What is Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, involve the administration of a concentrated solution of your own platelets into the skin.
Platelets are components of your blood that naturally contain growth factors responsible for healing and tissue repair. By isolating these platelets and re-injecting them into targeted areas, the treatment aims to stimulate the body’s natural collagen production and improve the overall structural integrity of the skin.
What makes a suitable candidate for Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections?
A suitable candidate for PRP injections is typically someone looking to address early signs of ageing, such as fine lines, crepey skin under the eyes, or a loss of skin radiance. Because the treatment uses your own blood, it is often a preferred option for those seeking a natural approach with a low risk of allergic reaction.
Candidates should be in good general health and have realistic expectations about the subtle, gradual nature of the results. It is important to disclose any history of blood disorders or the use of anti-platelet medications during your consultation, as these may impact the efficacy of the treatment.
What are the Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections options?
PRP can be utilized in various ways depending on your clinical needs. Options include:
- Facial Rejuvenation: Targeting the forehead, cheeks, and delicate peri-orbital (eye) region to address fine lines.
- Hair Restoration: Injected into the scalp to support dormant hair follicles and improve hair density.
- Hand and Neck Rejuvenation: Addressing volume loss and “crepey” texture on the dorsal hands and neck area.
- Combination Therapy: PRP is often used alongside microneedling or following certain laser treatments to potentially accelerate the healing process and enhance the final outcome.
Before & Afters
Disclaimer: All surgeries before & afters shown on this website are performed by Dr Mirkazemi and are published with consent by our patients. They are not guarantees that your results will be the same or similar as results will vary between individuals. The content on our page is general in nature and does not constitute medical advice.
Any surgery or invasive procedure carries risks and has a recovery time. Before proceeding, please seek medical advice from an appropriately qualified medical practitioner. During your consultation, Dr Mirkazemi will carefully evaluate each individual and provide an honest and realistic assessment of what can be expected from the procedure.
Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections techniques
The clinical application of PRP involves a precise, three-step technique:
- Collection: A small amount of your blood (typically 10–30ml) is drawn, similar to a standard blood test.
- Centrifugation: The blood is placed in a centrifuge and spun at high speeds to separate the red blood cells from the platelet-rich plasma.
- Administration: The concentrated PRP is then meticulously injected into the dermis or deep subcutaneous layers using very fine needles. Dr. Mirkazemi’s team may use manual injection techniques for precision in delicate areas or specialized delivery systems to ensure an even distribution across larger treatment zones.
Recovery after Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections
Recovery following PRP injections is typically short, allowing most patients to return to work within 24 to 48 hours.
Week One: Patients can expect mild swelling, redness, and occasional bruising at the injection sites. The skin may feel slightly tender or “full” for the first few days as the inflammatory healing cascade begins.
Month One: The initial swelling subsides, and the body begins the internal process of collagen remodeling. While immediate changes are rare, the skin may begin to show subtle improvements in tone.
Month Three: This is the period where clinical results typically become more visible. As new collagen and elastin fibres mature, patients often notice a smoother skin texture and a more refreshed appearance. For optimal results, a series of 3 treatments spaced 4–6 weeks apart is often recommended.
How much does Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections cost?
The cost of Platelet-Rich Plasma injections in Melbourne depends on the size of the area being treated and the volume of PRP required. Because the treatment is highly personalized—ranging from localized eye rejuvenation to full-face and neck therapy—pricing is provided following a clinical assessment.
During your consultation at Collins St Plastic Surgery, we will determine the number of sessions likely required to meet your aesthetic goals and provide a detailed cost breakdown.
Frequently Asked Questions for Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections
Specific Risks and Complications For Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are a clinical treatment involving the administration of a concentrated form of the patient’s own blood platelets to specific areas of the skin or scalp. While this procedure is non-surgical, it is classified as a higher-risk non-surgical cosmetic procedure. It is essential for patients to understand the potential clinical risks and complications associated with autologous blood treatments.
The following list outlines possible complications. These risks are not exhaustive, and individual responses to treatment can vary based on underlying health status and anatomical factors.
Injection-Site Risks
- Infection: As the procedure involves breaking the skin barrier with a needle, there is a risk of bacterial infection. Clinical protocols are followed to minimize this, but if infection occurs, medical intervention may be required.
- Hematoma and Bruising: Bruising at the injection site is common. In some cases, a hematoma (a collection of blood under the skin) may form, which can cause temporary swelling and discomfort.
- Pain and Tenderness: Patients typically experience some level of soreness or tenderness at the site of the blood draw or the injection site following the procedure.
- Persistent Swelling: Edema (swelling) in the treated area is a frequent post-procedural response. While usually temporary, it can persist for several days.
Clinical and Technical Considerations
- Nerve or Vessel Injury: Although rare, the needle used during the injection process may inadvertently damage small nerves or blood vessels, which could lead to temporary or, in exceptional cases, permanent changes in sensation or localized tissue issues.
- Tissue Calcification: In rare instances, injections of concentrated platelets may lead to the formation of small, firm areas of calcification at the injection site.
- Lack of Clinical Response: It is important to note that clinical outcomes vary significantly between individuals. Some patients may not observe the anticipated change in skin texture or volume after the treatment.
- Allergic Reaction to Additives: While the plasma itself is autologous (from the patient’s own body), any anticoagulants or additives used during the processing of the blood may trigger an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals.
Recovery and Expectations
- Skin Discolouration: Temporary redness or darker pigmentation may occur at the injection points as the skin heals.
- Inflammatory Response: PRP works by triggering a localized inflammatory response; for some patients, this response may be more pronounced than expected, resulting in prolonged redness or heat in the treated area.
- Need for Multiple Sessions: Achieving a specific anatomical goal often requires a series of treatments. The cumulative risks increase with the number of sessions performed.
General Risks & Complications of Non-Surgical Treatments
While non-surgical cosmetic treatments are minimally invasive and typically involve less downtime than surgery, they are still medical procedures and carry potential risks.
These may include swelling, bruising, redness, tenderness, infection, allergic reactions, asymmetry, skin discoloration, vascular compromise (in rare cases), and unsatisfactory aesthetic outcomes. Certain treatments such as injectables, lasers, and energy-based devices also carry procedure-specific risks depending on the area treated and the product or technology used. Individual factors including medical history, medications, autoimmune conditions, and smoking can influence healing and outcomes.
A thorough consultation and adherence to aftercare instructions are essential to minimise complications and ensure safe, optimal results.
