covered. PRP can be applied topically to the treatment area, or it can be injected under the skin. The procedure is virtually painless. While some areas are more sensitive than others, the speed of the reciprocating tip reduces discomfort while the applied hydrating gel also makes the treatment more comfortable. The procedure itself takes 30-60 minutes depending on the size of the area treated. Immediately after the treatment, there is oftentimes a bright redness to the skin. The total healing time depends on the settings used and the number of overlapping passes performed. On average, patients are red for approximately two days. Many patients heal completely in as little as 24 hours.
Drinking From Your Own Personal Fountain of Youth
By Kristen L. Biggs, MD, RPVI, RPhS, FACS Kristen L. Biggs, MD, Skin Care & Vein Centre, PC 409 St. Michael’s Drive, Suites A&B 505-695-7070 KristenLBiggsMD.com
W
e all want to look as young as we feel. There are numerous products and services available in the skin care industry which are geared toward turning back the hands of time. Many of these services involve the topical administration or injection of substances to reduce signs of aging. However, some of the potential drawbacks of these substances include temporary durability or a rare risk of an infection or allergic reaction. Anti-aging medicine has explored even better alternatives by looking within patients for the answers to skin rejuvenation.
PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, has been utilized in various aspects of healthcare for approximately 40 years. PRP plays an important role in soft tissue healing. It has had numerous applications in different medical fields, including cardiology, dentistry, orthopedics, rheumatology and plastic surgery. Well-known for its role in wound healing, it has been used to heal ulcers in diabetic patients, to help burn patients, and to expedite bone fracture healing and cartilage repair. What is so magical about PRP? The answer lies in the platelets themselves. Platelets contain numerous growth factors which initiate cell division and proliferation, which promotes wound healing. More specifically, the growth factors which have been isolated from platelets are known to stimulate the growth of blood vessels, nerves, skin cells and collagen. As we age, the collagen in our skin breaks down by repetitive UV exposure from the sun’s rays. This process leads to thinner skin with textural irregularities,
dark spots and wrinkles. Since the turn of the century, platelet-rich plasma has been used in cosmetic surgery. Previously published scientific articles reveal biopsy-proven increases in new collagen formation and thickening of the epidermis of the skin with the topical application of growth factors. When the growth factors are derived from a patient’s self-donated platelet-rich plasma, there is a potential to “drink from your own personal fountain of youth.” Coined the “vampire face-lift” by some, PRP plays a vital role in antiaging aesthetics because of its ability to stimulate collagen, improve skin tone, reduce wrinkles, and reverse sun damage. After the discovery that vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) was instrumental in increasing blood flow to hair follicles and subsequently promoting hair growth, laboratory studies began testing PRP for hair restoration applications. Approximately five years ago, when hair follicle units were pretreated with PRP prior to male pattern baldness hair transplantation surgery, there was a noticed improvement in hair
thickness and stimulation of hair growth. In addition, the procedure was generally well tolerated and had a low risk of side effects due to the fact that the PRP was obtained from the patient himself instead of an alternative source. Whichever the intended application, platelet-rich plasma must be concentrated for treatment use. Normally, there are 150,000 to 450,000 platelets per microliter in the body. This count must be increased to over 1 million platelets per microliter to release enough growth factors to be effective. After collecting a small sample of blood from the patient, it is placed within a tube in a centrifuge. After spinning the tube for a period of time, the red blood cells sink to the bottom due to their higher density, while the plasma and platelets collect at the upper part of the tube. The PRP can then be removed from the tube and immediately administered during an aesthetic procedure. At Kristen L. Biggs, MD, Skin Care & Vein Centre, we offer micro-needling using
the Eclipse MicroPen™ Elite, a device which creates controlled micro-injuries to the skin in order to produce collagen and elastin. Automated micro-needling creates superficial micro-channels which can be used with topical gels, creams and serums to improve the appearance of the skin. It can be used on all parts of the body, including the face, neck, décolleté, arms, hands, legs, abdomen and back. Previously, we offered these treatments with topical application of growth factors obtained from a pharmaceutical source. Now, we have the ability to perform these treatments in the office with PRP. Prior to the procedure, the skin is first desensitized with topical numbing cream. The PRP is then prepared. A sterile cartridge containing 12 points is attached to the Eclipse MicroPen™. Our medical estheticians apply a thin layer of topical gel to the skin and select the appropriate pen setting based on the treatment plan. Then, in a single motion, the pen is gently pressed against the skin while simultaneously gliding in one direction until the entire treatment area has been
Patients notice an immediate “glow” to the skin. Visible changes to the skin develop over the course of several days and weeks. Results can continue to improve up to six months after treatment as collagen production continues. Some patients only require a single treatment once per year to achieve optimal results. However, it is recommended for most patients to receive a series of two to three treatments spaced about six to eight weeks apart. For patients with deep wrinkles, advanced photoaging, stretch marks or acne scars, it is recommended to receive six to eight sessions at six week intervals. For more information, visit our website at KristenLBiggsMD.com or call the office at 505.695.7070.
PHOTO OF KRISTEN L BIGGS MD BY TERRY BEHAL ALL OTHER PHOTOS BY KARA DUVAL