How Does PRP Work to Repair and Revitalize Aging Skin Tissue?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an anti-aging treatment that uses your own blood to turn back the hands of time. Our team uses PRP therapy to revitalize your skin and correct common signs of aging, including wrinkles, poor complexion, and thinning hair. 

But how exactly does your own blood do all that? It’s a question we hear a lot at Philadelphia Center for Anti-Aging.

Take a moment as Stephen Ficchi, DO explains what PRP therapy is and how it repairs and revitalizes aging skin tissue.

What is PRP?

To understand PRP, let’s first define the two elements of a PRP serum: plasma and platelets.

Plasma is the liquid component of your blood that carries cells and proteins throughout your body. Platelets are a type of blood cell that promotes healing and tissue regeneration. They contain growth factors and other proteins that stimulate cell repair and renewal. 

A PRP serum is a concentration of plasma that is rich in these healing platelets.

Learn more about the PRP process

When you receive PRP therapy for anti-aging treatments, you can expect several steps:

Blood collection

Much like a routine blood test, we draw a small amount of blood from your arm. This is key to the whole process. PRP therapy uses your own blood rather than synthetic anti-aging creams or products.

Prepare your blood

Your blood is then placed in a centrifuge — a machine that spins fast enough to separate it into its different components. It separates your red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets.

The concentrated platelet-rich plasma is then extracted. This is important because your PRP serum contains a significantly higher concentration of growth factors compared to normal blood.

Injection

The PRP is injected into the targeted areas of the skin. This can be done using microneedling or direct injections, depending on the treatment area and desired outcome. 

Here at Philadelphia Center for Anti-Aging, Dr. Ficchi uses PRP to address concerns such as:

• Large pores
• Acne scars
• Sunken under eyes
• Fine lines and wrinkles

Unlike invasive surgery, there’s little downtime required. You may notice some redness at the injection site, but these side effects are temporary. 

How PRP repairs and revitalizes your skin

Back to the titular question — how does PRP work to repair and revitalize aging skin tissue — the answer is multifaceted. PRP injections:

Boost collagen production

As you age, collagen production naturally slows down. Because collagen is the “glue” — the word collagen itself is derived from a Greek word meaning “glue” — that provides strength and structure to your skin, decreasing collagen can leave your skin prone to fine lines, thin skin, and a dull texture. 

PRP contains growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor-beta (TGF-β), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) — all of which can stimulate fibroblast production. Fibroblasts are cells that help form connective tissue in your body and help with collagen production.

The takeaway: PRP injections help to boost collagen production to restore your skin's structure and resilience.

Increase cellular turnover

PRP promotes the regeneration of new skin cells. The growth factors in PRP signal your body to repair and replace old, damaged cells with new ones.

Improve your blood flow

Improved blood flow brings more oxygen and nutrients to the skin — all of which are needed for healthier skin,  a brighter complexion, and a more youthful appearance.

Reduce the appearance of fine lines

By stimulating collagen production and cell regeneration, PRP helps to fill in fine lines and wrinkles from within. 

The best part: You don’t need to rely on plastic surgery or synthetic fillers to combat the earliest signs of aging.

Reduce the appearance of scars

PRP therapy can also improve the appearance of scars, including acne scars. The growth factors in PRP promote healing and tissue remodeling, which can reduce the depth and visibility of scars over time.

Reclaim your youthful glow with PRP injections

As with many anti-aging treatments, your first step is to schedule a consultation with Dr. Ficchi. During your consultation, Dr. Ficchi examines your skin, reviews your aesthetic goals, and explains the PRP process.

You may even find that PRP injections are just part of a larger anti-aging treatment plan that includes wellness guidance, IV hydration, and weight loss injections.

To get started, give us a ring at 215-801-3036. Or, simply click here to use our online booking form.