PRP and PRF.
What is PRP?
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PRP stands for platelet rich plasma.
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Blood is taken from the client and then spun down in a centrifuge to separate into different parts. The plasma is the straw coloured liquid which contains platelets.
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These platelets have many growth factors. These growth factors have a multitude of benefits.
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We aim to get a much greater concentration of platelets to maximise these benefits.
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In the human body, when we sustain an injury, platelets are activated and release these growth factors which stimulate the inflammatory process and hence wound healing.
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They promote collagen production, improve texture and promote healing.
Why do we use it in aesthetics?
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PRP growth factors promote wound healing, new blood vessels, collagen and elastin production, increase fibroblast activity, hair growth and thickness as well as other benefits to promote great skin health and texture.
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Overall, we get younger looking, healthier skin.
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Great results to stimulate dormant hair cells and create an environment for new and thicker hair.
How is it administered?​
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Firstly your blood is taken on the same day and then spun down in the centrifuge (takes around 10-15 minutes).
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It is important not have have a high fat containing meal 4 hours prior to your treatment.
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There are a number of ways to administer PRP:
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Microneedling - Your PRP is applied directly to your skin and then micro- needling is used to make many very small punctures in the skin to help the PRP penetrate all the skin layers.
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Mesotherapy - Your PRP is drawn up in a syringe and using a very small needle, it is injected very superficially. This can be done for the whole face, neck, on scars and in areas of hair loss/scalp.
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What is PRF?
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PRF - Platelet Rich Fibrin - is a newer, more advance version of PRP.
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PRP requires an anticoagulant to be mixed with your blood to prevent it clotting - this can inhibit the release of some growth factors.
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With PRF, we do not use additives or anticoagulants, only your blood. The blood is spun slower and for longer to preserve platelets.
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This all ensures a high platelet count and a fibrin matrix to form - allowing for a slower, longer release of growth factors - and hence better, longer lasting results.
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Why choose Dr Smith Aesthetics for PRF?
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PRP and PRF can be confusing to practitioners, let along the general public.
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There is not much standardisation with regards to centrifugation - what speed and how long - these are extremely important variables that can results in poor platelet counts and hence results.
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As there are many variables that will affect the platelet concentration, we go by the latest research in order to produce the highest platelet concentration in our PRF.​
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Your practitioner should know these variables: what material are the blood tubes are made from and why, what rotor type is used and why, what relative centrifugal force are they aiming for and why - all questions they should be able to answer if they are up to date with the latest research.
​​​​​What is the downtime/recovery?
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Minor red marks and mild swelling post treatment which can last around 1- 24 hours
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Possibility of minor bruising which can last a few days - week
Results​
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It takes time for skin to produce collagen and for hair follicles to start growing again - therefore results are a gradual improvement, rather than a quick fix. This is an investment on your long term goals that your older self will thank you for!
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It is recommended to have minimum 3 treatments (hair 4-6) and then to have ongoing maintenance treatments to maintain results.
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PRP results generally last around 3-6 months, with PRF results lasting longer. ​
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Want more information?
Get in contact to see which treatment can help your skin concerns.
Contact
Ink Beauty, 341 Kennington Road, London, SE114QE
07835 959075
drlsmithaesthetics
Opening times
Monday: Closed
Tuesday: 10:30 - 18:00
Wednesday: 10:30 - 20:00
Thursday: 10:30 - 18:00
Friday: 10:30 - 18:00
Saturday: 10:30 - 17:00
Sunday: 10:30 - 16:00