PRP Cosmetic Facial Specialist

What regenerative medicine treatments are used for facials?

The two main regenerative medicine or biologics treatments Dr. Stavrakos uses for facial conditions are platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and birth tissue products.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)

PRP is a blood product containing growth factors. It boosts your body's healing and regenerative processes, stimulating the production of new, healthy collagen, elastin, and skin cells. The PRP comes from a sample of your blood and contains a concentrated dose of platelets.

Birth tissue products

Birth tissue products include placental and umbilical cord tissue, as well as amniotic fluid. These tissues nourish babies in the womb and are discarded after birth. Willing, healthy donor mothers who undergo a rigorous screening process can then offer these tissues for biologic treatments.

The umbilical cord contains substances such as Wharton's jelly, which contains proteins that help bind other substances used in your treatment in a framework that prevents them from draining away, as well as growth factors and other cells that stimulate your body's healing factors.

Placental products contain growth factors like those found in PRP, plus other substances that are useful for tissue healing, such as collagen, fibronectin, laminin, and hyaluronic acid. Some birth tissues contain stem cells that are also a valuable regenerative therapy.

How are biologics used for facial treatments?

There are several ways that Dr. Stavrakos uses biologics in facial treatments. These include:

Treating cystic acne

Cystic acne is a severe form of this common skin condition typically due to a combination of skin oil (sebum), dry skin cells, and bacteria being trapped in your pores. With cystic acne, in addition to surface rashes of pimples and pustules, there is a development of cysts beneath the skin. 

Acne often leaves unsightly pits and scarring that can affect your confidence and self-esteem. Dr. Stavrakos uses biologics to improve the texture of your skin and reduce its pitted appearance, for a smoother, more even look. 

Biologic products are an effective, non-surgical way of delivering facial rejuvenation and tackling common aesthetic problems such as sagging skin, age lines, and wrinkles.

What happens when I have a facial?

Before applying the active substance to your skin, it is necessary to create tiny channels in the outer skin layers that allow the product to penetrate the underlying tissues. Dr. Stavrakos achieves this with microneedling, using a device that creates multiple pinpricks as it passes over your skin. Please note that, prior to microneedling, the skin is thoroughly cleansed and anesthetized with a topical numbing agent to decrease or eliminate any discomfort during the procedure.

This minute inflammation the microneedling causes also stimulates new tissue production, as well as optimizes your biologic therapy. After microneedling, Dr. Stavrakos applies the PRP or birth tissue product to your skin.

You won't see an instant difference in your condition after a facial because the active regenerative substances need time to bring about the changes in your skin. However, you should see a gradual improvement over the weeks and months following your treatment.

For optimal results, three initial treatments are recommended, each between four and six weeks apart.

To find out how you could benefit from a facial at Heritage Regenerative Medicine, call the office or book an appointment online today.

Sports Medicine Clinic & Wellness Center located in the greater Charlotte, NC area