PRP Rejuvenation with Rejuv Lab
Full discloser, I am no PRP virgin. In fact over the last few years I have probably received up to six treatments of PRP, maybe even more. With each session generally commencing a couple months after stopping breast feeding.
I guess it’s because you literally couldn’t find a more natural treatment, that PRP is always one of the first treatments I seem to turn to after having a baby. So with baby no three fully weaned and on the move, it felt only right to revisit one of my old favourites for some much needed post baby skin rejuvenation.
Platelet-Rich Plasma or PRP as its often referred to, is the procedure of separating your own platelets from your blood and modifying it, by putting it in a state of high concentration via a centrifuge to achieve optimal results, before injecting it back to the area you want to treat. In short, this biostimulation, uses your body’s own responses to the treatment to produce the desired result . Pretty incredible right?!
Originally designed to aid post surgical healing, PRP is now widely used as an anti-aging treatment (does the vampire facial ring any bells?) and is rapidly gaining momentum as a solution for hair loss. Often used in conjunction with Botox or fillers to improve the appearance of the complexion, benefits include, stimulation of collagen and elastin production, improved skin tone and texture, and increased speed of wound healing. Basically, its a one stop shop for skin issues. It is also 100% natural.
WHERE DID WE GO
To reverse the damage caused by baby no three (I love him really), I stopped by Rejuv Lab on London’s Harley Street. A unique boutique aesthetic centre, Rejuv Lab offers a myriad of advanced aesthetic treatments from skin and weight management, to face and body contouring, and hair regeneration. It also offers a range anti-ageing and aesthetic enhancement solutions, all performed by a team of renowned aesthetic doctors and certified aesthetic practitioners, set amongst a carefully curated array of stylish ornaments and designer furniture.
HOW DOES IT WORK
First, two vials of blood are drawn from my arm (Sounds scary I know, but the truth is, the doctor at Rejuv Lab was so gentle and I was so busy chatting, that I hardly even noticed my blood had been taken), before being placed in a centrifuge, which spins the vials an average of 3,000 times per minute, separating the PRP from the rest of the blood.
Using ultra fine needles, the doctor injects the Platelet-Rich Plasma into my previously discussed areas of concern; jawline, marionettes and crows feet. She then continues to inject the remaining PRP into multiple spots on my face, for an all-over skin rejuvenation. Though I can’t say the procedure is painless, the extra fine needles, which are used by diabetics, did make the experience significantly more comfortable. For those super sensitive to the call of the needle, numbing cream is available.
Whilst you may benefit from some instant plumping from the injection of fluid, it’s important to note that these initial results are only temporary. PRP works deep on a cellular level, which means real results develop over a period of several months. For those wanting optimum results, two to three sessions, spaced three or four weeks apart are advised initially and then patients can top up once every six months to a year depending on need.
BEFORE & AFTER PRP
24 hours before going under the needle, avoid alcohol and if medically possible, any medications that could impact your platelets, such as aspirin, ibuprofen or blood thinners, as these could effect the amount of Platelet-Rich Palsma you are able to harvest and therefor your results.
Post treatment your skin might look rather red and as I did, you may experience some pin prick sized bruises, but they were easy to hide with makeup and disappeared with few days. Of course as with any treatment using needles, slightly larger bruises can happened, along with swelling, tenderness, and superficial peeling. However this is all normal and actually a natural part of the healing process.
THE RESULTS
Once the bruising had gone down and the initial plumping dispersed, it took around six weeks for the full results to become apparent. There was a visible softening around the crows feet area, along with a noticeable improvement in skin texture and firmness but what I really noticed was the overall appearance of my complexion. Glowing and bright, gone is the overall look of a harassed and tired new mum and in its place, one that appears more vibrant, awake and ready to face the day.
With the average cost of PRP around £500 per session it may not be the cheapest treatment out there, but if you are looking for a something that is 100% natural, relatively risk free with proven results and very little downtime, there really isn’t anything like it!
To find out more about PRP Rejuventaion or to book your consultation with Rejuv Lab London head to Rujuvlab.com
