Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) facials are one of many types of anti-aging treatments offered here at the Philadelphia Center for Anti-Aging. A PRP facial is a cosmetic procedure that involves using your own blood plasma enriched with platelets 一 hence their nickname “vampire facials” 一 to rejuvenate and enhance the appearance of your skin by promoting collagen production and tissue regeneration.
PRP facials can help reduce the size of large pores, reduce the appearance of fine lines and acne scars, and even help combat the sunken area under your eyes, so it’s no surprise why they’re so popular.
If you’re ready to try a facial for yourself, you might wonder what the process requires. Read on as Stephen Ficchi, DO and our team share the step-by-step to PRP facials.
Before you receive any anti-aging treatment, the first step is to schedule your consultation. During this session, Dr. Ficchi assesses your skin, reviews your aesthetic goals, and determines if you're an ideal candidate for the treatment. Your medical history and skincare concerns will also be discussed to ensure you receive the most personalized approach.
The platelets in your blood are naturally rich in healing factors, and your PRP serum contains concentrated platelets. A PRP facial uses your own blood — never a donor’s blood — so it makes sense that you'll also need a blood draw to collect a small sample of your blood.
The blood draw is quick; it’s just like any blood draw you experience during your routine lab work.
After Dr. Ficchi collects your blood sample, the next step is to prepare your serum. Your blood is placed into a centrifuge where the platelets are concentrated and activated.
To ensure your comfort during the procedure, a topical anesthetic is applied to your treatment area. Once your skin is numb, the activated PRP is carefully applied using a microneedling technique or other targeted methods, depending on your specific skincare goals. Microneedling helps the PRP penetrate the skin, which promotes collagen production and rejuvenation.
PRP facials are low maintenance and don’t require extensive aftercare (unlike other more extensive procedures such as chemical peels). As the PRP works its magic, you might experience some redness or mild swelling, which is a normal part of your skin's healing response.
Our team provides you with aftercare instructions, which may include avoiding exfoliants, excessive skincare products, and excessive UV exposure after your treatment. All your aftercare steps will be discussed with you during your consultation, so you’ll know exactly what to expect each step of the way.
Remember, it takes time for your body to ramp up collagen production! That being said, over the following weeks, you'll begin to notice the transformative effects — renewed skin texture, improved tone, and a youthful glow.
PRP facials may seem like the next trendy aesthetic procedure, but PRP facials are so much more than a fad. PRP facials can refresh your appearance without any incisions or synthetic ingredients.
To learn more about PRP facials (or PRP for hair restoration!) or to schedule your consultation, call our Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, office at 215-801-3036, or use our online booking form.