Are you someone who has tried under-eye filler and it just hasn’t worked out for you? Or are you someone who has tired, creepy under eyes? Are you ready to look refreshed and rejuvenated? Then you may want to keep reading today’s blog!!
What is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a highly concentrated supply of your body’s blood platelets. Platelets naturally contain powerful proteins and growth factors to stimulate the body’s production of collagen, elastin, and hyaluronic acid. PRP increases the body’s healing process to rejuvenate the skin and promote new cell growth, making this truly LIQUID GOLD!
How do we obtain PRP from a patient?
During treatment of growth factor injections, one of our experienced team members will draw blood from your arm into a vial. The small vial will then be spun in our centrifuge to separate the red blood cells from the plasma. This process takes 5-10 minutes. The plasma, which is rich in platelets, is then what is drawn out of the vial for injection.
What areas can PRP improve?
PRP is well known to enhance the skin’s health in a variety of ways-
- Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
- Minimize the appearance of scars
- Improve skin tone and texture
- Rejuvenate dull, creepy skin
- Stimulate hair follicles for fuller, thicker hair
What is my favorite area for growth factor injections?
UNDER EYES!! PRP is a wonderful alternative to hyaluronic acid fillers in the tear trough region. I love that PRP stimulates the body’s process to restore lost collagen and elastin. Injecting the under-eye area with PRP will minimize the fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles and improve the creepiness of the tear troughs.
How many treatments will be needed?
Typically I recommend a series of 4-5 treatments, 4-6 weeks apart. My patients need to understand that this procedure is not an instant gratification treatment. You will not see improvement after one treatment. But TRUST THE PROCESS. Keep in mind that your body IS working to rejuvenate itself, even if you can not see it right away. Once you have completed a series and are LOVING the results, I recommend maintaining your results by having treatment 1-2X per year.
Do the injections hurt?
The blood drawn from your arm feels just as if you were going to the doctor to get a lab drawn. When it comes to the actual PRP injections, we will topically numb the area for 15-20 minutes before. While performing the injections, we will use devices to distract from the procedure. The treatment will take 10 minutes to complete.
How long does it take to recover?
Swelling and bruising in the injection area are to be expected. We are penetrating the skin with a needle. It is my hope to minimize this by having you avoid blood thinning drugs and vitamins 48 hours before treatment and stay well hydrated. Using arnica gel and taking bromelain capsules is proven to help reduce the appearance of bruises and minimize swelling. As far as “recovery time,” you can have minor swelling and bruising for 3-4 days. At Racquel Aesthetics, we have the option of reducing bruises with our VBEAM laser. You will come in after the bruise has developed and see one of our laser specialists to get a treatment to help break up the bruise.
My biggest recommendation before receiving growth factor injections is to have an in-person consultation with me to assess the area of concern. We will ensure you are comfortable with the process and set you up with a schedule for a series of treatments. Please make sure you come into your treatment appointments well hydrated!
Follow me on Instagram @rebecca_strickland_rn for more educational insight, and you can send me an email at rebecca@racquelaesthetics.com if you have any questions!
Hope to see you soon 🙂
XO
