Microneedling and PRP are perhaps best known for addressing hair issues, but they may also offer a versatile approach to resolving skin and joint concerns of all types. In this piece, we explain how PRP works and what you might expect when thinking over these procedures for your scars, joints, and under-eye areas.
What Is PRP and How Does It Work?
Platelet-Rich Plasma Components
Your blood contains natural healing elements that your Beauty Vault practitioners can concentrate for therapeutic use. Platelet-rich plasma consists of two main elements: plasma and platelets [1]. Plasma serves as the liquid portion of blood, composed mostly of water and proteins [2]. This liquid medium allows red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to circulate throughout your body.
The platelets store special proteins called growth factors within their granules, which are released once activated. This triggers cell reproduction and stimulates tissue regeneration in the treated area [2].
The Centrifuge Separation Process
Your Beauty Vault Practitioners will draw one to several vials of your blood during treatment to create platelet-rich plasma [2], then add an anticoagulant to prevent platelet activation before use [3].
The blood sample goes into a centrifuge machine that spins the sample faster and separates blood components by weight and density [2][2]. Red blood cells settle at the bottom because they are the heaviest [6]. Above them sits a layer of white blood cells, and at the top is a plasma layer containing concentrated platelets forms.
Injection Procedure
Upon separating the platelet-rich plasma from the rest of your blood sample, your Beauty Vault provider will inject it into the affected treatment area with fine needles. The whole appointment, from blood draw through injection, requires 45 to 60 minutes [26].
How Growth Factors Promote Healing
Growth factors help control growth, differentiation, and metabolism of cells [8]. They stimulate several cellular processes during healing, such as short-term inflammation that jump-starts the healing process, as well as collagen production for tissue building and cell division [2].
Research indicates that the increased concentration of growth factors in PRP may accelerate the healing process and shorten healing time for injuries while decreasing pain [2]. The preparation also supplies anti-inflammatory factors and anti-bacterial peptides to optimize the local environment by suppressing inflammatory responses [1].
PRP Facial for Under Eyes and Face Rejuvenation
Treating Dark Circles and Periorbital Hyperpigmentation
Under-eye darkness responds to PRP treatment through multiple mechanisms. The delicate periorbital skin benefits when PRP thickens the tissue and makes underlying blood vessels less visible. In fact, research shows dark circles may lighten by about 50% as the skin becomes healthier and more robust [2]. Improved circulation can also reduce the pooling that contributes to shadowing beneath your eyes.
The pigmentary improvement may be associated with increased skin volume. Growth factors in PRP stimulate collagen synthesis and hyaluronic acid production, which can increase skin tone and volume [10].
Reducing Fine Lines and Wrinkles
PRP also stimulates the secretion of hyaluronic acid and procollagen in the skin [2]. Clinical examinations show gradual improvement in skin firmness due to increased collagen production and boosted elasticity from greater elastin production [2], so skin texture improved and pores became smaller.
Combining PRP with Dermal Fillers
When combined with dermal fillers, PRP creates a two-phase improvement plan. Fillers provide immediate volume, while PRP signals your skin to produce more collagen and initiate repair processes at the same time [12]. This combination may extend the longevity of fillers, boost skin elasticity and hydration, and reduce the need for frequent filler maintenance [13].
Benefits of PRP Microneedling for Scars
Acne Scar Treatment
Research shows that combining microneedling and PRP can achieve substantial improvements in acne scar appearance. This is because it breaks down rigid scar tissue while delivering growth factors that stimulate proper collagen remodeling. Some acne scar types might respond especially well to this treatment approach, including rolling and boxcar scars [15].
Surgical, Injury, and Stretch Mark Scar Reduction
Traumatic and surgical scars might benefit from PRP microneedling therapy as well. By stimulating collagen production, it might promote smoother, more elastic tissue that integrates with surrounding skin [17].
Stretch marks respond based on their age. Fresh stretch marks, still red-tinged (striae rubra), often respond more favorably than older, white-tinged ones (striae alba) [11].
PRP Injections for Joint Pain and Injuries
Knee Osteoarthritis Treatment
PRP therapy extends beyond skin treatments into orthopedic applications for knee osteoarthritis in particular. Studies tracking 252 patients treated between 2020 and 2022 found pain improvements of 49% at six months and 45% at 12 months [12]. Function scores showed similar gains, with 44% improvement at six months and 39% at one year [12].
The severity of osteoarthritis significantly influences outcomes. Research with 517 patients revealed an overall responder rate of 62.1% [13]. Patients with mild osteoarthritis) achieved a 75.2% responder rate, while those with moderate disease reached 66.5% [13]. Severe osteoarthritis showed lower but still meaningful results at 50.9% [13]. Multiple injections spaced three to four weeks apart may produce better outcomes than single treatments [12].
Tendon Injuries: Tennis Elbow and Achilles Tendinitis
Chronic tendon conditions may respond to PRP therapy through growth factor delivery to areas with limited blood supply. Research analyzing multiple studies found that patients treated for lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow) reported less pain long-term compared to control groups [22].
The treatment addresses tendon degeneration as well. It stimulates collagen production and promotes angiogenesis, repairing damaged tissue rather than masking symptoms.
Rotator Cuff and Ligament Repair
Rotator cuff patients also showed reduced pain at both short-term and long-term follow-up [22]. More specifically, a study of 90 patients with rotator cuff tears found that 68.89% showed complete healing after a single PRP injection at 12 weeks [23]. PRP also proved effective in reducing tear size.
PRP may also improve early functional outcomes and reduce retear rates when used with surgery [25].
Athletic Injury Recovery
Athletes treated with PRP for various sports injuries showed high return-to-activity rates. Research found 93.75% of athletes returned to pre-injury activity levels, resuming full sports after three weeks following the last injection [2]. Acute injuries responded better with single injections, while chronic conditions often required multiple treatments [2].
Ask the Beauty Vault How PRP Can Help Your Joints, Scars, and Under-Eyes
PRP therapy may offer a versatile solution to address various concerns, from dark circles and acne scars to knee pain and tendon injuries. Your body’s own platelets work to stimulate natural healing processes and potentially improve skin texture while reducing discomfort.
Nevertheless, you need to have realistic expectations regarding how well the treatment might work for you, or if another option would be better. The first step toward finding out is making an appointment with the Beauty Vault team in West Hollywood. Call us now at (323) 800-6770 or fill out a contact form.
FAQs
Q1. Is PRP treatment effective for under-eye concerns? PRP treatment can help address under-eye issues by thickening the delicate periorbital skin and making underlying blood vessels less visible. Research indicates that dark circles may lighten by approximately 50% as the skin becomes healthier. Patient satisfaction varies, with studies showing that 80% of patients achieved fair to good improvements after three monthly treatments, though results differ based on individual skin conditions.
Q2. Can PRP help reduce the appearance of scars? Yes, PRP can help improve various types of scars. Studies show that combining PRP with microneedling achieved 62% improvement in acne scars compared to 45% with microneedling alone. PRP may also benefit surgical scars, injury scars, and stretch marks by stimulating collagen production and promoting tissue remodeling. The treatment works by breaking down rigid scar tissue while delivering growth factors that encourage proper healing.
Q3. How long do PRP results last for under-eye treatments? PRP results develop gradually over time as your body’s natural healing processes take effect. Initial improvements typically appear between 2 to 4 weeks, with maximum benefits becoming visible at 3 to 6 months after treatment. The longevity of results varies by individual, but many patients maintain improvements for several months. Maintenance sessions may be recommended to sustain optimal results.
Q4. How many PRP sessions are needed for scar treatment? Most patients require three to six sessions for optimal scar improvement results. Moderate scars typically need 4four to six sessions to effectively remodel collagen and smooth texture, while deeper or older scars may require up to eight sessions. Sessions are usually spaced four to six weeks apart to allow adequate healing time between treatments.
References
[1] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC5839250/
[2] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8046674/
[3] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4338460/
[4] – https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-023-45747-3
[5] – https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/chemistry/articles/10.3389/fchem.2017.00089/full
[6] – https://www.accumaxlab.com/the-vital-role-of-prp-centrifuge-for-optimal-therapeutic-results/
[7] – https://www.drprpusa.com/blog/how-to-centrifuge-blood-for-PRP.html
[8] – https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0039610905705697
[9] – https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/26/21/10804
[10] – https://orthorepair.com/blog/what-to-expect-during-a-prp-injection-step-by-step-procedure-guide/
[11] – https://www.selphyl.com/post/prp-for-stretch-marks-evaluating-treatment-effectiveness
[12] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12023473/
[13] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC8509123/
[14] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6243404/
[15] – https://www.worldsfamousdermatologist.com/microneedling-prp-scar-revision/
[16] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11295534/
[17] – https://esthetics.arthrex.com/en/treatments/scar-reduction
[18] – https://www.hairandskinscience.com.au/prp-for-stretch-marks-does-it-work/
[19] – https://www.lastingimpressionslaser.ca/how-many-prp-therapy-sessions-are-needed/
[20] – https://iriyawellness.com/prf-vs-prp-in-microneedling-which-heals-scars-faster/
[21] – https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26432430/
[22] – https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC6339617/
[24] – https://rosm.org/prp-vs-cortisone-rotator-cuff/
[25] – https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-020-74341-0
[28] – https://regenorthocenter.com/5-steps-to-prp-preparation/
[29] – https://www.drgokhanpolat.com/en/blog/who-is-not-suitable-for-prp-treatment
[30] –https://www.hawaiinaturalmedicine.com/post/who-shouldnt-get-prp-contraindications-to-know
