Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

Harnessing your body like never before….

In June SAI launched their Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy protocol and since then the world of aesthetics has sat up and taken notice. A series of case studies demonstrating the effect of platelet rich plasma including more and more clinical data is being released as to the benefit of undergoing this Healing Cascade Activation treatment, and once again Dr Clark at SAI is at the forefront of technique.

What is PRP therapy?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a treatment protocol whereby Dr Clark at SAI will re-inject plasma, rich in platelets and growth factors, that has been harvested from your own body into an area for rejuvenation. The results are a regenerative action on the skin and the reversal of the visible signs of ageing in the skin. At SAI Dr Clark has experience using PRP therapy to predictably and safely treat:

• Facial rejuvenation
• Wrinkles
• Sun Damage
• Bone injury healing
• Wound healing

What is the science behind PRP therapy?

Our bodies naturally produce stem cells that help us heal by stimulating the growth of collagen. A secondary effect from stem cells is an increase in the delivery of oxygen to body tissues, this also assists in the healing process. As we age our bodies lose the ability to deliver as much oxygen or stimulate collagen and the result is an aged skin and loss of elasticity and volume.

Platelets and growth factors found in Platelet Rich Plasma contain three to five times as many platelets and growth factors as is found in normal blood. And by reintroducing this elevated quantity of plasma into the skin we rejuvenate it at levels not even seen during infancy.

How do you harvest the PRP?

A SAI we use the CelluVance harvesting kit. We take roughly 20cc of you own blood and spin down to separate the blood from the growth factors, platelets and stem cells. This separated mixture is then re-injected into the areas where skin rejuvenation is needed most.

Using a patients own blood ensures a zero risk of reaction and lowers the risks associated with other types of skin rejuvenation treatments like: allergic reactions and/or contamination.

Why the sudden hype?

PRP therapy has long been used in the world of sports injuries to increase healing rates. In the world of aesthetic medicine we simply understand the aged skin to present as damaged and in need of healing. Initially the treatment was thought to replace traditional treatment options like Botulinum toxin and dermal fillers in the difficult to treat areas like:

• Around the eyes
• Tear troughs
• Around the mouth

But Dr Clark has discovered that PRP in combination with Botulinum Toxin, Dermal Fillers and most impressively with Dermapen offer fantastic all-round rejuvenation results.

PRP and Dermapen

Both mediums of treatment can be used successfully individually but combined studies indicate that in combination the pillars initiating the healing cascade from the Dermapen also increase the absorption and effect of the PRP therapy. This means faster and more significant results.

The Dermapen’s tiny micro sized 33 gauge needles vibrate and punch vertically into the skin at speeds of up to 25+ times/sec. This controlled “damage” to the skin initiates the bodies injury response “cascade” to rejuvenate and repair the skin by flooding the area with oxygen and stimulating collagen induction.

Now combine PRP therapy with Dermapen and the PRP therapy has an effective delivery model to easily penetrate the surface of the skin and jump start the rejuvenation process.

Conclusion

Be it from a natural treatment point of view or from an increasingly understood anti-ageing treatment protocol the simple fact of the matter is that PRP therapy is a treatment option that anyone interested in anti-aging should consider. PRP therapy alone or with Dermapen offers patients of all ages a non-allergic, non-invasive skin rejuvenation treatment or wrinkle prevention option.

Read the latest article: PRP- Longevity Magazine May 2013

Call SAI and make an appointment now with Dr Clark to discuss your PRP therapy options: 011 883 3116

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