The Rise of Platelet Rich Plasma
The idea of using your own blood to regenerate your skin may sound science fiction, but the science behind Platelet Rich Plasma therapy (PRP) is firmly grounded in medical precedent.
This fascinating treatment, which harnesses the body’s own healing power, boasts a history spanning decades, evolving from a surgical aid to a sought-after biorejuvenation technique. Let’s delve into the captivating journey of PRP.
Where it Started: Aiding Surgical Healing
The story of PRP begins not in the realm of aesthetics, but in the operating room. In the 1970s, haematologists first recognised the potent healing properties concentrated within platelets – those tiny cellular fragments in our blood responsible for clotting. Rich in growth factors and cytokines, platelets play a crucial role in tissue repair and regeneration.
By the late 1980s and early 1990s, PRP started gaining traction in various surgical fields. Oral and maxillofacial surgeons pioneered its use to accelerate bone regeneration and soft tissue healing after dental implants and complex procedures. Its ability to promote faster healing and reduce the risk of infection made it a valuable tool.
Expanding Horizons: Medical Applications Take Root
As the benefits of PRP became clearer, its application broadened across the medical landscape. Orthopaedic surgeons began utilising PRP injections to treat tendonitis, ligament injuries, and osteoarthritis, leveraging its regenerative potential to alleviate pain and improve function. Sports medicine specialists embraced it to help athletes recover from injuries more effectively.
The early 2000s witnessed further exploration of PRP’s therapeutic capabilities. Dermatologists started investigating its use in wound healing, particularly for chronic ulcers and burns. The growth factors within PRP were found to stimulate cell proliferation and angiogenesis (the formation of new blood vessels), crucial processes in tissue repair.
The Biorejuvenation Boom: PRP Enters Aesthetics
The leap from therapeutic applications to aesthetic enhancement was a natural progression. Observing PRP’s ability to stimulate collagen production and improve tissue regeneration, dermatologists and skin treatment practitioners began exploring its potential for skin rejuvenation.
Around the mid-2000s, PRP started making waves in the cosmetic world. Media coverage of the blood-based facial along with celebrity endorsements, brought PRP facials to the forefront; although there’s no need to worry about the sight of blood – it’s actually a very clean process!
How Does PRP Work?
This procedure involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then delivering the refined PRP back into the skin to release the healing power of platelets
- EITHER via injection, often using a ‘mesotherapy‘ approach of multiple tiny injections to enhance the healing process
- OR via microneedling using a roller or a pen to create tiny punctures in the skin’s surface which allows the PRP to be absorbed to the inner layers
The growth factors in PRP stimulate fibroblasts, the cells responsible for collagen and elastin production, leading to improvements in skin texture, tone, and elasticity. It has also found applications in treating hair loss, with injections into the scalp potentially stimulating hair follicle growth.
The appeal of PRP for biorejuvenation lies in its natural approach, as it involves no other chemicals other than those refined from the patient’s own resources. No toxins, no filler, no additives at all. By utilising the body’s own resources alone, it offers a less invasive alternative to traditional cosmetic procedures.
PRP Today: A Versatile Tool with Ongoing Innovation
Today, PRP therapy continues to evolve. Research is ongoing to refine processing techniques, optimize application methods, and explore new potential uses. In the realm of biorejuvenation, PRP is used to address a range of concerns, including:
- Fine lines and wrinkles: Stimulating collagen production for smoother skin.
- Acne scars: Promoting tissue regeneration to reduce the appearance of scars.
- Sun damage: Improving skin tone and texture.
- Hair loss: Potentially stimulating hair growth in certain types of alopecia.
- Under-eye circles: Improving skin thickness and reducing discolouration.
While platelet rich plasma might have grabbed headlines, the true story of PRP is one of scientific discovery and medical innovation. From its early applications in surgery to its current role in biorejuvenation, PRP stands as a testament to the body’s remarkable ability to heal and regenerate, harnessed through the power of its own platelets. As research continues, the future of PRP holds even more exciting possibilities in both medicine and aesthetics.
PRP Northampton
Platelet Rich Plasma is an advanced skin treatment and is only available in reputable, medically led clinics such as Mulberry House Clinic in Hardingstone, Northamptonshire.
The clinic has an excellent reputation for the latest skin treatments and Dr John Tanqueray has offered the treatment for a number of years. He recommends for delicate areas, where other treatment options are more limited. Popular areas include:
- Face
- Neck
- Décolleté
- Hands
- Eyes
PRP Consultation Northampton
To find out more, book a consultation at Mulberry House Clinic based in Hardingstone near Northampton. Dr John Tanqueray has an excellent reputation for providing natural-looking anti-ageing treatments and extensive experience of Platelet Rich Plasma therapy. He carries out detailed consultations in person prior to treatment.
John worked for many years as a former local GP before pursuing aesthetics full time, where his 20+ years of experience includes providing training in non-surgical treatments for other medical professionals.
Mulberry House Clinic
Established 2003
Mulberry House Clinic has an excellent reputation in the Northampton area as an independent, doctor-led practice with vast experience of the industry. Cosmetic skin treatments are carried out by Dr John Tanqueray, who works closely with leading manufacturers to remain at the forefront of the medical aesthetics.
A private consultation is the starting point for all patients in order to facilitate a full discussion about the desired results as well as detailed facial and skin assessment. Find out more about first consultation.
For further information or to arrange a confidential consultation, please complete our contact form, call 01604 702630 or email: info@mulberryhouseclinic.co.uk.
