Dr May was featured in the latest issue of Cosmetic Surgery and Beauty magazine on PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Have a peek at the article and read the interview with Ms Nicole Bukovinsky, the product development manager for the distributor of PRP………is this procedure for you?
Hi Nicole, by now, the word PRP is beginning to filter into people’s consciousness. Please share with us your history with PRP and how it has changed in the past few years.
PRP first arrived into Australia in 2009 and at that stage it was embraced mainly by cosmetic doctors. It was a very popular procedure in Europe not only for aesthetic purposes but also in the medical and surgical settings. Some of the diverse application of PRP include assisting in the healing of non-healing chronic ulcers, accelerating healing of tendon and joint injuries, decreasing the incidence of infection in post surgical wounds and improving scarring from acne. Today in Australia, we are beginning to see PRP being utilized not only in the cosmetic doctor’s clinic but also in other specialty clinics (Sports clinic) and in the hospital setting for various medical conditions.
What about in the aesthetic setting, what is PRP best for?
PRP can be used anywhere in the face and body where there is skin laxity and crepiness to improve the texture of the skin – for example skin laxity around the eyes, neck and décolletage, stretch marks and hands
What can we expect from a PRP treatment?
Blood is collected from the client into the PRP tube and then placed in a centrifuge and spun for a few minutes. The platelet rich plasma is then extracted from the tube and then reinjected into the areas of concern. PRP contains growth factors which stimulate new collagen, elastin and blood vessels to grow in the areas treated. The treatment is repeated 4-6 weeks apart for a total of 3-4 treatments. The effects are not immediate as it depends on the client’s own body to generate new collagen and this will take time. Results are also dependent on the health and age of the client. Healthy younger patients (<40) who do not smoke, have a good diet are the best responders. Clients older than 40 who are healthy will respond but they may need more treatments
I think PRP is the way of the future in both the cosmetic and medical arena and I look forward to seeing new developments in the use of PRP with stem cell therapy in particular
As with any medical procedures, please consult with your practitioner and make your decision after careful consideration of the small risks versus the potential benefits
