We all have platelets in our blood. PRP is 3-step procedure that involves having your blood:

1. Drawn from your arm
2. Placed into a machine that separates the platelets from the rest of your blood
3. Re-injected into you (only the part of your blood that contains a high concentration of platelets).

Orthopedic surgeons use PRP to help athletes recover more quickly after an injury.

In dermatology, PRP is being tested as a possible treatment for hair loss.

If you have PRP to treat signs of aging on your skin, here’s what to expect:

1. Blood drawn: You would have a small amount of blood (about 2 to 4 tablespoons) drawn from your arm.
2. Blood taken to lab: The test tube containing your blood would be placed in a medical device called a centrifuge, which separates your blood into layers. One of these layers contains a high concentration of platelets.
3. Blood injected: Your injector injects the blood that contains the high concentration of platelets into your face or scalp, using a syringe or micro needling (device that looks like a lint roller with tiny needles sticking out of it). To give you immediate results, your injector may also inject a filler.

4. The entire procedure takes about 45 minutes to one hour.

   While PRP may sound like something straight out of a science-fiction novel, some patients are finding that PRP can:

   • Reduce wrinkles
   • Plump up sagging skin
   • Get rid of deep creases
   • Improve one’s complexion
   • Diminish acne scars

   Another perk: There’s little to no downtime.