By Dr. Dhai Barr
Dr. Dhai Barr has been utilizing platelet rich plasma (PRP) to perform nonsurgical face-lifts, (sometimes called Dracula or Vampire filler) since 2009. Using a micro needling device she is able to deliver your natural PRP elixir directly into your dermis. This procedure using the micro-needling device creates small microscopic channels in the epidermal skin layer. Micro-needling itself induces your skin to produce more collagen and elastin, resulting in tightened and firmer skin. By adding the PRP to this procedure the results are enhanced, as PRP provides concentrated growth factors to stimulate skin repair and encourage the healing response. With this method, fine lines and wrinkles are reduced, acne scars are improved, the skin is tighter, and stretch marks disappear.
Dr. Dhai uses a device for CIT which stamps small 1mm channels into the epidermal skin layer. She then uses a variety of serums that are tailored to your particular concern and, when needed, PRP is stamped into the skin to induce even more collagen induction. PRP is especially useful in eradicating acne scars. There is no damage done to the dermis so there is no downtime, and patients get all the results of a laser or fraxel treatment at a fraction of the cost!
The procedure takes about an hour and has very minimal if any pain.
 What is PRP?
PRP is an excellent source of concentrated human growth factors naturally found in your own blood. These growth factors, in their naturally occurring and biologically determined ratio, prompt your body to repair and restore skin by stimulating our natural healing processes. PRP contains the following tissue growth factors:
Growth Factor
Effects
- PDGF or platelet-derived growth factor
- TGF or transfer growth factor
- IGF-1 or insulin-like growth factor
- EGF or epidermal growth factor
- VEGF or vascular endothelia 1 growth factor
What can PRP do for you?
- Increase skin collagen and elasticity
- Diminish the lines between your brows
- Stimulate hair growth on scalp
- Reduce crows feet lines
- Smooth the forehead lines
- Even out skin tone and texture
- Give your skin a youthful, healthy glow
- Flesh out backs of hands
- Volumize under eyes
- Remove dark circles
- Reduce nasolabial folds
- Soften fine lines around mouth
- Tighten skin
- Minimize pore size
How does PRP compare with other fillers?
Of the several fillers available, none can compare to the bioactivity of our own growth factors. When your own PRP is injected it naturally creates a robust increase in collagen production and tissue growth factors. Naturally occurring Hyaluronic acid products such as the Restylane and Juvederm products are cross-linked to prevent rapid reabsorption. These products give instant results that last 6-18 months and are an excellent choice to combine with PRP. Because PRP and Hyaluronic acid are naturally occurring fillers, these are the only other ones we use in our clinic.
Why would I do PRP?
If you want a non-surgical option in facial rejuvenation, PRP is the ideal procedure for you. It is a completely safe treatment, with no risk of allergic reaction because it is all YOU. PRP is the best technique for rejuvenating your own cells and giving you a more youthful appearance without undergoing invasive surgical procedures.
When will I see results?
In just a few weeks you will notice a fresher healthier glow as you build new blood vessels that supply nutrients to your skin. PRP gradually stimulates and increases collagen, improving your skin over time. After 2 - 6 months the newly plumped skin begins to reverse the signs of aging. The effects, though enduring, are not immediate. You will first see a gradual filling-in of the fine lines, and then the deeper wrinkles. As more collagen develops, dark circles fade and the skin tightens.
These improvements continue over 12 - 18 months. The number of treatments you will require depends on the condition of your skin, your age, and your desired outcome. Dr. Barr will discuss the schedule that best fits the changes you wish to make.
The benefits can be further enhanced with light therapies such as IPL or LED therapy. These treatments have the benefit of instant gratification while the PRP works its makeover magic.
Is there anyone who shouldn’t do PRP facelifts?
PRP is not for persons with skin disease (such as SLE, porphyria), cancer, chemotherapy, severe metabolic and systemic disorders, abnormal platelet function, patients on anti-coagulation therapy, and underlying sepsis.