Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy
Since the beginning of time (or at least since the invention of the mirror) women have been doing weird and wonderful things to improve their appearance and slow down the ageing process. From gravy browning stocking seams to fish pedicures, the lengths we'll go to achieve our beauty goals can sometimes seem outrageous. So when Kim Kardashian underwent a 'vampire facial' on her reality TV show Kim and Kourtney Take Miami, it was completely understandable that it caused a media frenzy.
Pictures of herself with specks of blood on her skin that the star tweeted after the procedure went viral, and unsurprisingly, interest in the procedure skyrocketed. So what is this 'vampire facial'? And is it really as outrageous as it sounds?
The simple answer to that is, of course, no. The procedure's gruesome nickname is down to its use of platelet rich plasma (a component of blood that is rich in growth factors) hence its proper name, platelet rich plasma therapy.
What is platelet rich plasma therapy?
Platelet rich plasma has been used in medicine for decades to treat sports injuries, but it's only relatively recently that it's begun to be used in beauty.
The procedure involves taking blood from an individual and processing it with a centrifuge to separate the plasma from the other parts of the blood, such as red blood cells. This platelet rich plasma is then injected back into the patient in areas that require help with growth and repair.
How does it work?
Processed platelet rich plasma injections are far more concentrated than the plasma found naturally in the blood, and it's this concentration of platelets rich in growth factors which are responsible for rejuvenating the skin. These growth factors work by accelerating tissue repair and improving wound healing, effectively encouraging the body to use its own processes more efficiently in problem areas.
Are there any risks?
As with all non-surgical cosmetic procedures that involve injections there is a small risk of infection, tissue damage and nerve injury, but these risks can be considerably minimised by using a Save Face accredited practitioner. Since the platelet rich plasma used in the injections is the patient's own, the risk of disease transmission, allergic reaction, toxicity and rejection are completely avoided.
Save Face
If you're interested in platelet rich plasma therapy, then be sure to download our factsheet which will give you all of the information you need to help you with your decision. At Save Face we believe that patients should be fully informed before they undergo any type of non-surgical cosmetic procedure, so that they feel able to ask the right questions when they approach a practitioner.
It's your face; make sure you put it in safe hands.