From Kim Kardashian to Rebecca Judd, celebrities are going crazy for the Platelet RICH Plasma PRP cosmetic procedure – famously nicknamed the ‘vampire facial’. But what is it, how does it work and where is the best place to have one done in Perth? Is it a gimmick or is it a godsend? Read on to find out our thoughts and if we think it lives up to its name.
What is the Vampire Facial / Platelet Rich Plasma PRP?
The vampire facial, also known as PRP Therapy, is a regenerative treatment which uses nothing but your own blood to rejuvenate the skin. This concept has been around for some time, with the basic PRP treatment being used for almost 20 years to accelerate healing wounds and burnt skin, and in particular, to help athletes recover from injury.
The rationale for the use of PRP is to concentrate the number of platelets from your own blood, therefore concentrating the important regenerative properties that they contain. Platelets play an important role in our bodies, releasing proteins called “growth factors” when activated. Growth factors assist the body to repair itself by regenerating new tissue, improving blood supply and wound healing, which are both essential factors in regenerative therapies like PRP.
When is it Used?
PRP is an ideal non-invasive cosmetic procedure for any woman or man wanting healthy, youthful, rejuvenated skin without the need for surgery.
It can be used to treat several areas of concern, including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Acne scars
- Stretch marks and cellulite
- Poor skin texture
- Dull, grey skin
- Slight sagging in the face
- Mouth corners and lip shape
- The under-eye area and crows feet around the eye area
- The brow area
- Stubborn open pores
- Crinkling skin on the neck
- The decolletage and cleavage
- The backs of hands and arms
- Loss of volume in the cheeks
- Hair loss
What Should I Expect from the Platelet RICH Plasma PRP Procedure?
Despite its name and the publicity it has received from TV shows such as Keeping Up With The Kardashians, the Vampire Facial procedure is actually pretty simple.
A small sample of your own blood is drawn from the arm and processed in a highly specialised state-of-the-art system called a centrifuge, specifically designed to extract PRP in a safe clinical manner. This PRP is then injected into the areas that require tissue remodelling and rejuvenation.
The procedure usually takes up to an hour, with the processing of your PRP taking 20 minutes and the cosmetic procedure itself taking 20-25 minutes. Possible mild side effects include puffy looking skin, mild itchiness for a day or two and bruising around the eyes.
At Timeless Cosmetics, we use a topical anaesthesia or injectable anaesthetic for better comfort before injecting the PRP. You may feel a tingling sensation after the cosmetic procedure and there may be redness, slight swelling and sometimes bruising, but this is temporary and our medical team will provide you with the appropriate treatment and care.
But is it Safe?
PRP Therapy uses your own unique (autologous) blood – so you’re essentially using your own regenerative properties to improve your skin tissue. At Timeless Cosmetics, the PRP is processed under exacting clinical standards, which all clinicians must adhere to when working with blood products.
The procedure is a near painless series of injections to the selected area(s). However, it’s important to keep in mind that each person is unique and the response to intradermal injections will vary, though adverse reactions are very rare.
If you’re considering undergoing PRP Therapy, please advise your clinician if you’re taking medication or are undergoing any long-term therapies. This includes therapies for any of the following:
- Platelet Dysfunction Syndrome
- Critical Thrombocytopenia
- Hypofibrinogenaemia
- Haemodynamic Instability
- Sepsis
- Acute or Chronic Infections
- Chronic Liver Pathology
- Anti Coagulation Therapy
- Skin Disease or Cancer
- Severe Metabolic and Systemic Disorders
So if you’re looking for a glowing, youthful complexion using state-of-the-art technology then get in touch today. We think you’ll love the results just as much as we do!
For more information on PRP Therapy or any of our other facial rejuvenation procedures, please contact Timeless Cosmetics today. Our medical team are always happy to answer any queries you may have.
