In partnership with SA’s top medical aesthetic companies
Considering a PRP ‘vampire’ facial? Here’s what you need to know…
We focus on the PRP facial because it’s the most popular treatment for its skin rejuvenation effect, but Platelet-Rich Plasma treatment is being used ever more effectively from head to toe to treat all sorts of aesthetic and health-related issues.
Why do I need a vampire facial?
Unless you have a specific blood disorder or skin disorder, an infection or are pregnant or breastfeeding, PRP is suitable for just about everyone.
The injection of the growth factor-rich PRP cocktail boosts collagen production and cellular tissue regeneration, so PRP treatments can improve the appearance of skin tone (dark circles and dullness), reducing pore size, acne scars, fine lines and wrinkles (on the forehead and around the eyes and mouth) and well as boosting firmness, elasticity and general skin condition.
As growth is so drastically stimulated, the PRP treatment has not only proven to be a very effective anti-ageing treatment, but has further shown great results in hair, muscle and joint regeneration.
How do I know I am a candidate for a vampire facial?
If you have the following conditions, you should not have PRP treatments:
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- Anyone who has a blood or skin disorder or is on blood-thinning medication
- If you have a medical condition or infection that could worsen or spread with injections
- If you are on isotretinoin treatment (e.g., Roaccutane)
- If you are pregnant or breast-feeding
- If you have cancer
- If you have had any facial waxing done close to the treatment
Is PRP safe?
Risks and complications are low because you are using your own blood. But for this reason, you need to have this treatment done by a reputable, qualified medical practitioner or under their supervision by a qualified therapist who uses strict hygiene and application protocols.
How do I prepare for the PRP treatment?
PRP is a medical treatment, so you would need to have a personal consultation with one of The Renewal Institute’s doctors to give a full medical history and assess whether you are a candidate for PRP.
Once you’re given the go-ahead, you will need to stop using vitamin-A skin care like Retin A and retinols, AHA and BHA treatment and other topic medications for 3-5 days before your treatment.
Use a sunscreen daily and avoid sunburn before the treatment.
After the treatment, you will be given a home-care routine and instructions.
What may I expect during the PRP treatment?
The practitioner will decide on which application method to use, depending on your specific needs. For instance, they may decide to combine injection mesotherapy with micro-needling to ensure Skin Renewal’s patented, super-concentrated PRP is delivered to the areas where it is needed.
The blood needed is extracted from your arm.
Before the procedure, a topical anaesthetic is applied to treatment areas to manage sensitivity or discomfort. The PRP is then applied via needling by a qualified doctor or trained therapist.
How long does the treatment last? Expect about 90 minutes
How long does recovery take? Depending on what is done, recovery may take between one and four days.
How many treatments are needed? Depending on the skin condition of the targeted area, you may need between 2 to 8 treatments for optimum results. These should be done every 3 to 6 weeks.
The benefits don’t end there
At the Renewal Institute, PRP treatment is combined with suitable and complementary treatments, packaged in a number of solutions. The are specifically tailored according to your skin’s specific needs to ensure best results are achieved.
To schedule an individual consultation with one of the doctors on the Skin Renewal team, or to find out more about this treatment that has taken the world by storm, visit Skin Renewal on www.skinrenewal.co.za or contact 0861 SKIN SA (754 672).
Take the quick Beyond Beauty Survey and you could win a R2 000 Skin Renewal voucher to spend in our online store, with free delivery within South Africa. T&Cs apply.