At Tarola Plastic Surgery in Murfreesboro, TN, we believe in the body’s power to heal and repair itself, and one way that we help initiate this natural, regenerative process is through our PRP treatments. We can use each patient’s PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, to enhance the results of some of the most popular professional skincare treatments, accelerate healing, and promote youthful, rejuvenated skin.
What Are PRP Treatments?
This substance, also known as platelet-rich plasma, is found in human blood and is responsible for accelerating the healing process with its growth factors and regenerative properties. These treatments utilize these growth factors through topical application or injections to encourage cellular repair, renewal, and regeneration.
Adding this plasma to what is already an effective professional skincare treatment can take the results to the next level, encourage cellular turnover, and promote collagen and elastin production.
What Are the Treatment Benefits?
There are many benefits to undergoing regular PRP treatments. One of the primary benefits is that since the growth factors come from your blood, you won’t have to worry about any kind of allergic or adverse reaction after your treatment. The process is natural, the results are gradual, and topical or injectable growth factors can significantly enhance the results of standard professional skincare treatments. Other benefits include the following:
- Treatment plans are customizable
- Results appear gradually
- The treatment process is quick and minimally invasive
- Results are long-lasting
What Are the Treatment Benefits?
There are many benefits to undergoing regular PRP treatments. One of the primary benefits is that since the growth factors come from your blood, you won’t have to worry about any kind of allergic or adverse reaction after your treatment. The process is natural, the results are gradual, and topical or injectable growth factors can significantly enhance the results of standard professional skincare treatments. Other benefits include the following:
- Treatment plans are customizable
- Results appear gradually
- The treatment process is quick and minimally invasive
- Results are long-lasting
SkinPen® Microneedling
SkinPen® Microneedling is a professional treatment that creates controlled injuries on the surface of the skin to promote increased collagen and elastin production. This treatment is designed to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, textural irregularities, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, and more. During treatment, the device creates tiny microchannels in the skin, temporally increasing the skin’s absorption rate.
We can add this healing boost to a SkinPen® microneedling treatment so that the growth factors in the platelet-rich plasma can absorb into the deeper layers, promote healing, and enhance the results. As the skin absorbs the topical growth factors, these growth factors can contribute to the treatment results by shrinking the pores, smoothing textural irregularities, creating a more even skin tone, and promoting younger-looking skin.
RF Microneedling
RF microneedling is a next-level microneedling treatment that combines needling techniques with radiofrequency energy to stimulate natural collagen production in the dermal, foundational layers of the skin. As the device creates micro-injuries, the needles simultaneously deliver radiofrequency heat energy to the skin, causing a contraction of the existing collagen and remodeling the area to address the most common skin concerns.
RF microneedling can treat hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, rough patches, sun-damaged skin, acne scars, loose skin, large pores, and jowls and increase skin volume to fill hollow areas. Adding platelet-rich plasma to the treatment can maximize the results, reduce inflammation, accelerate healing, and promote younger-looking skin.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections
Not only can we add topical growth factors to the skin during professional skincare treatments, but we also can administer PRP injections. These injections are like natural dermal fillers, and they work alongside professional skincare treatments to accelerate healing, encourage cellular regeneration, and increase natural collagen production.
They can also reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles beneath the eyes, fill hollow areas, and revitalize the skin. We can customize a treatment plan with PRP injections to address your specific area of concern.
What Can PRP Treat?
Fine Lines and Wrinkles
Platelet-rich plasma can rejuvenate your skin by stimulating natural collagen production. As the treatment encourages cell regeneration, fine lines and wrinkles gradually soften, leaving the skin looking smooth and refreshed. Many patients notice improved skin elasticity, which helps reduce the visible signs of aging over time.
Acne Scars
PRP therapy can offer noticeable improvement for those dealing with stubborn acne scars. By promoting healing, this treatment targets scar tissue and helps rebuild smoother, more even skin. Whether the scars are shallow or deep, PRP can support gradual refinement of the skin’s surface.
Uneven Skin Tone and Texture
If uneven pigmentation or rough patches are concerns, PRP therapy can help create a more balanced complexion. The treatment works to repair damaged cells and enhance circulation for healthier, glowing skin. Over time, your skin tone may appear brighter and you may notice that your skin feels noticeably softer.
Sagging Skin
Sagging skin often occurs as natural collagen and elastin production slows down. PRP injections firm up the skin by stimulating more of these proteins in the skin. With time, areas like the jawline and cheeks can become more defined.
Dull, Dry, or Damaged Skin
PRP therapy can breathe new life into dull, dry, or damaged skin. By delivering concentrated growth factors directly to targeted areas, it supports hydration, boosts blood flow, and encourages cellular repair.
Faster Healing
PRP therapy is also known for its ability to accelerate the healing process. Whether you’re recovering from cosmetic treatments or dealing with minor skin injuries, PRP promotes faster tissue regeneration. This helps reduce downtime while enhancing overall results.
How Is PRP Administered?
Topical Application
PRP can be applied topically during treatments like microneedling or RF microneedling. After creating tiny channels in the skin’s surface, we spread the PRP over the treated area. These microchannels allow the growth factors to penetrate more deeply, where they stimulate the body’s natural healing response.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections
Not only can we add topical growth factors to the skin during professional skincare treatments, but we also can administer PRP injections. These injections are like natural dermal fillers, and they work alongside professional skincare treatments to accelerate healing, encourage cellular regeneration, and increase natural collagen production.
They can also reduce the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, and dark circles beneath the eyes, fill hollow areas, and revitalize the skin. We can customize a treatment plan with PRP injections to address your specific area of concern.
What Areas Can We Treat With PRP?
PRP is commonly used to rejuvenate the face, targeting concerns like fine lines, wrinkles, and uneven skin texture. It can also improve the appearance of the neck and décolletage by boosting collagen production and smoothing the skin. Depending on the situation, PRP can be used in other areas, too, like the hands, body, or scalp.
Combining PRP With Other Treatments
SkinPen® Microneedling
SkinPen® microneedling is a professional treatment that creates controlled injuries on the surface of the skin to promote increased collagen and elastin production. This treatment is designed to improve the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne scars, sun damage, textural irregularities, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation, and more. During treatment, the device creates tiny microchannels in the skin, temporarily increasing the skin’s absorption rate.
We can add this healing boost to a SkinPen® microneedling treatment so that the growth factors in the platelet-rich plasma can absorb into the deeper layers, promote healing, and enhance the results. As the skin absorbs the topical growth factors, these growth factors can contribute to the treatment results by shrinking the pores, smoothing textural irregularities, creating a more even skin tone, and promoting younger-looking skin.
RF Microneedling
RF microneedling is a next-level microneedling treatment that combines needling techniques with radiofrequency energy to stimulate natural collagen production in the dermal, foundational layers of the skin. As the device creates micro-injuries, the needles simultaneously deliver radiofrequency heat energy to the skin, causing a contraction of the existing collagen and remodeling the area to address the most common skin concerns.
RF microneedling can treat hyperpigmentation, stretch marks, rough patches, sun-damaged skin, acne scars, loose skin, large pores, and jowls and increase skin volume to fill hollow areas. Adding platelet-rich plasma to the treatment can maximize the results, reduce inflammation, accelerate healing, and promote younger-looking skin.
PRP as an Add-On
We can add topical and injectable platelet-rich plasma to several of our skincare treatments as add-on options. When you come into our office for an initial consultation, we can discuss your ultimate treatment goals, determine which of our treatments will help you reach those goals, and then let you know whether we can add this to your treatment to maximize your results.
How Does the Treatment Work?
All of our PRP treatments begin the same way. We will perform a standard blood draw to obtain a sample of your blood. Then, we will place that sample in a specialized device to prepare it for topical application or prepare it in an injectable form. This device is called a centrifuge and spins the blood sample for several minutes, using gravitational forces to separate the growth factors from the rest of the blood.
Once isolated, the growth factors appear golden in color, contrary to what you would think, and we then prepare them for the treatment process. We apply them topically during microneedling and RF microneedling treatments but can also administer them with a small, thin needle to various areas of the face to promote anti-aging results.
Post-Treatment Care and Recovery
After your PRP treatment, avoid touching or washing the treated areas for four to six hours to allow the growth factors to absorb. Once you can cleanse, use a gentle, non-abrasive cleanser and skip makeup for 24-48 hours.
Avoid active skincare products like retinol, vitamin C, or AHAs for the first few days, and focus on hydrating your skin with a gentle moisturizer. If you experience redness or swelling, use a cool compress as needed. Stay out of direct sunlight, and apply SPF 30 or higher if you need to be outdoors. For microneedling with PRP, pinpoint scabbing or peeling over the next three to five days is normal—let it heal naturally. PRP injections may cause minor swelling or bruising, which usually fades quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions About PRP
Do PRP Treatments Hurt?
Most patients find PRP treatments very tolerable. Before starting, we apply a topical numbing cream to minimize discomfort. If platelet-rich plasma is injected, you may feel a slight pinch or mild pressure at the injection site. For microneedling with PRP, the sensation is often described as light scratching. Any minor discomfort typically fades quickly after the treatment is complete.
How Long Do Treatments Take?
PRP treatments usually take about 45 to 60 minutes, depending on the area being treated and whether it’s applied topically or injected. This includes time for the initial blood draw, preparation of the PRP, and the treatment itself. If PRP is combined with microneedling or RF microneedling, the session may take slightly longer.
How Many PRP Treatments Will I Need?
The number of PRP treatments needed depends on your individual goals and the condition being treated. For skin rejuvenation, most patients see optimal results with three to four treatments spaced four to six weeks apart. Maintenance treatments every 6-12 months can help preserve the results over time. If you’re targeting more specific concerns like acne scars or sagging skin, we’ll create a plan for you and monitor your progress during follow-up visits.
Are There Any Side Effects With PRP?
PRP is derived from your own blood, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions. Side effects are typically minimal and temporary. You may experience slight redness, swelling, or bruising at the treated area, which usually subsides within a few days. After microneedling with PRP, pinpoint scabbing or light peeling can occur as the skin heals. Following proper aftercare instructions can help minimize these effects and promote a smooth recovery.
What Makes PRP Different From Other Skin Treatments?
PRP treatments, Botox®, and dermal fillers each address different concerns, and we offer all of these options to provide personalized care. Botox softens dynamic wrinkles caused by repeated facial movements, such as crow’s feet and forehead lines. Dermal fillers restore lost volume, contour facial features, and smooth out deeper lines like nasolabial folds. PRP focuses on enhancing skin health by using your body’s natural growth factors to stimulate collagen production. Depending on your goals, we may recommend PRP on its own or in combination with Botox or fillers for more comprehensive rejuvenation. By pairing the right treatments with each patient, we deliver results that align with each person’s aesthetic goals.
How Often Can I Get PRP Treatments?
You can add PRP to the different professional skincare treatments whenever you come in for your appointment. Topical and injectable platelet-rich plasma can significantly enhance the treatment outcome and prolong the treatment results.
We can give you more details about how often you should schedule your treatments for optimal results. SkinPen® microneedling and RF microneedling treatments are typically scheduled as a series of three or more treatments with at least a month between each. Then, maintenance treatments are scheduled to maintain the results long-term.
Am I a Good Candidate for PRP?
Most patients are good candidates for PRP treatments. The platelet-rich plasma we use during treatment will come directly from your blood. You won’t have to worry about any allergic reaction because you can’t be allergic to your own blood.
However, we will conduct a pre-treatment consultation to determine your eligibility before moving forward with any of our professional skincare treatments. We will ask you some questions about your medical history and learn more about your skincare goals to design the right treatment plan for you.
Why Choose Our PRP Skin Treatments?
At Tarola Plastic Surgery, we are committed to delivering PRP treatment with a focus on personalized care and natural-looking results. Dr. Nicholas Tarola, a board-certified plastic surgeon, brings years of surgical experience and expertise to every treatment, making sure you receive care tailored to your individual goals. We believe in educating our patients about their options, so you feel confident and informed every step of the way. By combining advanced techniques with an understanding of your skin, we aim to provide results that leave you looking and feeling refreshed.
Learn More About the Power of Platelet-Rich Plasma
Many anti-aging topical products contain nutrient-rich ingredients, but none are as effective or as powerful as the growth factors in your blood. If you want to capitalize on your body’s natural ability to heal and repair your skin and treat some of the most stubborn skin conditions, we can design the right professional skincare treatment plan using your platelet-rich plasma to rejuvenate, repair, and revitalize your skin. At Tarola Plastic Surgery, we look forward to helping you reclaim your radiance. Call us at (615) 624-8914 or contact us by filling out a form on our website.
