth factors”. This PRP, containing the highly concentrated growth factors, is then injected delivered into the facial skin via “microneedling” – and/or with a fine syringe.
Are PRP Facials and “Vampire Facials®” the same?
Yes. “Vampire Facials®” is a trademarked marketing term that some practitioners use to market PRP facials. At Tutera Medical in Scottsdale, AZ we use the medical term Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Facial – rather than the more sensational term “Vampire Facial®”.
Celebrities and influencers like Kim Kardashians and Bar Rafaela popularized the term “Vampire Facial®” on social media – where they posted shockingly bloody looking photos.
Although the bloody effects in these Instagram pics may look a bit scary, this treatment is not at all dangerous – in spite of its nickname “Vampire Facial®”. The face itself is not actually bleeding, but a superficial amount of the blood plasma remains on the surface of the skin during the procedure – which is what is seen in the sensational social media posts.
What Role Does Microneedling Play During a PRP Facial?
Microneedling involves piercing the skin with hundreds of ultra-fine, clinical-grade needles. This improves the benefits of PRP in two ways. The tiny but deep channels created by the needles enables the PRP to penetrate deep into the dermis (lower layer of the skin).
Additionally, the tiny needle pricks of the microneedles are perceived by the body as micro-wounds. This then stimulates the skin’s natural repair mechanisms – increasing collagen and elastin production for smoother, tighter, plumper skin.
What Skin Conditions Does a PRP Facial Treat?
PRP Facials can improve almost every sign of aging and sun damage. PRP facials can remove lines and wrinkles, fill in “folds” around the mouth or between the eyes, tighten and plump the face, brighten dull skin, and erase unwanted pigmentation such as age spots.
PRP facials can also help resurface skin and reduce scars from acne, chicken pox, surgery, or injuries.
Does a PRP Facial Hurt?
The PRP facial procedure is relatively painless, especially compared to ablative laser treatments that remove the top layer of skin. However, topical anesthetic can be applied to ease or eliminate any discomfort if you desire.
How Long do PRP Facial Results Last?
One of the best features of PRP facials is their long-lasting results. Because the procedure stimulates the body’s own repair and rejuvenation mechanisms, cellular regenerating continues for 3 or more months after the PRP treatment – so skin continues to improve for 12 weeks or longer.
The final results of the PRP Facial then typically last for at least a year and often much longer. For the optimal results the anti-aging experts at Tutera Medical in Scottsdale, AZ generally recommend a series of 3 treatments, scheduled about a month apart.
A customized PRP treatment plan will be designed for your unique skin repair needs, depending upon the degree of skin damage we are treating.
Do I Need to Prepare for a PRP Facial?
There is minimal preparation for a PRP facial. Patients should stop using any retinol or Retin A a week before the facial. Additionally, please notify your doctor at Tutera Medical in Scottsdale, AZ of any medications, pain relievers or supplements you are taking, as well as any underlying medical conditions you have.
Who is a Good Candidate for a PRP Facial?
Most teens and adults of any age are good candidates PRP facial. We have patients at Tutera Medical in Scottsdale, AZ who are in their 20s treating acne scars, and patients in their 70s treating signs of again.
Only patients with a history of certain blood diseases, such as clotting or bleeding disorders, should avoid PRP injections or microneedling.
Are PRP Facials Safe?
A PRP Facial is an extremely safe and natural treatment when performed in a licensed medical facility. Because the PRP Facial only uses components of the patients own blood, there is virtually no possibility of an allergic reaction or other complications.
However, always tell your doctor at Tutera Medical in Scottsdale, AZ about any medications, pain relievers or supplements you are taking, as well as any underlying medical conditions you have, to make sure the treatment is safe for you.
PRP Facials – Scottsdale, AZ
Because PRP it is a 100% natural skin rejuvenating treatment, almost anyone is an ideal candidate for PRP Facials to repair signs of aging, sun damage, or acne scarring at Tutera Medical in Scottsdale, AZ.
If you would like to get the younger, smoother, tighter skin that you’ll love, schedule a PRP facial at Tutera Medical in Scottsdale, AZ.