PRP FOR ACNE SCARS
Cosmetic Clinic Dubai | 24 January 2020
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatment is a procedure for correcting a number of skin conditions, including acne scarring, by using the healing properties of a patient’s own blood. Also known as the ‘vampire facial’, PRP has become popular through its promotion by celebrity figures as a less-invasive alternative to laser and surgical treatments. It is most effective when combined with other skin rejuvenation treatments, such as micro-needling.
How does PRP acne scar treatment work?
In PRP treatment, we inject a concentrated solution of platelets taken from your blood, into the affected area of skin. Platelets are a natural component of blood, essential to the process of healing and growth of new skin tissue, particularly collagen and elastin. When your own platelet-rich blood is injected back into your skin, it stimulates this healing process and helps your skin to repair the damage caused by acne scarring.
What happens during treatment?
At the start of the PRP procedure, we draw a small amount of blood from your arm. The amount of blood drawn depends on the type of treatment you are having, and with acne scarring, the number of scars you are having treated. We then put the blood into a centrifuge, which separates the platelets from the white and red blood cells. This part of the process takes just a few minutes. Finally, we inject the platelet-rich serum into the areas of your face with the acne scarring. The whole procedure itself is relatively simple and quick, usually taking only about 30 minutes. There is no downtime associated with PRP, and you can carry on with your day immediately afterwards.
Are there any side effects?
Because the PRP injections use your own blood to naturally rejuvenate your skin, the risk of allergic reaction is almost non-existent.
While there is no downtime from the procedure, you may have some swelling and bruising at the site of the injection. We can apply a cool compress to the treated area immediately after the treatment to help minimise this. The needles we use are very fine and the injection itself should not cause you any pain.
How long do the results last?
The results of PRP treatment for acne scarring become evident in the 3 to 4 weeks following each session. Your body needs this time to heal itself naturally, as it generates new and healthy skin tissue and the scarring starts to fade.