Published on 5 January, 2021 According to research published in the January issue of the Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal, PRP has emerged as a popular nonsurgical treatments for a range of different cosmetic procedures and facial rejuvenation.The American Society of Plastic Surgeons has tracked the procedure since 2015 and reports a 25 percent increase in cosmetic PRP use in the last four years.How does PRP work?Platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatment involves extracting a small amount of a patient’s own blood and separating the platelets, which are rich in growth factors. In the Sharp Clinic, separation occurs through the latest centrifuge technology, spinning the patient’s blood into separate components. Once the red blood cells are removed, the liquid component of blood (plasma) remains. The plasma is rich in platelets, which play a critical role in blood clotting. When tissue damage occurs, platelets rush to the area, initiating a series of events to halt bleeding and begin the wound healing process. Platelets have been shown to release over 30 growth factors and other biologically active proteins, instigating new blood vessel formation and new tissue development.“Treatments using PRP show great promise for harnessing the body’s own natural tissue repair processes to help our patients achieve improved form and function,” lead author Edward Chamata said.This combination of natural growth factors likely explains the wide range of therapeutic benefits reported with PRP.Skin rejuvenation and PRPPRP can be injected via a needle or cannula, under the skin superficially, to improve skin texture, colour and reduce wrinkles. It is also commonly delivered into the skin via nonsurgical microneedling. In The Sharp Clinics, we use Dermapen microneedling to deliver PRP in this method.Current evidence suggests microneedling can improve collagen production, skin condition and rejuvenation.Microneedling – in conjunction with PRP – has also emerged for treatment of atrophic acne scars and skin pigmentation. Multiple sessions are usually required to maintain and achieve results.To learn more about the benefits, risks and recovery involved with PRP treatment, please visit the PRP page on our website, or book your PRP consultation please call 3202 4744.