Dr Nancy Burge is now providing Platelet Rich Plasma treatment, or PRP.
PRP has become a highly desirable non-surgical procedure for facial and skin rejuvenation. I think that PRP therapy is a wonderful treatment because it uses your own blood platelets and growth factors to stimulate new cell growth, helping to improve your complexion, skin texture and to restore lost facial volume. Growth factors and stem cells increase cellular turnover and collagen production, which is the foundation of youthful, glowing and radiant skin. PRP injections for wrinkles are especially effective as it treats lax skin and fine lines on the face giving the most natural result possible and it can also be used under the eyes in the difficult-to-treat tear trough area.
I use a world leading system for the preparation of PRP which has been used to successfully treat fine lines worldwide since 2008.
How does it work?
Direct injection of PRP helps accelerate the process of tissue regeneration and repair. PRP concentrates powerful growth factors released by activated platelets to initiate the tissue regeneration process by stimulating:
- New collagen production
- Stem cell division migration, differentiation and proliferation
- Formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis)
- Production of nutrients, antioxidants and the other components of the extracellular matrix
What is the treatment process?
Platelet Rich Plasma is a very safe, quick and comfortable treatment. Prior to the procedure, I apply a numbing cream is applied to the skin in order to minimise any discomfort from the PRP injection.
Next, I take a sample of blood drawn from the arm directly into the sterile and specifically designed tubes which are put in a centrifuge. A patented separator gel within the tubes isolates the platelets and plasma from red blood cells as the vial spins in the centrifuge, separating the blood into its three main cell types: red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. This takes about and 8-10 minutes. Because PRP harnesses the beneficial functions of your own platelets there is no risk of allergy or rejection of the treatment.
How is the PRP used in facial rejuvenation?
I use the magical PRP in two ways to get the best value of it. Firstly, after discussion about which problem areas are of most concern. I will safely and painlessly inject the PRP directly into those areas. Then I will use a dermapen to treat the face, neck and décolletage. This is a rejuvenation treatment in itself, but using PRP in combination means the PRP is also absorbed through the tiny punctures made by the dermapen over the whole face and neck. This immediately activates growth factors and stem cells, triggering rejuvenation that will result in renewed, youthful and vibrant skin. Combining these two rejuvenation processes in one treatment gives maximum value and effect.
What should you expect after your treatment?
Most people will experience some mild to moderate swelling, redness or heat, which are all common side effects of micro-needling and are also due to the activation of your platelets. Because a volume of fluid has to be administered, swelling is inevitable. However this subsides quickly. Some bruising can occur and may take several days to disappear.
How soon will you see results?
Micro-needling gives results almost immediately and the PRP goes on working for a few weeks even months. The first thing people notice is an improvement in skin turgor and elasticity. Collagen production can take up to three months to occur and the results can differ depending on the individual. While three PRP injection treatments are generally recommended to obtain optimal results, visible improvements can be seen after just one treatment. A series of three treatments can yield results for up to two years.
Are there any reasons why you can’t have PRP therapy?
Like the majority of cosmetic procedures, ladies who are pregnant, breast-feeding or trying to conceive are not suitable candidates. This treatment is not recommended in people on anti-coagulation treatment, autoimmune conditions, have suffered any type of cancer or who have certain implants in the treatment area. Your past and present medical history, as well as your past cosmetic history will be assessed to determine your suitability.
If you are interested in having PRP please contact me for a discussion.
Dr Nancy Burge 