Cosmetic Surgeon Dr. Richard Buckley Comments on New Studies Showing Hair Growth and Skin Rejuvenating Benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP injection, has been gaining credibility in the treatment of orthopedic problems and wound healing. More recently, two studies showing PRP’s positive impact on hair growth and as a skin rejuvenation option used along with microneedling are making a big impact in cosmetic surgery patients. In one study published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal, the author demonstrated microneedling safely and effectively creates reversible micro-channels and skin permeability for the delivery of PRP and cosmeceutical ingredients.
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New studies show PRP is an effective cosmetic procedure for people who have hair thinning or loss, or aging facial skin. PRP, often used along with microneedling, stimulates hair and collagen growth.
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PRP enhances the results of microneedling, a procedure Dr. Richard Buckley, Medical Director of MilfordMD Cosmetic Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center in Milford, Penn, says is becoming more popular among men and women who are concerned by acne scarring or aging facial skin. At MilfordMD, the Eclipse and Dermapen microneedling devices are used. “With microneedling, we use tiny needles to create micro wounds in the skin. The body naturally sends fibroblasts to the site of any wound (no matter how large or small) and builds collagen and improves skin health and texture, as a result,” says cosmetic surgeon Dr. Buckley. “Microneedling creates a vehicle to better deliver PRP, further enhancing the skin’s rejuvenation. Patients emerge looking refreshed, with smoother, more vibrant skin.”
The researcher in the study treated patients for skin wrinkling and laxity, scars and hair loss, known as alopecia. In some cases, the researcher used plasma rich platelets; in others, he used cosmeceuticals as an adjunct to microneedling. Microneedling alone and in combination with the adjunct therapies notably improved the appearance of wrinkles, softened scars and grew hair, according to the study. With only minimal side effects, the author noted that the average hair count in a 10 mm spot on patients’ scalps was 88.3 at the study’s start and increased to 133.6 at one year post treatment.
“PRP preparation is a process that involves taking a small vial of a patient’s own blood and spinning it in the centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma. We then inject the patient’s concentrated platelets to encourage healing and help regrow stronger and healthier tissue by injecting and/or microneedling the PRP into the skin,” Dr. Buckley says. “We’ve been using PRP with great success for scalp hair thickening and regrowth in men and women, as well as with microneedling to smooth acne scars and rejuvenate aging facial skin.”
“For men and women with hair thinning or loss, we inject PRP into the scalp’s vascular layer. The PRP increases blood supply to the hair follicles and shaft size thickness, which triggers and maintains hair growth,” Dr. Buckley says. “The procedure is relatively painless and quick. We collect the patient’s blood and process it in about 10 minutes. Then we inject it strategically into the scalp. Generally, patients will want four treatments done at monthly intervals, followed by treatments three or four times a year. With time, the bald spots can fill in and the thinning hair can become thicker.”
In yet another study published December 2016 in the Annals of Dermatology, researchers looked specifically at PRP for facial rejuvenation. They injected a single dose of PRP into the right side of the face and saline, or placebo, into the left; then, they examined both sides for changes. Among the 20 women studied, the researchers found PRP increased skin collagen and should be thought of as a safe, effective option in skin rejuvenation.
“These studies and others suggest PRP administration is an important, safe and effective option in cosmetic surgery—especially among men and women who don’t want to have procedures that involve actual surgery, downtime and long recoveries. This is relatively simple and uses a person’s own platelets to stimulate healthy hair growth or rejuvenate aging or scarred skin,” Dr. Buckley says.
The MilfordMD Cosmetic Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center offers state-of-the-art highly specialized procedures in laser and cosmetic-surgery and aesthetic skin care. In addition to its AAAHC accredited surgical center and extensive laser surgery capabilities, MilfordMD offers physician designed skin care products for home use. Milford Pennsylvania’s MilfordMD Cosmetic Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center is sought out by patients from around the world for expertise and innovation in cosmetic treatments performed by Richard E. Buckley, M.D. and Marina Buckley, M.D.
MilfordMD Cosmetic Dermatology Surgery & Laser Center is located at 303 W. Harford Street, Milford, PA 18337. Tel: (800) 664-1528. For real patient video testimonials, visit our MilfordMD YouTube channel.
