face + neck + chest
platelet-rich plasma + platelet-rich fibrin
The Benefits of PRP treatment
The platelets found in our blood do a host of beneficial things, such as stimulating the regrowth of collagen and elastin, the building blocks of young and healthy skin. When your own blood is injected back into your skin, the body naturally begins a healing process that helps rid of acne scars. We often recommend PRP as an add-on therapy to laser acne scar treatments, to deliver the best results possible to our acne scar patients. At Schweiger Dermatology, we strongly believe that combination therapy is the most effective approach to acne scar treatment.
microneedling treatment areas
Microneedling is a minimally invasive cosmetic procedure that’s used to treat skin concerns via collagen production. Also known as collagen induction therapy, this treatment may help those looking to reduce the appearance of acne scars and stretch marks. It’s also used in certain anti-aging procedures, such as eyelid surgery and sun spots. You may be an ideal candidate for this procedure if you’re in good health and have certain skin concerns that haven’t responded to home treatments or other types of dermatologic procedures, such as peels.
This may also be a final step before considering cosmetic surgery for anti-aging and other concerns. Learn more about microneedling and talk to your dermatologist to see if this is the right option for your skin.
Microneedling works by encouraging your skin to make more collagen. The idea is that pinpricks from the procedure cause slight injury to the skin and that the skin responds by making new collagen-rich tissue.
This new skin tissue is, in turn, more even in tone and texture. It’s normal for the skin to lose collagen via age or injury. By encouraging the skin to make new tissue, there may be more collagen to help make the skin firmer, too.
how it works
At Schweiger Dermatology, we use the gold standard SELPHYL system to spin the blood and separate the Platelet-Rich Fibrin Matrix (PRFM), which contains a plethora of beneficial growth factors that will help heal the skin and promote collagen and elastin regeneration. Blood is drawn from the patient’s arm and then put into the SELPHYL centrifuge, which removes white and red blood cells, leaving in only the PRFM.
The centrifugation system converts your blood into “Liquid Gold,” a gel-like substance that contains only PRFM. Liquid Gold is called as such because it contains only pure platelets, which contain active growth factors. This platelet-rich blood is then injected into sites on the face with acne scars. The concentrated platelets release a host of beneficial growth factors that help to promote healing and stimulate the regrowth of collagen and elastin.
PRP/PRF is great for anyone looking to address loss of elasticity and volume, improve the look of fine lines and wrinkles, as well as improve on the texture and tone of the skin. PRP/PRF is a treatment that really doesn’t discriminate. It’s an amazing procedure for anyone looking for overall skin rejuvenation. Not only is it a great treatment for addressing typical signs of aging, but it can also improve on hyperpigmentation, as well as other skin ailments caused by sun damage and scarring.
targeted treatment areas
eyes | crows feet + dark circles
The principle of PRP treatment for under-eye bags and to get rid of dark circles is essentially the same. The PRP serum causes a cascade of healing that targets several causes of dark under-eye circles at once.
Firstly, PRP encourages collagen production, which plumps your skin and makes it more elastic. Plumper skin can fill out dark hollows and make them less noticeable while also making your skin firmer and thicker.
PRP can also encourage the growth of blood vessels which can wash away fluid that can cause eye bags, while also making existing blood vessels more elastic and less prone to breaking and bruising.
acne scars
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an exciting new method using your own blood to correct pitted acne scars on the skin. You may have heard about this acne scar treatment technique, as it has gained popularity amongst celebrities and beauty insiders. The method of injecting your own blood into the face is new and is showing exciting results for patients looking to correct acne scars and rejuvenate their skin
neck lines or crepe neck skin
why we love it!
Improves fine lines and deeper wrinkles
Reduces acne scars
Softens stretch marks
Evens skin tone
Lightens hyper pigmentation and sun spots
Reduces appearance of pores
Firms and smooths skin texture
Heals scars
Reduces broken capillaries and spider veins
Brings back the glow for fresher, younger looking skin
the details
numbing time: 30-45 minutes
treatment time: 20-30 minutes
social down time: 1-2 days
how many do I need: 3 to 6 depending on the starting point and desired results
price:
how long does it last: 1 year
maintenance: freshen up your skin every with a maintenance session every
How much does it cost?
The cost of PRP/PRF is dependent on what areas are being treated.
PRP Face: $750 per treatment / $2250 for 3 treatments with a free Peel
PRP Face and Neck: $1200 per treatment / $3600 for 3 treatments with a free Peel
PRF: $1200 per treatment (includes two areas)
Who is a good candidate for microneedling with PRP?
MicroNeedling with PRP is a very safe and effective treatment for adults with all skin types who wish to improve their skin quality. The depth of the MicroNeedling devise can be adjusted to meet the client’s individual needs and objectives. Due to its low-risk profile, microneedling with PRP is a good option for people who are not good candidates for lasers, such as those with darker skin types. MicroNeedling PRP is also a very effective for treating scars on the face and body.
How is the microneedling with PRP procedure performed?
First, we apply a topical numbing ointment to the treatment area for optimal comfort. Then we insert a new sterile cartridge containing 12 microneedles into the MicroNeedling devise and select the appropriate depth setting based on your skin’s unique needs.
We apply your prepared PRP solution to the treatment area before and after the microneedling procedure to ensure that the PRP gets fully absorbed.
What does microneedling feel like?
Since we apply a topical numbing ointment prior to the treatment, discomfort is significantly lessened. Microneedling feels like light sandpaper being moved across the skin. Also, the post-treatment hydrating gel will help with recovery.
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In general though, you can expect not to wash your face/hair for ideally a 24 hour period following your treatment. You may experience a swelling or “sunburn like” effect from PRP for 3-5 days following your platelet-rich plasma treatment.
If you had microneedling with PRP you will need to avoid using actives on the face for 3 days following your treatment (such as retin A, acids, etc).
If you have had a PRF treatment, swelling can last for up to 2 weeks following treatment.
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The results of your treatment and when you’ll see them are dependent on the area being treated and whether your treatment was performed via microneedling or filler. You can expect to see results of most PRP/PRF treatments approximately 2-3 weeks following your treatment and a notable difference around the 4-6 week mark. Your skin will continue to improve over the weeks and months following your treatment.
Because PRP/PRF treatments stimulate your body into producing collagen, and elastin, as well as new skin cell and tissue growth, you need to give your body time to produce all of these great regenerative elements.
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We recommend a series of at least three to six treatments about four to six weeks apart to see the best results. You can then do the treatment between 1-3 times a year to maintain these results.
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You should not get PRP/PRF treatments if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, if you have low platelets, if you have an active infection in the treatment area, certain skin diseases, a metastatic disease, or any blood or bleeding disorders. Patients on “anti-clotting” medications (like Aspirin and other blood thinners) or who have certain autoimmune disorders are not good candidates for platelet-rich plasma or platelet-rich fibrin treatments.
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Because PRP/PRF treatments essentially use elements that are naturally produced by your own body, these treatments are extremely safe. As no foreign substances are being injected into your body, there is no risk of an allergic reaction.
everything you need to know
how to prepare
One week prior
Avoid prolonged sun exposure
Avoid other lasers, peels, waxing or topical retinol treatments
Avoid taking any blood thinners (Advil, aspirin, ibuprofen or fish oils)
Day of the appointment
Make sure you eat
Avoid caffeine the morning of and alcohol the night before
Start taking arnica the day before or day of
Try to avoid salty foods and stay hydrated
Arrive with clean skin, no make up or topicals except numbing cream
Try to schedule around your monthly cycle. You do don’t want to be on or within 2 days before or after of your cycle.
Bring with you
Hat & sunglasses if you have an early appointment
what to expect
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aftercare
As soon as we finish we will apply a topical hydrating ointment
Your skin will feel red, hot and tight, this ointment will help soothe it
You may resume the use of your usual skin care products (usually 2-3 days). Retinoids may be used 5-7 days after treatment.
Cool air can help helpful in reducing any burning sensation. The use of fans or ac is helpful in the early recovery.
You can wash your face, but using a very mild soap and cool water
the rules
Apply hydrating ointment or aquaphor for the next 3 days after
Avoid excessive heat like saunas, steam rooms, extra hot shower, or too much sun exposure for the first 3 days.
Avoid makeup for the first day
Avoid working out after the procedure you can workout the following morning
Avoid the sun to minimize risk of hyperpigmentation for 72hrs and prolonged exposure for 1 week. Use zinc oxide sunblock spf 30 at all times after 24-48 hours.
No face masks for 24hrs.
Do not massage or touch treated area.
Sleep elevated on an extra pillow that night.
notes about recovery
Extra swelling: Some patients may have areas of extra swelling over thinner-skinned areas like the neck. This can sometimes make the skin look worse than when you started. This is temporary and should be cared for with Aquaphor and Advil.
Waffle grid or skin texture: Some patients will see a grid pattern or feel texture. This will self-resolve but you can speed up the process by using a moisturizer with glycolic acid like Obagi Exfoderm Forte.
treatment cycle + maintenance
one cycle is recommended to start with 3 sessions 3 - 4 weeks apart.
your results will last one year or longer
if you have particularly problematic spots you may opt to “on-board” your skin with 6 sessions before switching into annual maintenance mode.
You will notice immediate as well as longer-term improvements in your skin. The time for skin cell turnover is 28 days so most people will begin to see increased results after this time.
Which areas can be treated with prp + prf?
face
neck
crows feet
acne scarring
targeted areas needing dermal repair
décolleté | chest
hands
knees
abdomen
pretty much anywhere :-)
how it works
We obtain PRP by drawing a small amount of blood from your arm into a sterile tube. The sample is centrifuged to separate your plasma, which we use for the treatment, from your red and white blood cells. Plasma contains high concentrations of platelets, stem cells, and growth factors. Platelets help your tissue heal and grow new cells.
PRP can be delivered via targeted injections or via microneedling. In most cases, we would recommend both. The targeted injections are intended to address specific areas of concern such as resistant crows feet or other dynamic facial wrinkles, horizontal necklines or creepy skin, acne scars, stretch marks, or any other focused areas in need of intensive dermal repair.
Microneedling is used to cover larger areas and can be combined with the targeted injections for maximum results.