Understanding the PRP Facial – VIVAA Bellevue

Why the PRP Facial?

Five Key Points on the PRP Facial

• Combination Treatment– A PRP facial combines microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to stimulate collagen and elastin production, improving skin texture, tone, and rejuvenation.
• Process– The procedure involves microneedling to create micro-injuries, followed by applying PRP (from the patient’s own blood) to enhance healing and skin regeneration.
• Benefits– It can improve skin texture and tone, reduce fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, age spots, and large pores, resulting in a more radiant complexion.
• Treatment & Results– Patients usually need multiple sessions (every 4–6 weeks) with results appearing gradually, often requiring maintenance treatments for long-term effects.
• Safety & Considerations– Generally safe when performed by licensed professionals, but not suitable for individuals with blood disorders, clotting issues, or severe skin damage.

Introduction to Skin Rejuvenation

Platelet-Rich plasma (PRP) facial is a skin rejuvenation procedure that is one of the world's most popular aesthetic treatments. This cosmetic procedure combines two treatments: microneedling with platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Microneedling stimulates collagen and elastin production to improve skin texture and tone, resulting in a more youthful appearance. Introducing PRP into the skin enhances the effects of microneedling, giving patients a non-invasive, natural solution for facial rejuvenation.

What is a Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Facial?

A vampire facial uses an electrically powered microneedling roller equipped with many tiny needles ranging in length from 0.5 to 3.0 mm. An aesthetician moves this device over your face and neck to create microscopic punctures in the skin, forcing it into repair mode. This procedure is also called collagen induction therapy because the tiny holes created by the device encourage collagen growth through a process called dermal remodeling. Platelet-rich plasma applied to the treatment area following microneedling augments the rejuvenation process.  Adding PRP to microneedling speeds healing and reduces post-procedure redness. It also releases growth factors to further stimulate the body's natural healing response, producing new healthy skin cells to replace scar tissue.

What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?

PRP is a concentrated solution derived from your own blood. It contains growth factors that stimulate collagen production. Your doctor creates platelet-rich plasma through a simple in-office blood draw. The sample is placed in a centrifuge, which separates the platelets from white and red blood cells. The resulting platelet-rich plasma is smoothed over the treatment area to promote skin rejuvenation and healing and reduce signs of aging. Cosmetic treatments with PRP have increased in popularity due to their natural and minimally invasive approach.

PRP Facial Benefits

Platelet-rich plasma facials target issues on the skin's surface. By stimulating collagen and elastic production, this procedure promotes healthy skin and reduces the appearance of sun damage and other factors. It's suitable for most skin types and can be combined with other cosmetic treatments to enhance results.

Patients enjoy the following benefits after undergoing one of these facials:

• Improved skin texture
• Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
• Enhanced skin tone
• Reduced appearance of acne scars, age spots, and large pores, resulting in a more even and radiant complexion
• The treatment can also help reduce acne scars, age spots, and large pores, resulting in a more even and radiant complexion.

The Process

The procedure involves several steps, beginning with a consultation with your doctor to discuss your skin concerns and goals and PRP's risks and benefits. The consultation will also help determine whether you are a good candidate for this cosmetic treatment. You will receive pre-treatment instructions to help you prepare for skin rejuvenation.

At your appointment, the medical staff will take a blood draw and place the vial into the centrifuge to create the platelet-rich plasma. Meanwhile, your aesthetician may apply a numbing cream to the treatment area to minimize discomfort before running the microneedling device over your skin. Microneedling creates the microinjuries needed to stimulate wound healing and collagen and elastin production. Once microneedling is complete, your aesthetician will massage the PRP into the treatment area, where the recently created skin punctures readily absorb it.

When Will I See Results?

Patients usually need a series of treatments, four to six weeks apart, for PRP facials to be effective. The number of treatments varies with each individual. As the results are not permanent, expect future maintenance treatments. Yet, as soon as the treatment area heals, you will notice brighter, more supple skin, reduced dark spots, and fine lines. Full results appear within a few months.

Is PRP Facial Rejuvenation the Same as a PRP Facelift?

Although the procedures have common elements, they are not the same. PRP facelifts take longer than facials, generally one to two hours instead of the 30 to 60 minutes for a platelet-rich plasma facial. Both use PRP, but the way the substance is administered differs. A platelet-rich plasma facelift involves injecting PRP and hyaluronic acid (HA) under the skin into several strategic locations on the face. Facelifts primarily address volume with HA replacing volume lost by aging. PRP helps the effects of this cosmetic treatment last longer.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Facials and Skin Health

As a holistic approach to skin health, the PRP facial enhances skin texture and tone, resulting in healthier and more radiant skin. You can expect improvement in your skin's moisture levels, elasticity and firmness. Most patients need several treatments to achieve their goals. Many patients combine a PRP facial with other cosmetic treatments, such as filler injections, to enhance results and address specific skin concerns.

Aftercare and Recovery

The recovery process typically takes several days. During that time, you should avoid touching or rubbing the treatment area. Afterward, you may experience mild discomfort, bruising and swelling, which you can manage with ice packs and over-the-counter pain relievers. Avoid strenuous activities. Following your doctor's instructions for aftercare and recovery is essential to minimize risks and complications and maximize results.

PRP Therapy and Skin Care

PRP therapy is valuable to any skin care routine, as it offers a natural and minimally invasive solution for skin rejuvenation. Maintaining a consistent skincare routine, using a gentle cleanser, moisturizer, and sunscreen with a high SPF will help optimize the treatment's results and avoid skin damage. Avoid smoking and stress, which can negatively impact skin health. A healthy diet and lifestyle can also contribute to maintaining healthy skin.

Are Platelet-Rich Plasma Facials Safe?

These facials are generally safe, but because the procedure uses needles, there's a low risk of infection. You should only get a PRP facial from an experienced, licensed practitioner who employs proper handling and equipment sterilization. You should also tell your provider if you have an underlying condition such as a blood-clotting disorder.

This treatment can also reactivate cold sores. If you get them frequently, take a prescription medication before the procedure to prevent an outbreak.

Because platelet-rich plasma facials use your own blood, they are not ideal for those with a history of blood disease. Patients with clotting conditions that require blood thinners should not receive PRP treatments. PRP facials are also ineffective for patients with extreme sun damage or extensive facial scars. However, they are considered safe for most people because using one's own blood eliminates the risk of an allergic reaction.

Learn More About PRP Treatments and Facials

Patients at VIVAA's Seattle-area medical practice enjoy the benefits of a practice with many years of experience administering platelet-rich plasma facials. We will give you a thorough consultation and take your medical history to determine your suitability. Our staff will also answer all your concerns and questions regarding the procedure. Schedule your consultation by calling 425-250-9999 or completing our Request an Appointment form.