In autologous blood treatment – or also called PRP (= Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy – certain components from the patient’s own blood are specifically inserted into the skin. The plasma used is rich in growth factors.
These growth factors stimulate the skin’s own regeneration and stimulate collagen production. This makes the skin look firmer and fresher. The autologous blood treatment also stimulates hair growth and can be used for hair loss.
What is PRP (= Platelet Rich Plasma)?
Platelet-rich plasma” is highly concentrated blood plasma. The patient’s own blood is separated from its other components, mainly the red blood cells, by means of centrifugation.
In addition to the total number and concentration of platelets, the type and quantity of additives has an influence on the effectiveness of PRP. For example, autologous blood treatment can be combined with hyaluronic acid, vitamins or botulinum.
Where can PRP treatment be used?
PRP treatment is generally suitable for all ages and skin types. The autologous blood treatment makes the skin appear firmer, fresher and visually rejuvenated and can be performed on the face, back of the hand, neck or décolleté. PRP therapy is also suitable for treating tear troughs and dark circles under the eyes.
PRP treatment can also be used outside of aesthetic medicine, for example for orthopaedic purposes in musculoskeletal disorders. PRP can be used for wound healing and scar treatment, for example to improve surgical scars or acne scars. The combination with radiofrequency microneedling therapy is suitable here.
Increased hair growth with PRP?
Several studies have shown that PRP treatment stimulates hair growth. As a rule, we recommend 5 treatments spread over 2 months. Per treatment, approx. 8-12 ml is injected into the scalp. PRP treatment is often used in combination with hair transplantation.
Can the autologous blood treatment be combined with other treatment methods?
PRP therapy can be combined with Botox or radiofrequency microneedling and is suitable for treating cellulite, stretch marks, pigmentation marks, acne scars, excessive sweating and hair loss.
Are there alternatives to PRP for hair stimulation?
Alternatively, treatment can be carried out with XL Hair®, exosomes or the Fillmed NCTF 135 HA active ingredient cocktail from Filorga. The meso cocktail contains growth factors, vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids, trace elements, non-cross-linked hyaluronic acid and antioxidants. The Fillmed NCTF 135HA® active ingredient cocktail contains hyaluronic acid and 59 skin-rejuvenating ingredients (vitamins, amino acids, co-enzymes, nucleic acids and minerals) .
Exosomes are like tiny messengers that pass vital information between cells. These innovative vesicles transport important nutrients and immune factors to build stem cell production and support tissue healing through the transfer of growth-promoting genetic material. In regenerative medicine, they are essential for restoring health.
Another alternative treatment method for hair stimulation is a hydrafacial treatment or radio frequency microneedling. The treatment is suitable for all age groups and is an ideal hair stimulation. The injection is injected into the dermis with a fine needle and is used to restructure the intracellular matrix.
It is also an intradermal implant made of non-crosslinked, absorbable hyaluronic acid combined with a biostimulant solution to promote hair growth. XL Hair® or NCTF 135HA® is used for symptomatic hair loss, alopecia and diffuse hair loss. The treatment protocol includes a weekly treatment of 4-12 injections or a treatment every 2 weeks for 2 months. A maintenance treatment is recommended and is applied individually. After treatment, normal hair care can be continued.
What do I have to consider before the treatment?
Avoid increased sun exposure one week before the treatment. In addition, a retinol treatment should be paused one week before. On the day of treatment, cleanse the face sufficiently and do not apply make-up, sunscreen, cosmetic products or lotion.
Before treatment for hair growth, we recommend not to use shampoo for two days before the treatment and to use a mild shampoo two weeks after the treatment (for example, baby shampoo). In addition, the effect can be increased with a local treatment of Minoxidil foam.
How long does the treatment take and how long is the downtime?
Depending on the treatment area, the treatment lasts 15 to 45 minutes. After the treatment there is a slight redness and swelling which usually disappears after 24 – 36 hours. It can take up to a week for the swelling and redness to disappear completely.
How often does the treatment have to be carried out?
The treatment should be repeated 2 to 5 times at least 4 weeks apart. To maintain success, the treatment should be refreshed every 6 to 12 months.
Is the autoblood treatment painful?
Before the treatment, the area to be treated is prepared with an anesthetic cream for 30 to 45 minutes. Alternatively, a local anesthetic can be injected. The treatment is carried out using the finest needles available on the market and is barely noticeable. The therapy results in only a short downtime.
After the treatment, there is slight redness and swelling which usually disappears after 24 – 36 hours. It can take up to a week for the swelling and redness to disappear completely.
When should PRP treatment not be performed?
You should not undergo PRP treatment or mesotherapy if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, and you should postpone treatment if you have active infections, skin or immune disorders or are taking blood-thinning medication. Inform us if you are taking medication, have allergies or have cold sores.
As with any injection treatment, we recommend that you avoid excessive alcohol consumption and vigorous exercise 24 hours prior to treatment to reduce the risk of bruising.
What do I have to pay attention to after the treatment?
After the treatment, you should refrain from using an alcohol-based tonic for two weeks. To reduce swelling, we can give you a light cream containing cortisone and antibiotics.
Avoid excessive physical activity, sauna or sun exposure for one week. Use SPF 50+ sunscreen every 4 hours. Any treatment with retinol can be resumed after one week.
Can I use my own blood as my own PRP(Vampire) face cream/biocream?
This option exists and is an excellent addition after your facial treatment. In this process, a highly effective PRP/Vampire face cream is made from your own PRP. This personalized face cream is highly effective in regenerative substances and should be applied twice a day for 4 weeks after the facial treatment.
What are the risks?
There is no risk of intolerance or infection with autologous blood treatment. In the case of pre-existing illnesses, circulatory or blood clotting disorders, autologous blood therapy must be discussed individually with the doctor.
When will the results be visible?
A noticeable difference is typically visible 6-8 weeks after the last treatment, ideally 3 – 5 treatments are recommended at 6 week intervals.
What are the costs for a PRP therapy (= Platelet Rich Plasma)?
The cost of a treatment is agreed in advance depending on the region and severity. As a rule, packages of 3-5 treatments are agreed, sometimes an annual flat rate is also useful.
Do you have questions about the possibilities of PRP therapy?
Contact PD Dr. med. Mathias Tremp for a consultation.
For more information on results of PRP therapies, please see the enclosed study co-authored by PD Dr. Tremp.
