Is PRP Worth It?

 

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is often offered as an adjunct treatment for aesthetic treatments such as microneedling and laser or radiofrequency skin resurfacing.  It’s touted as shortening healing times and improving outcomes. And it’s not cheap. Practices typically charge $300 to $500 for the PRP treatment add-on. Is it worth it?

About PRP

PRP originated for treating sports injuries in the 1980s. PRP is inflammatory, and inflammation helps improve vascularity and oxygen uptake in non-healing chronic wounds. 

In PRP therapy, your blood is extracted, usually about 50 ml, sometimes more. Sometimes the blood is mixed with an anticoagulant before it is centrifuged. The time it is centrifuged varies as there is no industry standard. Sometimes the platelet-rich plasma layer is removed for use after the first centrifuge, sometimes there is a second centrifuge; and sometimes an activator is added. Some practices use custom made PRP process, other use one of a variety of commercially available systems.

PRP in Dermatology

Applications in dermatology were based on the premise is that platelet-rich plasma level contains the growth factors and cytokines that help make tissue grow. This would mean shorted healing times, less crusting, and improved outcomes. 

There are lots of small studies with lots of big study design problems. Most studies are not split face, meaning one side is treated and the other is the control. This is important because skin response to any treatment is individual. This is because results are affected by a mix of ethnicity, age, health, lifestyle, skin care products, and so on. 

Meta studies analyze many studies to form conclusions. Meta study In Current Evidence for Clinical Efficacy of Platelet Rich Plasma in Aesthetic Surgery: A Systematic Review concluded:

Current studies produce context-dependent results with a lack of consistent reporting of PRP preparation, composition, and activation in aesthetic applications, making meaningful meta-analysis unrealistic. Thus the method of PRP preparation warrants increased attention.

One of the largest meta studies, Applications of platelet-rich plasma in dermatology: A critical appraisal of the literature found:

We conclude that, whilst the literature may be consistent with a modest benefit for specific indications, there is not sufficient evidence supporting the efficacy of PRP to justify a role in routine dermatological practice at the present time. However, since PRP is generally well tolerated with few reported complications, further study may be justified in the context of organized trials.

Issues with PRP 

That there are no precise standards for PRP in dermatology is arguably the number one issue. Preparation procedures, anticoagulant use, and activator use vary from practice to practice. Furthermore, personal blood platelet concentrations vary by day and are affected by age and medications. 

The cytokines in PRP are inflammatory, period. Everyone agrees on that. However, inflammation is not required for healing in aesthetics. Healing in an inflammatory environment is pro-fibrotic, meaning scar tissue is formed. Inflammation can also lead to abnormal pigmentation and scarring. Lastly, inflammation is linked to aging in all tissues.

PRP practitioners should be skilled phlebotomists, especially for patients who are a “hard stick” (have veins that are hard to find). PRP practitioners should have an OSHA Blood Pathogens Certification. Arizona does not have specific regulations for aesthetic or dermatology practices that provide PRP. 

A Better Alternative to PRP 

Rejuvience Med Spa provides AnteAGE MD Growth Factor Solution and AnteAGE AnteAGE MD Brightening Solution as an adjunct to skin rejuvenation procedures. The solution is sterile with high concentrations of cytokines and growth factors. The solution is applied immediately before medical microneedling and immediately after skin resurfacing treatments. Remaining solution is applied every 20 minutes until gone. 

The result is arguably faster healing, less crusting, and improved outcomes than PRP at a dramatically lower price. Even better, there are no needles, no blood handling, no bloody looking face.

AnteAGE MD Growth Factor Solution

AnteAGE MD Growth Factor Solution pro-healing, anti-inflammatory cytokines are derived from laboratory culture of human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells. The human bone marrow is donated by healthy females. This is because bone marrow stem cells create more healing specialized cytokines than other human cell type. Note that AnteAGE MD products contain no cells or cell remnants. They are removed during ultrafiltration, the final step in the laboratory culture process.

Synthesized human TGF-B3 is added to further reduce inflammation and promote less fibrotic, more fetal-like healing. High molecular weight hyaluronic acid provides lubrication and is a powerful humectant that promotes rapid re-hydration and volume enhancement within the upper layers of the skin. 

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Human Bone Marrow Stem Cell Conditioned Media, Hyaluronic Acid, TGF-beta 3 (sh-Polypeptide-5), Dehydroacetic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol

AnteAGE AnteAGE MD Brightening Solution

The AnteAGE AnteAGE MD Brightening Solution has tranexamic Acid and other melanin synthesis blocking actives added to improve results for those with uneven skin pigment without drying, irritation or inflammation.

Ingredients: Water (Aqua), Human Bone Marrow Stem Cell Conditioned Media, Tranexamic Acid, Acetyl Glucosamine, Tetrapeptide-30, Nonapeptide-1, Hyaluronic Acid, Benzyl Alcohol, Dehydroacetic Acid, TGF-b3 (sh-Polypeptide-5), IL-10 (sh-Polypeptide-6)

AnteAGE MD at Rejuvience Med Spa

AnteAGE MD Growth Factor Solution and AnteAGE AnteAGE MD Brightening Solution are available with laser, radiofrequency, and Tixel skin resurfacing treatments as well as medical microneedling.

Rejuvience Med Spa is a licensed medical spa that provides skin rejuvenation and skin resurfacing treatments using state-of-the-art equipment and treatment protocols. Call or text (602) 899-7462 with questions or to schedule an appointment. See www.RejuvienceMedSpa.com for our menu of services with pricing or to book online. 

Why Knowing Your Fitzpatrick Skin Type is Important

The Fitzpatrick skin type system, also known as the Fitzpatrick skin phototype, was developed in 1975. It remains widely used for classifying skin types to indicate the risk of sunburn, risk of skin cancer, and appropriateness of both skin care and skin rejuvenation procedures. In fact, the FDA uses Fitzpatrick skin type system when evaluating the SPF values of sunscreens. It is also used aesthetic medicine practitioners to determine which skin care products and treatments are best suited for an individual.

The different skin types help quanitfy how much melanin a person has in their skin. The more melanin they have, the greater protection they have against the sun and ultra violet radiation. Likewise, the less melanin a person has, the more likely they are to burn from the sun and ultra violet radiation.

What are the Different Skin Types?

Fitzpatrick Skin Type I

People with Fitzpatrick skin type I have ivory or almost white skin. They are ethnically Caucasian and have the least amount of melanin of all of the skin types. Their pale skin burns and peels easily, never tans, and often has freckles. Their natural hair color is usually blond or red, and eyes are usually blue.

People with Fitzpatrick Type I skin are especially susceptible to damage from sun exposure and have a higher risk of developing melanoma or other types of skin cancer. They absolutely must use a mineral-based SPF of at least 30. It is also best for them to avoid sun exposure as much as possible and wear protective clothing that reflects the sun’s rays. 

People with Fitzpatrick skin type I are almost always good candidates for all skin rejuvenation treatments, from chemical peels to microneedling to laser and radiofrequency.  

Fitzpatrick Skin Type II

People with Fitzpatrick skin type II have light, fair complexions. They are ethnically Caucasian. Like Fitzpatrick skin type I, their fair skin burns, rarely tans, and often has freckles. Their natural hair color is usually blonde, red, or light brown, and eyes are blue, hazel, or green.

Like people with Fitzpatrick Type I skin, type IIs are especially susceptible to damage from sun exposure and have a higher risk of developing melanoma or other types of skin cancer. They too absolutely must use a mineral-based SPF of at least 30. 

Those with Fitzpatrick type II skin are also almost always good candidates for all skin rejuvenation treatments, from chemical peels to microneedling to laser and radiofrequency.  

Fitzpatrick Type III

People with Fitzpatrick skin type III have cream to fair complexions. Unlike Fitzpatrick skin type I and II, their skin will tan and sometimes burn. Sun exposure may result in freckles. Their natural hair color is usually dark blonde or chestnut with brown, blue, green, or hazel eyes.

Like people with Fitzpatrick Type I and IIs, they are susceptible to damage from sun exposure and have a higher risk of developing melanoma or other types of skin cancer. They should use a mineral-based SPF of at least 30 when out in the sun. They are also almost always good candidates for all skin rejuvenation treatments, from chemical peels to microneedling to laser and radiofrequency.  

Fitzpatrick Skin Type IV

People with Fitzpatrick skin type IV have a light brown or olive skin color that tans uniformly and rarely burns. Their ethnicity is often Mediterranean, Southern European, Native American, Hispanic, or Asian. They often have dark brown eyes and hair, however hair may be darker and eyes may be blue, green, or hazel. 

Fitpatrick type IVs are less suceptible to melanoma or other types of skin cancer, however they still should use a mineral-based SPF of at least 30 when in the sun, particularly between 10 am and 2 pm when the sun is usually at its strongest. 

Fitzpatrick skin type IVs are more prone to post-treatment inflammatory hyperpigmentation. This means adjustments in power settings for both laser and radiofreqency are usually needed. This also means that hose with Fitzpatrick skin type IV skin are not good candidates for deeper, more aggressive peels. 

Fitzpatrick Skin Type V

Those with Fitzpatrick skin type V have brown to dark brown skin, rarely freckle, tan very easily, and rarely burn. Eye and hair color range from brown to black. Ethnicity is often African, South East Asian, or Eastern Indian. 

The melanin in Fitzpatrick type V skin helps it tend to age better than skin types I - III that are more sensitive to photo aging. Those with Fitzpatrick skin type VI are typically not ideal candidates for laser and peels. The 1926nm LaseMD laser is an exception, however energy needs to be adjusted downward to prevent hypopigmentation. Radiofrequency treatments in general are appropriate for those with Fitzpatrick skin type VI, however as with the LaseMD settings must be adjusted downward to prevent hypopigmentation. 

Fitzpatrick Skin Type VI

Those with Fitzpatrick skin type VI have deeply pigmented skin that tans but never burns or freckles. Natural hair color is black and eyes are dark brown to black. Ethnicity can be African, Aborigines, or dark skined Asians such as Tamils. 

Those with Fitzpatrick skin type VI are most likely to have beautiful aging skin, however they are typically not ideal candidates for laser and peels. The 1926nm LaseMD laser is an exception, however energy needs to be adjusted downward to prevent hypopigmentation. Radiofrequency treatments in general are appropriate for those with Fitzpatrick skin type VI, however as with the LaseMD settings must be adjusted downward to prevent hypopigmentation. 

Your Skin Type Matters!   

Knowing your skin type is important because it is a significant factor in choosing appropriate skin rejuvenation, laser hair removal, and tattoo removal treatments and settings. It's also important for ensuring appropriate skin care products, including skin brighteners and mineral-based SPF products. 

At Rejuvience Med Spa, you'll receive a detailed skin type questionnaire as one of your intake forms. This ensures that your skin type is correctly identified so that treatment and product recommendations are appropriate. We have technologies that are appropriate for all skin types, including award winning Vivace Microneedling RF, award winning Venus Viva for skin resurfacing, LaseMD for skin resurfacing, and the new Tixel for skin resurfacing.  

If you're not sure which treatment is right for you, schedule a complimentary consultation. We'll listen to your concerns and educate you on appropriate choices.