Facelifts continue to be one of the leading cosmetic procedures performed in the United States, but non-surgical facelift options are becoming much more popular than traditional ones. According to the Aesthetic Plastic Surgery National Databank, non-surgical options to traditional cosmetic procedures have increased by 2%.
One non-surgical option we offer at Mariposa Aesthetics and Laser Center is PRP facelifts. Read on to learn more about our platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and the benefits they offer.
What Are PRP Injections?
Two elements make up platelet-rich plasma (PRP): the liquid portion of blood, called plasma, and platelets, which are a type of blood cell that helps with healing.
Platelets have clotting capabilities, but they also contain growth factors. These growth factors can trigger tissue regeneration and cell reproduction. Platelet-rich plasma refers to blood that contains more platelets than normal.
To create PRP injections, we take a sample of your blood and run it through a centrifuge, which rapidly spins the sample, separating the platelets from the other blood components.
PRP injections take that platelet-rich plasma and deliver it to areas that need treatment. By concentrating the high level of growth factors in the specified area, these injections can speed up the healing process.
What Are PRP Facelifts?
PRP facelifts are non-surgical procedures that can help lift the skin on your face, while at the same time improving skin texture and volume. We use your PRP along with a dermal filler to:
- Reduce wrinkles and fine lines
- Diminish scarring
- Plump skin
- Brighten skin
We first inject the filler, usually made of hyaluronic acid, and then we prepare the PRP injections.
PRP facelifts offer up to eight growth factors to help improve aspects of aging. New blood vessel formation begins, brightening your skin tone, and collagen production can increase significantly.
Collagen is a vital protein in the body, and it plays a crucial role in the aging process. Collagen is what keeps your skin firm and hydrated, so the natural decrease of its production as you age can leave your skin prone to developing wrinkles and fine lines.
A PRP facelift boosts the production of collagen and stimulates the formation of a smoother dermis.
The best candidates for a PRP facelift are people in good overall health who have “crepey” skin and other mild to moderate skin concerns. If you have a blood clotting problem, have active skin infections, or want full facial resurfacing results, this may not be the best treatment option.
Benefits of PRP on Face Skin
Because it can be fully tailored to your needs, PRP can deliver numerous benefits on face skin. PRP injections can tackle wrinkles, dull skin, and more by treating specific areas.
PRP facelifts are minimally invasive, requiring very little downtime so that you can get back to your routine quickly. They also do not require a lot of preparation or aftercare.
Since a PRP facelift uses a filler as well as PRP, you can get plumper-looking skin while at the same time helping increase your body’s natural collagen and elastin production. This process allows your body to gradually improve skin tone and can help prevent fine lines and wrinkles in the future.
Preparing for a PRP Facelift
When you schedule your consultation with us, we will assess the treatment areas to verify that a PRP facelift is the best choice for you.
We will ask you for your full medical history and any medications you take. If you take ibuprofen, aspirin, or any other blood-thinning medications on a regular basis, we will ask that you refrain from doing so for at least two weeks before the procedure. This also includes supplements like St. John’s Wort, vitamin E, and fish oil.
In addition, we recommend that you drink lots of water in the days leading up to the procedure and that you avoid sun exposure without sunblock. You should avoid tanning beds as well.
If you take corticosteroids, we ask that you stop at least a week before the procedure. Remember to always consult with your primary physician before stopping any medications.
Procedure and Aftercare
On the day of the procedure, come to our office without makeup and do not apply lotions or moisturizers.
First, we will inject the dermal filler into the treatment areas, which provides immediate results. We will then extract a little of your blood and create the PRP. We will apply a topical numbing cream and inject the PRP into the areas we identified during your consultation.
After the procedure, avoid rubbing or touching your face. You can use an ice pack, if necessary, but avoid extreme heat. Stay out of the sun for at least a week and always wear sunscreen. Avoid drinking alcohol for the first couple of weeks after your PRP facelift.
The dermal fillers will provide immediate results. The PRP injection results should become visible between two and three weeks after treatment, and you can expect to continue seeing improvements as collagen production increases. Although the results are not permanent, they can last for more than a year.
Get a Non-Surgical Facelift in Oklahoma
Not everyone wants to go through the long recovery process of a surgical facelift. By turning to a PRP facelift, you can benefit from dermal fillers that add volume to areas in your face while also boosting your body’s natural collagen production.
At Mariposa Aesthetics and Laser Center in Oklahoma City, OK, our team of experts has many cosmetic procedures to enhance your appearance and diminish signs of aging.
We’re one of the leading non-surgical and laser centers in the area, so call us right now to schedule your appointment.
