Information

The PRP Process

 

The treatment begins with venipuncture (a blood draw) to obtain the blood. Contrary to popular belief, it’s relatively painless — aside from the first needle pinch.  Typically, the process includes the initial blood draw, then running the blood through a centrifuge to isolate the platelets. Dentists then perform micro-needling or microdermabrasion just before PRPs are applied across the patient’s face. This can be accompanied with or without radio frequency, too.  It is central to the evolving understanding of the physiology of the skin and advanced techniques with which to improve the quality of the skin.  Recovery takes a day or two of downtime for the patient before you’re ready to hit the streets depending on how aggressive the microdermabrasion was on the skin. This course is taught by our physician anesthesiologists with years of clinical experience using PRP for boutique private plastic surgery centers.  Additional clinical staff includes dentists, surgeons and nurses that have solid experience incorporating PRP into their private practice.  Each department chair is currently active at the university level teaching as an attending.

 

The popularity of PRP grew from its promise as a safe alternative to surgery. In recent years, research provided us a new perspective on platelets. Studies have shown that platelets contain numerous growth factors and cytokines that can reduce inflammation, post-procedural blood loss, and infection, as well as improve osteogenesis, wound healing, and soft tissue healing. It is now evident that platelets also release many bioactive proteins responsible for attracting macrophages – mesenchymal stem cells and osteoblasts that promote removal of degenerated and necrotic tissue, and enhance tissue regeneration.

 

 

How It Works

 

PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma. It’s a drug-free procedure that uses the patient’s own blood as an aesthetic treatment. By redistributing part of the blood to areas in need of improvement, you can generate impressive results with relatively inexpensive equipment. Here’s how it works:

 

  1. The treatment begins with venipuncture (a blood draw) to obtain blood from your patient. It’s relatively painless aside from the first needle pinch, and only takes 1-2 ounces for the entire procedure.
  2. Then, the blood is placed in a centrifuge for around 5 minutes to isolate the PRP from the rest of the blood. This is rich in nutrients and growth factors that aid the body’s natural healing process.
  3. A microneedling or microdermabrasion is performed on the treatment areas just prior to the application of the PRP in order to stimulate regrowth and help the PRP reach deeper layers of the skin.

 

Patients typically recover in 1-2 days and persisting results can be seen 4 to 8 weeks after treatment.

PRP Training

In laymen’s terms: It’s a facial that essentially uses your own blood to help promote the healthy activity of your skin cells.  Skin is naturally comprised of red blood cells and serum, which contain our white blood cells and platelets.  The treatment is a combination of a microdermabrasion, followed by the application of PRP (platelet-rich plasma).  The PRP is derived from the serum portion of the blood, which contains platelets. The platelets contain high levels of growth factors, which, when applied to the skin, will stimulate cell turnover.  Platelets are rich in growth factors, which act as an energy boost for skin. This helps skin function optimally, increasing everything from collagen to elastin, while also recruiting antioxidant and hydrating properties. Platelet-rich plasma is now commonly used topically as part of a regular facial, used along with micro-needling to enhance penetration into the skin. PRP is also injected into the skin in the same manner as dermal fillers.

 

The PRP Process

The treatment begins with venipuncture (a blood draw) to obtain the blood. Contrary to popular belief, it’s relatively painless — aside from the first needle pinch.  Typically, the process includes the initial blood draw, then running the blood through a centrifuge to isolate the platelets. Dentists then perform micro-needling or microdermabrasion just before PRPs are applied across the patient’s face. This can be accompanied with or without radio frequency, too.  It is central to the evolving understanding of the physiology of the skin and advanced techniques with which to improve the quality of the skin.  Recovery takes a day or two of downtime for the patient before you’re ready to hit the streets depending on how aggressive the microdermabrasion was on the skin. This course is taught by our physician anesthesiologists with years of clinical experience using PRP for boutique private plastic surgery centers.  Additional clinical staff includes dentists that have solid experience incorporating PRP into their private practice.  Each department chair is currently active at the university level teaching as an attending.

Didactics Include

  • PRP theory
  • Mechanism of action
  • Platelets optimization needed for angiogenesis
  • Equipment tutorials
  • PRP as a stand-alone treatment
  • PRP with fat grafting
  • PRP with fillers
  • PRP with an Aesthetic Laser, RF and high-intensity

A Live Demonstration Will Be Performed Explaining Procedure and Techniques Prior to Your Hands-On Live Cases

The ACTA has the lowest student to instructor ratio.  Hands-on sessions are supervised by ACTA expert instructors one-on-one.  Lecture and  Q & A sessions review every topic.  Each attendee will receive a course manual, PowerPoint slides, electronic business and practice documents  (consent, standardized procedure and protocol policies, charting templates and medical facial aesthetic history forms).

A Live Demonstration Will Be Performed Explaining Procedure and Techniques Prior to Your Hands-On Live Cases

The ACTA has the lowest student to instructor ratio.  Hands-on sessions are supervised by ACTA expert instructors one-on-one.  Lecture and  Q & A sessions review every topic.  Each attendee will receive a course manual, PowerPoint slides, electronic business and practice documents  (consent, standardized procedure and protocol policies, charting templates and medical facial aesthetic history forms).