As the field of regenerative medicine continues to advance, and we learn more about the innate healing properties of the human body, we have achieved many breakthroughs that were once firmly in the realm of science fiction. Two of the most promising treatments in this area are platelet-rich plasma and stem cells. What are the benefits of these approaches, how do they differ, and can they work for you? Read on to learn answers to these questions and more.

What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma?

Small cell fragments called platelets form in your bone marrow. When you have a wound or injury that bleeds, platelets are responsible for initiating the process of blood coagulation. Platelets also have abundant growth factors. Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, contains three to five times the number of platelets found in regular circulating blood.

The Benefits of PRP Treatments

In the early 1990s, doctors began realizing the benefits of PRP in dental care, wound healing, and skin grafting. Then, about a decade later, the use of PRP advanced into orthopedic and sports medicine, including arthritis remedies, treating joint and tissue damage, and long-term pain management.

Today, PRP treatments have begun making inroads in dermatology and aesthetic medicine. Specifically, combining PRP with microneedling in a treatment nicknamed the “vampire facial” can create a smoother, younger, blemish-free complexion. Similarly, PRP has shown promise as a hair restoration treatment because of its ability to stimulate hair growth and increase hair thickness and overall hair count in many patients.

Whether you are getting a PRP facial, or PRP for hair loss, the process begins with drawing a small blood sample from your arm, then spinning it in a centrifuge to isolate the plasma. Another advantage of PRP in medicine is that there is no risk of rejection or allergic reaction since the healing components come directly from your body. 

What Are Stem Cells?

Stem cells also play a role in the healing process in that they can treat many different types of tissue damage. As a building block, they can convert themselves into various kinds of cells – including bones, heart muscles, nerves, and others – depending on the “instructions” they receive from the body. This versatility has made them a darling of the medical community, especially in procedures that involve healing and repairing injuries to joints or cartilage.

Doctors have successfully used stem cell therapy to treat burns, spinal cord injuries, cancer, arthritis, and heart disease. There is also some evidence to suggest stem cells can help with chronic illnesses such as Type 1 diabetes, Parkinson’s, Alzheimer’s, and Lou Gehrig’s disease.

The Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy

The concept of using stem cells to treat hair loss in men and women is still relatively new, but one prevailing idea about why it might be effective is that stem cells can have an anti-inflammatory effect. When introduced to the hair follicles, these cells can also increase blood flow, stimulating the follicles’ function. 

Learn More About Regenerative Medicine in San Francisco

While the use of PRP therapy and stem cell therapy is still relatively new, these all-natural treatments have shown tremendous promise for a bright future.

Dr. Seth L. Matarasso is a board-certified surgeon and clinical professor of dermatology offering many of the most cutting-edge therapeutic options available today. Schedule a private consultation to learn whether PRP or stem cell therapy is right for your aesthetic goals.

By now, you’ve probably heard about the “vampire facial” that is attracting gobs of attention on Instagram, especially among celebrities such as the Kardashian sisters. This method relies on platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments plus microneedling to achieve beautiful, transformative results. PRP facials have earned the nickname “vampire facial” because they use the patient’s blood to stimulate facial rejuvenation.

If covering your face with blood sounds like little more than a gruesome gimmick to you, rest easy knowing that the PRP facial is a highly advanced technique based on scientific research into how your body regenerates itself after an injury. The PRP comes from the serum portion of your blood, which is rich in platelets – tiny cells that play a role in your body’s natural healing process. The platelets contain high levels of growth factors that stimulate cellular regeneration when applied to your skin.

What Is Microneedling?

Microneedling, also called collagen induction therapy, is an exceptional treatment for promoting cell turnover. We create thousands of micro-channels by gently guiding a pen-like device across your skin. These minuscule injuries trigger your skin’s natural healing response, which stimulates the production of collagen, hyaluronic acid, and elastin – the three building blocks of a healthy, youthful glow.

New cell growth due to microneedling creates plumper, firmer, smoother, and younger-looking skin. In other words, the technique improves both the quality and the texture of skin, providing the following benefits:

• Reduces pore size, fine lines, and wrinkles
• Improves uneven skin tone, such as dark spots from sun damage
• Minimizes the appearance of scars from surgery, accidents, or acne

The Microneedling and PRP Process

The PRP treatment begins with drawing your blood, then spinning it through a centrifuge to isolate the platelets and plasma. Next comes the microneedling, followed by spreading the PRP across your face. The tiny punctures created during the microneedling process help the healing components of your PRP absorb more fully into your skin.

Microneedling with PRP is a highly effective skin care treatment that acts as an energy boost for your skin. The platelets help your skin function optimally, increasing collagen and elastin growth while simultaneously bringing anti-aging and hydrating properties. It’s a win-win!

Who Is a Good Candidate for Microneedling With PRP?

People with premature wrinkles, sun damage, uneven skin tone, or anyone who wants a dewy, refreshed appearance is an ideal candidate for the procedure. Microneedling is effective on patients of all ages, skin types, and skin tones. However, if you have a history of blood diseases, including clotting or bleeding disorders, PRP treatment is probably not right for you.

Aside from the minor pinprick sensation of having your blood drawn and minimal bruising that may develop, the vampire facial is extremely safe, as it uses blood taken from your body. Because we perform the procedure under controlled, clinical conditions, the likelihood of infection or injury is extremely low.

What to Expect During the Procedure

Microneedling is an in-office treatment. Before we begin, we will cleanse your skin and then apply a topical numbing cream to your face to minimize discomfort during the procedure.

We’ll then draw and spin your blood, and use the Eclipse MicroPen – a small, handheld device featuring a sterile tip with 12 tiny needles – to create microscopic pinholes in your skin. Following the microneedling, we will spread the PRPs on your face.

Patients will see the most benefit by receiving a series of three to four treatments, with touch-up appointments every few months to keep your skin in ideal condition. The number of treatments you will need will vary, depending on your aesthetic concerns.

What to Look Forward to After a PRP Facial

Most patients take a day or two of downtime after receiving a PRP facial. You’ll emerge from treatment looking a bit pink, almost like a sunburn. You may also experience slight swelling, which should lessen within the first two to three days after treatment.

For the week following your procedure, you will need to protect your skin with sunscreen and use a gentle cleanser and moisturizer. While your skin is healing, it may feel tight, dry, or flaky as it turns over damaged cells and revitalizes your complexion.

Within several weeks after your treatment, you will notice a smoother, brighter, and more radiant appearance; however, your anti-aging results will continue to improve for months, as your skin increases its collagen production.

Learn More About PRP Facials

Schedule your consultation with Dr. Matarasso today, or call 415-362-2238.

To schedule a PRP therapy consultation, contact us today.

If you’re interested in hair restoration, contact us today.

Some recent studies have delved into just how severe the effects of hair loss can be:

• 75% of men who suffer from hair loss feel less confident
• People with hair loss are perceived as older
• Women with hair loss feel more negatively affected than men
• Hair loss can make someone feel less in control about their life
• 63% of women with alopecia have career-related problems

Although there are multiple drugs and surgical procedures available to help combat hair loss, their success rates vary. Fortunately, there’s one promising non-surgical treatment called PRP that’s being hailed as a possible key for reversing the effects of hair loss.

So What Can PRP Do For You?

Platelet Rich Plasma, also known as PRP, is blood plasma that’s been enriched with a concentrated amount of platelets. PRP has several properties that make it ideal for hair loss therapy: PRP contains cytokines and growth factors that stimulate healing and repair in body tissue like hair follicles. Essentially, PRP helps reverse hair loss by stimulating inactive or newly planted hair follicles into growth.

PRP can be applied by itself or in addition to a surgical hair graft to ensure its viability. Its healing properties also assist with restoring plumpness in the skin and smoothing wrinkles, scars, and fine lines. PRP has been a popular treatment for many years and has been used for:

• Sports injuries
• Nerve injuries
• Oral surgeries
• Heart surgery

How PRP Works:

• PRP is extracted from a small blood sample
• PRP is administered topically via a microneedle
• The microneedle delivers the PRP deep into the skin layers for maximum efficacy
• The microneedle stimulates the body’s repair mechanism by producing more collagen and elastin

The procedure is not only incredibly simple, but also incorporates your body’s natural repair mechanisms. PRP can do more than restore and rejuvenate your hair; you can regain your sense of self, beauty, and confidence. There changes are more than just cosmetic–your quality of life will drastically improve.

Do you want to take control over your appearance? Do you want to feel youthful again? Then contact the office of Dr. Seth Matarasso for a consultation on PRP.

What Is PRP?

PRP—short for platelet rich plasma—is a rich concentration of platelets extracted from a patient’s own body. These special platelet cells promote healing, accelerate regeneration, and encourage new cell growth. In addition to being a very safe treatment, PRP injections are one of the hottest and most promising cosmetic treatments.

To obtain the plasma used for treatment, a small amount of blood is extracted. The platelets are concentrated and then used for treatment.

What Can PRP Do for Me?

Dr. Matarasso is excited to offer PRP treatments to his patients for both skin rejuvenation and hair restoration. Ask us if either of these revolutionary treatments are right for you.

• PRP for Hair Restoration- Preliminary studies suggest that PRP could be a beneficial treatment for patients experiencing hair loss. PRP may stimulate hair follicles, encouraging regrowth and stimulating certain components in the hair follicles. There are a few different available protocols for PRP hair restoration, making this treatment an option for patients in many different situations.
• PRP for Skin Rejuvenation- PRP contains many components that are essential to wound healing. When used for skin rejuvenation, PRP stimulates the body’s healing response to promote collagen and elastin production. The PRP is applied topically and followed with a microneedling treatment. This creates micro-channels deep into the skin, allowing the growth factors and plasma to penetrate for optimal healing. This treatment can smooth fine lines and wrinkles, fade scars, and rejuvenate the skin.

Could PRP help you to achieve better skin or a fuller head of hair? Contact us and ask about this revolutionary treatment.