Dr. Karsan - Facial Plastic Surgeon

Rejuvenating the Skin Using Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy (Part Two)

Platelet-rich Plasma therapy uses platelets isolated from a patient's own blood to promote the rejuvenation of bones or soft tissues.  Last week, we explained what it is.  This week, I want to share how it works along with the benefits. 

How Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy Works

Platelets serve a variety of functions. Growth factors contained in platelets can:

• Increase collagen production.
• Regenerate and rejuvenate tissue.
• Recruit other cells to sites in need of repair.
• Initiate vascular growth.
• Induce cell differentiation.

Injecting enriched plasma into damaged tissue stimulates the growth of new cells, enabling the body to heal faster. 

To access platelets, blood is drawn from the arm of the patient. Platelets are then isolated by putting the patient's blood in a centrifuge. The isolated platelets are injected into fine lines, wrinkles and areas of depression in the face, neck, décolletage and on the back of the hands. The injection of platelet-rich plasma stimulates tissue repair and rejuvenation and promotes new, healthy skin. Patients experience gradual improvement in the appearance of skin texture and tone.

Benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy

Since the platelet-rich plasma is autologous (taken from the patient's own blood) it is non-allergenic. The use of enriched autologous plasma also eliminates the risk of transmission of infection from donors. The procedure is quick and simple. A facial plastic surgeon can administer PRP therapy during a one-hour office session. Downtime is minimal. Patients typically experience minimal bruising and swelling for up to 24 hours.

Results are not immediate. But within three weeks most patients begin to see visible results as the enriched plasma rejuvenates the skin and promotes the growth of healthy skin. Patients experience continued improvement in skin tone and texture. It is recommended that patients receive at least two PRP treatments several weeks apart. Results can last up to eighteen months.

PRP therapy isn't for everyone. Platelet-rich plasma therapy is not effective in smokers or patients with advance wrinkling, skin disorders or those using anticoagulant therapies. To learn more about platelet-rich plasma therapy and other anti-aging treatments contact Dr. Karsan, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Call 214-646-8777 to request your personal consultation today.

Rejuvenating the Skin Using Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy (Part One)

Your body has the remarkable ability to heal itself. Cuts and broken bones heal. Cells continually renew themselves. As we age the rejuvenation process that keeps our skin young and supple slows down. The diminished ability to renew itself causes deterioration of the texture and appearance of skin. This results in wrinkles, fine lines, jowls, sagging skin, loss of volume and other signs of visible aging. But what if we could stimulate the body's ability to heal itself again?

Orthobiologics studies the body's natural healing process and develops bone and soft tissue replacement for skeletal and tissue healing. This exciting medical niche discovers ways in which the body's own healing abilities can be used to cure diseases, repair injuries and rejuvenate the skin. One such discovery is platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP).  

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy?

Platelet-rich Plasma therapy uses platelets isolated from a patient's own blood to promote the rejuvenation of bones or soft tissues. It was recently reported that a high-profile NBA player underwent PRP treatment in Germany to aid in healing a nagging knee injury. Platelet-rich plasma therapy can also be used to rejuvenate the skin.

According to the Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, a three-month study of twenty-three patients was conducted. Patients were treated with monthly PRP injections. The results were carefully documented using special imaging equipment. One month after the final injection participants were re-examined. The participants' skin texture improved, skin tone was more even and wrinkles around the eyes were reduced. This study and many others conducted around the world demonstrate that platelet-rich plasma therapy is an effective option for face and neck rejuvenation. PRP has been used effectively in aesthetic medicine in Asia and Europe since 2006.

Next week, I'll share with you how Platelet-Rich Plasma works along with the benefits. PRP therapy isn't for everyone. Platelet-rich plasma therapy is not effective in smokers or patients with advance wrinkling, skin disorders or those using anticoagulant therapies. To learn more about platelet-rich plasma therapy and other anti-aging treatments contact Dr. Karsan, a board-certified facial plastic surgeon. Call 214-646-8777 to request your personal consultation today.