My skin has been looking and feeling a lot better ever since I started my journey with ME Aesthetic Clinic in 2016. Dr Eric and his team have been maintaining my skin health via brightening lasers and most recently, PRP (platelet rich plasma) and I’m loving the results of the latter procedure as my skin looks amazing progressively!
For those of you who are new to the idea of PRP, I’ve asked Dr Eric Law to answer a few questions/concerns you might have regarding this procedure. I hope this helps you make a more informed decision when it comes to your skin and well-being. :)
1) Are the results similar to getting fillers?
Both procedures help people to look great via non- surgical facial rejuvenation. PRP is not a substitute for fillers. PRP stands for platelet rich plasma; derived from one’s own blood. It helps the body heal itself without using chemicals substances of any kind. It stimulates patient’s stem cells naturally and wakes them up, thus stimulates more collagen formation, restore skin health, improves skin quality, hair growth as well as circulation.
Generally, it helps people to look better gradually so that others don’t see a drastic immediate change in their appearance. Traditional dermal fillers are great for giving immediate effects, more robust volume correction but these effects wane over the course of months to years. PRP might take few months to work, but the effects can last several months to years after several sessions depending on the patient’s lifestyle.
2) Is it known as Dracula facial? Why?
Yes. This so-called Dracula facial Is a combination of micro needling and PRP (platelet rich plasma). The procedure uses one’s own blood to promote better skin quality through tiny injections just under the skin level.
3) How long does the effect of PRP last? How many sessions will I need to see improvement?
Anti-aging is not a one-time event. The more nutrients/ growth factors that you can supply to your skin, the younger your skin will get. Studies show that after 3-4 treatments, you’ll see improvement in term of skin quality, improvement of dark circles, acne scars, pores refinement, fine wrinkles reduction and other effects of aging.
How lasting is the effect? This varies depending on the lifestyle (e.g. stress, smokers, chronic sun exposure will last shorter compare to normal individuals). Generally, it will last for months (some as long as 12-18 months)
4) Some say their dark eye circles appear darker after PRP. But it gets lighter after few days. Why is that?
Dark circles around the eyes is a common problem in many patients, especially women. Several causing factors that contributes to this such as sun exposure, alcohol, smoking, sleep deprivation, genetics and structural factors. Skin under the eyes is very delicate and subjected to bruise occasionally.
Anyway, all this is temporary and will go off after few days to a week and the dark circles will improves through time. Before PRP procedure, make sure you were not taking any blood thinners such as aspirin, ibuprofen, gingko or Vitamin E.
5) Can PRP lighten acne scars, scar due to previous injury and chicken pox scars?
Yes. PRP stimulates the regrowth of collagen and elastin, the building block of healthy skin. After the treatment, our body naturally begins a healing process that helps rid of the scars. Of course, certain deeper scars requires PRP as an add-on therapy to laser therapy or other procedures such as subcision to deliver the best results possible.
6) Is the procedure more painful compared to fillers and Botox?
Generally, PRP injections cause slight discomfort but they are tolerable. Before the procedure, topical numbing cream is applied to reduce the discomfort. Overall, it’s a well-tolerated rejuvenating procedure.
7) I have large pores. Can PRP shrink those pores?
Yes. Pores are naturally breathing mechanism of the skin. Under hot weather, skin produces more sebum which give rise to enlarged pores. When it is clogged, it causes inflammation and leads to acne formation. PRP stimulates new collagen which improves the skin texture and make it more vibrant, soft and moisture.
8) Will the wrinkles and crow’s feet around my eyes disappear via PRP?
Can it restore volume loss due to aging? PRP is an anti-aging treatment. It helps to improve fine lines/ wrinkles. Severe or advanced wrinkling or scar tissues may not respond. Patients need to be realistic about potential benefits as it is limited for those who have high alcohol intake, smoke heavily or who do not have a healthy diet/lifestyle.
9) Can I undergo PRP when I’m pregnant/ breastfeeding?
In general, we do not recommend any cosmetic or elective procedures to be done during pregnancy because there have not been studies on its safety. It is advisable to avoid PRP during pregnancy as any procedure involving blood comes with the risk of infection which can affect the foetal health. It’s best to wait until post-delivery.
For breast feeding mother, since PRP uses one’s own plasma and is locally performed on the face, it does not affect production or content of breast milk. Generally, it is safe to do and a great way to maintain your skin during that time.
10) I have saggy skin and very dark eyes circle. Would PRP work for me? Or should I just do fillers?
Generally, PRP can improves dark eyes circle and saggy skin. The primary factor causing skin to sag is age. As people grow older, skin begins to lose elastin, collagen and facial muscles become weakened. This is worsened by gravity, UV radiation and other factors such as smoking, alcohol and stresses.
Depending on the severity, some cases might need combination of treatment modalities to tighten the loose skin such as lasers, dermal fillers and invasive face lifting surgery.
11) How long is the downtime for PRP?
PRP injections may bring possibility of developing tiny bruise, redness and minimal swelling which are all temporary. Downtime can range anywhere from 24 hrs to 72 hrs. However, patients can go back to their usual routines the next day.
12) When is the optimum time for the skin to peak after PRP?
One can expect overall improvement in skin hydration, texture and tone after 3 weeks as between 3 and 6 weeks, new collagen and blood vessels are formed leading to overall improvement in skin appearance.
13) How many times can we do PRP and what is the ideal gap in between each session?
For PRP protocol, the recommended treatment is 3 sessions 1 month apart for best results, followed by maintenance of 3 to 6 months once. Generally, the effect will last for months or longer and varies depending on one’s lifestyle.
My dark eye circles have significantly reduced after the first session, and this has further lightened after subsequent sessions. I’m currently on my 5th session (in a span of 2 years) and my skin is even easier to maintain these days. If you have more questions regarding PRP, do reach out to the ME Aesthetic Clinic team and they’d be happy to answer them.
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ME Aesthetic Clinic
Lot LG-18, Lower Ground Floor, Berjaya Times Square.
Tel: 03-2143 3866