Regen Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) uses your own platelet cells to restore volume, smooth lines and reinvigorate a tired complexion.

The natural healing power of the body is captured with Regen Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), a treatment that seeks to restore lost volume and rejuvenate the skin in all layers using the patient's own platelet cells. "As we age, a depletion in collagen and elastin occurs and is represented in the formation of deep lines, wrinkles and dehydrated skin," explains Perth cosmetic physician Dr Yien Yeo. "Regen Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is the ultimate biological skin rejuvenation treatment. It uses the patient's own cells to refresh the complexion, providing overall rejuvenation by repairing the quality of the skin and restoring plumpness to wrinkles, scarring and crêpey skin," he continues.

Regen PRP treatments work on all three layers of the skin - the epidermal, dermal and sub-dermal layers - so the face not only appears fresh and more youthful looking but is also improved in its skin quality and texture. "My patients have noticed a distinct improvement in the feeling of their skin - a smoother, softer texture to touch," he says.

According to Dr Yeo, this is especially apparent in those who have had PRP injections underneath the eyes and around the neck area, making it well suited to patients aged around 40 to 60 years old. "The neck and décolletage are two areas which are hard to correct non-surgically but in my experience respond very well to PRP therapy," he says.

Platelet Rich Plasma is used to describe blood plasma with a high concentration of platelets. "Platelets are components of blood that are integral in blood clotting and tissue repair," explains Dr Yeo. "These concentrated platelets contain special proteins that are not only pivotal in the repair and regeneration of tissues but also in initiating new blood vessel formation and connective tissue repair."

This stimulates new collagen and hyaluronic acid production, improving skin health and creating a more vibrant appearance. PRP therapy is suitable to be used anywhere on the face and is particularly suited to treating crow's feet, fine lines and wrinkles, overall loss of volume and thin-textured skin. Treatment typically lasts about 40 minutes and involves taking two small tubes (about 10 to 20ml) of blood from the patient. Generally two tubes are needed for the entire face.

The blood is first centrifuged to concentrate and separate the plasma and cells, explains Dr Yeo. "This takes about 10 minutes. The concentrated plasma is then injected into the target area in small amounts using a very thin needle, so the process involves minimal discomfort. I also use numbing cream to make the procedure as comfortable as possible for the patient."

There may be some swelling and bruising at the injection points after the procedure but this generally subsides overnight. "If the patient is particularly concerned, having the treatment on a Friday is a good way to ensure swelling subsides in time for work on Monday," he notes.

According to Dr Yeo, it takes about three months for overall results to become clearly visible but improvement in skin texture, tone and hydration is usually visible within a few weeks. "Multiple treatments are typically needed for the best result, but I like to wait at least three months after the first treatment to see exactly how much improvement has occurred before further sessions," he says.

Dr Yeo says PRP injections create a natural-looking result for patients wanting to enhance and illuminate their face. "Regen PRP offers something completely different to dermal fillers and muscle relaxants - an overall luminous and youthful glow," he says. "It provides gradual, natural looking results for patients who want a complete package."

Ref: ACSM Pages 88-89 Non-Surgical Facial Rejuvenation

See also: BOTOX Cosmetic®, Dermal Fillers