What Is PRP?

PRP is an abbreviation for “platelet-rich plasma”. Blood is made up of many different components, including water, red blood cells, and plasma. The blood plasma contains platelets, which help blood to clot and coagulate, aiding in wound healing. Other ingredients in blood platelets include growth factors, which nourish injured cells and contribute to tissue regeneration.

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In recent times, PRP has been used in various medical settings to expedite healing and treat certain conditions. Physicians use PRP to help professional athletes rebound from injuries more quickly and celebrities such as Kim Kardashian popularized the Vampire Facial for facial rejuvenation. Today, our physicians in Tucson use PRP, often with the addition of microneedling, to improve skin and create a healthy-looking glow. We also use PRP for hair restoration. During your PRP procedure, we use your own blood platelets—so there’s no risk of an allergic response.

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Are You a Candidate?

PRP with microneedling is a great option for targeting certain specific skin concerns as well as simply “tuning up” the complexion. You can also ask about other aesthetic services, including non-invasive exfoliating treatments, that we offer. Our team offers PRP with microneedling for the following conditions:

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• Fine lines or mild wrinkles

• Enlarged, visible pores

• Uneven or rough texture

• Brown spots and hyperpigmentation

• A dull, tired-looking appearance

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Your Treatment Experience

Your appointment for PRP with microneedling begins with a simple blood draw. Once enough blood has been taken, we process it in a device called a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins the blood very quickly, which separates the plasma from the other components.

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Before applying the plasma to your skin, we use a microneedling device to create extremely small pinpoint “channels” in your skin. Microneedling also stimulates your skin’s natural healing process, thereby encouraging the healthy production of collagen as time goes on. The microneedling device looks a bit like a writing pen, except with several extremely fine, sterile needles at the tip. As your provider moves the pen across your skin, the needles quickly move in and out.

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Once your skin has been prepared with microneedling, your provider applies your plasma to your skin. (This is how the treatment earned the Vampire Facial nickname). The plasma moves through the tiny channels created during microneedling, delivering powerful growth factors to the deeper structures of your skin.

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PRP Recovery & Results

Mild redness and inflammation of the skin are common after this procedure. However, in most cases, these symptoms resolve on their own within a couple of days. As the skin begins producing more of its own collagen and the platelets support healthy growth, you’ll notice a beautiful improvement in your skin’s texture, tone, and tightness. Your results can last for months, especially if you use adequate sun protection and practice skin-friendly habits.