Platelet Rich Plasma In Facial Aesthetics
By Ghazala Farooqui, M.D. Medical Director
Apollo Health & Wellness
In Aesthetic Medicine, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy offers a non-surgical solution to revitalize youthful looks.
The Aging Skin
Skin cells get damaged or die, and they are constantly being repaired or replaced. This healing process slows down as we grow older and is reflected through signs of aging. Skin has three layers: Epidermis, Dermis, and Hypodermis. Aging affects all of the layers of skin with loss of connective tissue, fat, oil glands, and blood vessels. Epidermis aging results in enlarged pores and the prominent appearance of blood vessels. Aging in dermis causes dryness and wrinkles due to the loss of oil glands and tight connective tissue. Thinning of dermis also affects nutrition of epidermis. Hypodermis aging is evident with the loss of skin support over bones & results in skin sagging.
PRP Therapy for an Aging Face
PRP injections into the skin result in augmentation of soft tissue. PRP activates fibroblasts and increases the production of new collagen. New blood vessels are formed and new adipose tissue is deposited. The results are evident in as early as three weeks.
Face Rejuvenation with PRP Therapy
The following conditions have shown improvement with PRP Therapy:
Dullness, Wrinkle, and Thinning: PRP is infused with a microneedling device into the epidermis and dermis. The growth factors in PRP induce production of skin cells, connective tissue, blood vessels, and oil glands. This results in shrinkage of pores and reduction in wrinkles. The skin feels healthier, thicker and tighter with improvement in turgor and dryness. A minimum of three treatments are recommended and the effects can last for 18 months.
Around the Eyes: Tear troughs are formed due to the loss of tissue causing hollows around eyes. PRP is injected into the tear troughs to restore volume loss. It generates new connective tissue matrix to support skin under the eyes. With firmer skin, there is also improvement in discoloration. Small eye bags are also treatable with PRP injection. These bags are formed as the fat pad bulges through the weakened tissue. However, for significant eye bags surgery is recommended. Two to four PRP treatments are needed to treat area around the eyes with effects lasting for one to one and a half years.
Thinning of Eye Brows: PRP injections successfully treat thinning of eyebrows. PRP stimulates hair follicle growth leading to thicker eyebrows. Three treatments are recommended.
Scars Reduction: Acne scars have been successfully treated with PRP. The scar tissue is broken down under the skin and filled with PRP. Platelet Rich Plasma promotes healthy tissue formation resulting in scar resolution. Numbers of treatments vary, depending upon the depth and intensity of scarring.
Non-Surgical Facelift: When PRP is injected into the deepest layer of skin, it promotes the formation of new adipose tissue and collagen that function as structural components to anchor skin onto the bones. Similarly, PRP injections minimize appearance of nasolabial folds. PRP regenerates the tissue around the mouth and reduces the appearance of wrinkles. PRP can be combined with small amount of dermal fillers for more dramatic improvement. Two treatments are recommended. The result may last for 18 months or longer depending upon the rate of aging.
When to get Treatment
Prevention is better than cure. Therefore, consider these natural non-surgical options once you are in your thirties. At Apollo Aesthetics, we offer a total skincare package that includes supplements, diet, and lifestyle modification to enhance youthful skin.
Bio
Dr. Ghazala Farooqui is the founder and Medical Director of Apollo Health and Wellness. At this practice, she offers Integrative and Aesthetic Medicine Services. She is an expert on Platelet-Rich Plasma based therapies and is the first physician in Delaware to offer Vampire Hair Restoration®, O-Shot®, P-Shot®, Vampire Facelift®, and Vampire Facial®. Dr. Farooqui is also a practicing Pulmonologist & Sleep Medicine Specialist for over a decade and is fellowship trained in Integrative Medicine at University of Arizona. Her office is located at 5509 Kirkwood Highway, Wilmington, DE 19808. Phone: 302-994-2273. Check out our services at www.apolloforme.com. Follow us for updates on Facebook www.facebook.com/apollo4me and Instagram www.instagram.com/apolloforme.
