PRP Facial Injections: Is It Worth It?
Published July 17, 2020
As human civilization advances, so does technology. This is extremely relevant, especially in the medical field. In recent times, we’ve witnessed the rise of many new techniques and procedures that would’ve been impossible centuries ago.
The particularly important fields I’ll be talking about today are sports and cosmetics. How are these two connected, you ask? For starters, these two fields pay very close attention to the little nuances of your body. When it comes to sports, every minute movement could make or break your career. And for cosmetics? The tiniest of blemishes could appear huge to your eyes. Still not making any sense? Then, I’ll just get straight to the point. Let’s talk about PRP.
What is PRP?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Blood consists of a liquid and a solid part. The liquid portion is called plasma, which consists of water, salts, and protein. On the other hand, the solid part is made up of red and white blood cells and platelets.
Dr. Marlene Williams, assistant professor of medicine and CICU director at Johns Hopkins Bayview Medical Center, mentions that “Platelets are the cells that circulate within our blood and bind together when they recognize damaged blood vessels.” Platelets are tiny soldiers in our blood that read and respond when our body parts need repair. They’re the main reason our blood clots.
Their regenerative properties are what brought rise to PRP procedures. Platelet-rich plasma is the product of taking someone’s blood and processing it through a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells and concentrate platelets. Rob Jones, MD, of Impact Orthopedics, talks about the applications of PRP in treating sports-related injuries in this video.
In addition to its applications in sports, PRP has shown to have incredible benefits in the world of cosmetics and dermatology. In this field, physicians popularly use PRP to treat androgenic alopecia, burns, and hyperpigmentation.
Is PRP safe?
PRP is quite safe since it’s an operation that uses your own blood. This eliminates the threats of transmission and contamination, as no foreign substances enter your body. The only danger to your health and safety is the sterility of injections and other equipment involved in the procedure.
(Related: IPL Before and After: What to Expect)
What are PRP Facial Injections?
PRP Facial Injections are more popularly known as “Vampire Facelifts.” A similar operation called “vampire facials” went almost viral overnight following an Instagram post by Kim Kardashian West. In this selfie, Kim showed herself with a bloodied face reminiscent of a fictional Transylvanian creature of the night.
To begin this Vampire Facelifts, doctors draw blood out of you for centrifugation to extract PRP; this is a relatively painless procedure that takes practically no time. Following that, they apply topical anesthesia on your face to numb the skin and reduce possible pain. They then inject the PRP and a hyaluronic acid filler into your face. This operation reportedly improves skin elasticity and reduces wrinkles and acne scarres. The side effects of this operation include slight itchiness and bruising on affected parts.
Are they worth it?
Some research has shown that PRP does have a positive effect on reducing acne scarring. However, not enough research has been done to come to a conclusive answer. Many sources have conflicting conclusions about this topic, so I cannot say for sure if they’re worth it. You should know that the average cost of this operation is about $1,500 to $2,500. For a service that isn’t entirely proven by research, I’d say that’s too steep a price to risk.
What should I do before a PRP facial injection?
If you do decide to go through with this operation, you’ll want to do the following things:
- Discontinue all NSAIDs 5-7 days before the procedure. This includes aspirin, ibuprofen, and other blood thinners. Doctors will be taking blood from you, and NSAIDs could lead to excessive bleeding during the operation.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water.
- Follow your regular daily routine. This operation isn’t a drastic one, so you should carry on usually beforehand.
What can I expect after a PRP facial injection?
- Numbness from the topical anesthetic. The anesthetic effects could last hours after the operation, so you should be cautious of that.
- It would be best if you stayed mobile but avoid strenuous activities. Aside from the redness and possible swelling in your face, you should be able to move around freely.
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About The Author
Judy Ponio is the lead author for Four Seasons Laser Center and several other prominent websites covering a variety of topics including law, health, nutrition, and more. Her passion for health and beauty trends helps her craft helpful articles that reach millions of people.
