PRP Procedure

Assessment

Prior to the Cosmetic PRP procedure, a consultation is required to assess your individual skin needs. To maximise the healing and regenerative benefits of alocuro PRP, patients will need to follow a specific pre-procedure protocol for 7 days prior to the procedure which will discussed by the accredited Alocuro medical practitioner. Patients will also be asked to complete a questionnaire to assess medical suitability for a PRP facial rejuvenation prior to the procedural booking. Post-procedure downtime is minimal and patients can even return to work the same day. 

On the day of the procedure

Pre procedure

  • Before the PRP injection, the patient is informed of the procedure and potential risks and benefits similar to other non-surgical procedures and has an opportunity to discuss any concerns prior to the procedure commencing. You will be asked to complete some paperwork including an informed consent.
  • All make up and residue will be removed from the area to be treated and photographs are taken to record a baseline photograph so later assessment of improvement can be made.
  • Treatment areas will be numbed with prescription local anaesthetic cream, prescribed by the treating medical practitioner

The procedure

  • A blood sample of 10 - 30mls is taken depending on the size of the areas to be treated. 
  • The treatment area is then thoroughly cleaned. While this is occurring, the blood sample will be processed and PRP will be extracted.
  • The practitioner will then inject the PRP using a super fine needle into the superficial skin layers  
  • Every patient is different, but most patients will have some skin redness at the completion of the procedure. Some patients will also feel a subtle warmness, tingling or tightness under the skin. This is normal and is a sign that the PRP is doing what it is meant to do. The warmness and tightness usually lasts for 24 hours. Depending on the injection technique in the deeper folds and around the eyes, the subtle puffiness under the skin may last for up to 3 days.
  • The Alocuro technique is very gentle compared to the techniques displayed on social media as the ‘Vampire facial’. No blood is rubbed over the skin as this is more of a gimmick rather than based on any scientific data.
  • The injected growth factors are delicate and need to be allowed to complete their regenerative tasks. For the first 12 hours after the procedure, it is best to take it easy. Avoid strenuous exercise for the first 24 hours.
  • Patients should respect that they have had a skin procedure and follow sensible guidelines to protect the treatment area for approximately 2 days – ie minimal harsh weather exposure, sun, makeup, strong skin products and advised that nil other facial procedures are performed for at least 2 weeks.

Potential risks & complications with PRP

Whenever a needle is placed anywhere in the body, even something as simple as having blood collected for a blood test, there is always a small risk of infection, bleeding, and nerve damage, simply from placement of the needle. These are, however, rare and the risk of a complication should be weighed against the possible benefits. As with any facial injections, where the blood vessels are very superficial, there is always the chance of a small bruise.

The material that is injected back into the patient (the PRP) is a portion of their own blood, so there is no recognised risk of an allergic reaction or the body rejecting the PRP material. Because of this, the PRP therapy is considered to be very safe and natural. PRP has far less risks than those associated with surgery or general anaesthetic. With the PRP injection, there is no hospital or admission required or lengthy recovery period.

Is the procedure painful?
The injection of the PRP can be a little uncomfortable for some people, but the discomfort is momentary. The skin numbing cream applied prior to the procedure minimises discomfort and the procedure is easily tolerated by most patients. However, if you do not like needles, then this procedure is probably not for you.

How long is the treatment?
On the treatment day, the entire visit lasts 1 hour. The skin injection component of the procedure is 30 minutes and the remainder of the time is required for discussion and preparation for the procedure.

Post procedure care

Most patients can expect to return to their usual activities right after the procedure. For the first week after the PRP injection the patient must not use anti-inflammatory oral medication such as Voltaren, Nurofen, Ibuprofen, Celebrex, Mobic etc as these are likely to interfere with the healing response. Panadol or Tylenol can be used. Full post-procedure care instructions are available from the Alocuro medical practitioner.

Patients can greatly support the healing and regenerative outcome with regular rest, good simple skincare and a nutrient-rich diet. After 2 days post procedure patients can resume their usual skincare routine.