Dullness on the face, dark circles under the eyes, crow’s feet wrinkles, even dark spots on the face, as well as increasing sagging, are partly caused by exposure to dust, pollution, sunlight, and ultraviolet rays, insufficient exercise and rest. Additionally, work-related stress causes body fatigue. Whether due to an unhealthy lifestyle or aging, the production of “Growth Factor,” which stimulates the creation of new cells to replace old ones, decreases to an insufficient level for repair.
Why is Growth Factor important?
Growth Factor literally means “growth factor.” It is called this because Growth Factor is a protein substance produced by the body to stimulate and regulate cell functions, especially cell division, allowing the body to grow naturally from childhood to youth in a balanced way. In the same function, it also stimulates the creation of new cells to repair worn-out cells, a process that continues throughout life.
The problems of dullness and other facial skin issues partly result from the body producing less Growth Factor, insufficient for repairing skin cells. This eventually accumulates as problems, especially in people aged 30 and above, with issues increasing as age advances.
Brighter facial skin with Growth Factor
With increasing knowledge about Growth Factor, it is now developed for use in solving facial skin problems. Doctors can inject Growth Factor directly into problem areas with maximum efficiency in skin treatment. Growth Factor repairs the skin by stimulating the creation of new cells to repair damaged skin cells, improving skin hydration, reducing deep wrinkles to appear shallower and noticeable, increasing skin elasticity, improving scarred or fibrotic skin from acne scars, and enhancing the appearance of scars. At the same time, it stimulates collagen production, helping to restore aging skin to a plump state, tightening facial contours, reducing sagging, and making the skin look youthful, as if turning back time.
This type of facial treatment has been developed to extract Growth Factor from the patient’s own blood in the form of PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), which is highly concentrated platelets, resulting in better and safer treatment outcomes.
PRP: Safe technology from your own blood
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is plasma rich in platelets, obtained by taking a small amount of blood, comparable to the amount drawn for an annual health check-up, from the patient. The blood is then centrifuged to separate and collect only the plasma rich in platelets and Growth Factor, which is injected back into the patient’s skin. The entire process is supervised by a specialist doctor, ensuring quality and safety.
Limitations for PRP injection
Although PRP is a concentrated extract from the patient’s own blood, making it safe with almost no chance of allergic reactions, and can address various facial skin problems as mentioned, for optimal treatment effectiveness, the blood used for PRP extraction must be taken when the patient does not have the following conditions:
- Anemia or severe thrombocytopenia (low platelet count)
- Bloodstream infection or infection at the treatment site
- Use of aspirin or blood-thinning drugs such as NSAIDs within 48 hours before blood collection
- Currently taking antiplatelet or thrombolytic medications
- Currently ill, having a fever, or recently recovered from illness
- Cancer patients, especially those with blood cancer or bone cancer
- Pregnant women
Additionally, PRP should not be performed simultaneously with Botox or Filler injections. A gap of about 1 week is recommended for Botox, and at least 2-3 weeks for Filler injections, all under the supervision of a specialist doctor.
Prepare well before PRP injection and take care after injection
Preparing before PRP injection and following post-treatment instructions from the doctor will enhance treatment results. Preparation should be done about 1 week before the appointment to ensure the body is in optimal health. The following should be observed:
- Get sufficient sleep, at least 8 hours
- Stop using medications, supplements, or cosmetics containing Retinol and AHA (Alpha Hydroxyl Acid) at least 1 week before treatment
- Avoid aspirin or blood-thinning NSAIDs at least 48 hours before treatment
- Avoid all alcoholic beverages for at least 2-3 days before the procedure
- Avoid or reduce intake of high-fat foods
- Avoid wearing makeup on the day of treatment
- On the morning of the appointment, drink about 1.5-2 liters of clean water to prevent blood from becoming too thick
- Consult with a doctor to examine facial skin condition and review medical history to determine suitability for PRP treatment
How to take care of yourself after PRP injection?
PRP facial treatment is not complicated like surgery and does not cause any wounds. Patients can repeat the treatment multiple times. However, there are some post-treatment precautions during the initial period to avoid side effects or complications, such as:
- Avoid washing the face for the first 24 hours after treatment. Avoid alcohol, caffeine, hot drinks, and spicy foods as they may increase bruising and swelling.
- Avoid swimming or heavy exercise for 24 hours
- Do not rub, scratch, or apply cold compresses to the treated area
- Avoid painkillers or anti-inflammatory drugs in the aspirin group (Aspirin) or Nurofen group for 1-2 weeks as they affect platelets and may worsen bruising
- Avoid supplements such as multivitamins, fish oil (Glucosamine), vitamins B and E for 1-2 weeks as they affect blood clotting and may worsen bruising
- Avoid outdoor activities with sun exposure or sunbathing for at least 72 hours
- If no other inflammation occurs, makeup can be applied 24 hours after treatment
PRP is a simple, quick facial skin treatment technology with easy preparation. After 2-3 days, the skin will look noticeably brighter and better. It can be repeated continuously. PRP technology allows us to “forget dullness, leave behind tired days, and regain confidence whenever desired.”
