Now it is fashionable to be well-groomed, young, beautiful. But youth is a phenomenon that passes gradually and since we want to keep it as long as possible, cosmetologists give us this opportunity by developing, presenting and applying the latest and most effective techniques, rejuvenation procedures. But what choice from the whole wide range of modern cosmetic procedures should a person make who wants to prolong his youth and beauty, rejuvenate his skin and put her appearance in order? This article reveals in detail the essence of one of the latest techniques - plasmolifting, talks about the safety and high efficiency of this technique.
What is plasmolifting
Human blood contains enormous potential to stimulate all the resources of the body, so necessary to fight the aging process and age-related changes, rejuvenate the skin and repair tissues in general. And the plasmolifting procedure contributes to highly effective disclosure, the manifestation of all this potential. What is plasmolifting, what is it based on, how is this cosmetology procedure performed, which effectively rejuvenates the skin and subcutaneous tissues?
Plasmolifting is a cosmetology procedure, a non-surgical technique that rejuvenates the skin by activating the tissue regeneration processes in the human body. This is the latest method that has revolutionized cosmetology. The basic principles and ideas of the technique, like everything ingenious, are very simple. This cosmetology procedure, its main concepts are based on the restorative ability of the platelet-rich blood plasma of a human patient. The resulting plasma is injected into the problem areas of the skin. Thanks to such injections, the human body receives a powerful incentive to activate natural processes of rejuvenation and regeneration.
Such stimulating properties of platelet-rich plasma ensure the formation of skin cells from stem cells, the normalization of metabolic processes, the formation of hyaluronic acid molecules, the stimulation of blood circulation and an increase in the production of elastin and collagen. Rejuvenation of the skin and deeper subcutaneous tissues begins.
This cosmetology procedure has many other synonyms, for example, ACR - autologous cell rejuvenation, skin self-rejuvenation, skin therapy with autoplasm, skin plasma revitalization, plasma biorevitalization, emorejuvenation, plasma biorevitalization, "draculotherapy".
The plasmolifting procedure is partly similar to biomesotherapy, as it uses the patient's biomaterials for injection, thus ensuring maximum compatibility of the biological components and eliminating the possibility of complications in the form of allergic reactions.
Plasmolifting is similar to the cosmetology procedure called ReGen Lab, developed by Swiss specialists, which also rejuvenates the skin and subcutaneous tissues. But it is a more expensive procedure and requires expensive hardware.
The history of the appearance of plasmolifting
The first predecessors of this method include autohemotherapy (transfusion of the patient's blood from a vein into the buttock muscle to stimulate the protective function of the body), which has been used in medicine for more than a hundred years, as well as plasma therapy, a method for the treatment of some diseases by intravenous administration of blood plasma.
The first experiments aimed at rejuvenating human skin and immediately preceding the appearance of the plasmolifting method were conducted in the USA decades ago. As a result of these studies, a cosmetology procedure called PRP therapy (PRP-Plateled Rich Plasma) appeared. And the plasmolifting procedure is considered a modification of PRP therapy; was patented by specialists in 2004.
Mechanism of influence
Platelets, in addition to their main function - accelerating blood clotting, are able to secrete growth factor proteins that stimulate the process of cell division and growth. After an injury, platelets usually build up near the wound, initiating the process of stopping the blood and restoring the damaged area.
To force the cells to artificially renew themselves, thus producing skin rejuvenation, one would have to inflict a small wound, for example, as in a chemical peel procedure, or fool the patient's body by supplying platelets to the desired area. This action will serve as a signal to start the regeneration processes.
Therefore, platelet-rich plasma, when injected into the right areas, helps restore skin cells. Fibroblasts (connective tissue cells) begin to effectively produce elastin, collagen and hyaluronic acid, the formation of new skin cells is also accelerated and skin rejuvenation occurs.
Plasmolifting scope
The plasmolifting procedure is mainly common in the field of cosmetology. Its merit is a highly effective and fast, painless skin rejuvenation. But this cosmetology procedure is also successfully used in trichology, being an effective way to combat baldness and hair loss. After several plasmolifting sessions, the hair structure is restored, their loss stops and the process of healthy hair growth begins. For the treatment of hair loss and baldness, 2 to 10 plasmolifting procedures may be required, depending on the general condition of the hair.
The plasmolifting procedure is used successfully in dentistry to accelerate the engraftment process of implants and the treatment of periodontitis.
Indications for plasmolifting
The plasmafilling procedure has the following indications for its implementation:
- peeling and dry skin;
- prevention of the appearance of stretch marks with a sharp weight loss;
- age over 25 years. Mimic and small wrinkles - age over 35;
- violations of the basic properties of the skin due to weight loss;
- primary signs of skin prolapse, decrease in its firmness, elasticity;
- acceleration of skin tissue regeneration processes after laser and chemical peeling;
- acne and other dermatological diseases;
- age-related elastosis, "gray" skin;
- restoration of the skin after strong exposure to UV rays (sun tanning, solarium);
- sparse and dull hair;
- baldness and dandruff;
- correction of the bad effect of Botox injections.
Contraindications to plasmolifting
The plasmolifting procedure has the following contraindications to its implementation:
- mental disorders;
- severe sagging of the skin;
- blood diseases;
- immunity disorders;
- chronic diseases;
- exacerbation of various chronic diseases;
- severe diabetes mellitus;
- diseases of various internal organs of the patient;
- allergy to anticoagulants used in the manufacture of injections;
- Menses;
- oncological diseases;
- hypofibrinogenemia;
- platelet abnormalities and dysfunctions, low platelet count (less than 100, 000 per 1 µl);
- low hemoglobin (level below 100 g per 1 liter);
- fever, high temperature;
- pregnancy;
- the use of antibiotics;
- lactation period;
- antiplatelet therapy;
- use less than two days before the procedure NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs), for example, aspirin, analgin;
- inflammation of the skin in the injection area.
This cosmetology procedure has the following main restrictions imposed on the patient before being performed:
- the ban on going to the solarium;
- the ban on natural tanning;
- the ban on visiting swimming pools and saunas.
Plasmolifting procedure: running
Before starting the procedure, it is recommended to undergo some examinations: biochemical and clinical blood tests, blood tests for the presence of infectious diseases. Then, the patient's blood is drawn from a vein in a test tube, which contains a separation gel and an anticoagulant. The volume of blood drawn depends mainly on the individual and biological characteristics of the patient. It is usually around 10-20ml. Then, using a special centrifuge, the blood is divided into three fractions:
- cellular component (leukocytes and erythrocytes);
- platelet-rich plasma (approximately 1 million per 1 ml);
- low platelet plasma (less than 150, 000 per 1 µl).
Platelet-enriched blood plasma is injected by microinjections into problem areas, previously treated with an antiseptic solution. After its introduction, the fibroblasts are placed along Langer's line (the line of natural age-related elongation). In the process of stimulating the formation of elastin and collagen, a tightening of the skin occurs. The microinjection technique is generally similar to mesotherapy.
If necessary, it is possible to use anesthesia for application with a special cream. At the end of the procedure, the areas on which the plasmolifting procedure was performed are again treated with an antiseptic. During the first 3 days after plasmolifting, patients usually experience redness and peeling of the skin, as well as a slight darkening. Small wrinkles can appear on the surface layer of the skin. It usually disappears after three days.
The duration of the procedure generally ranges from 40 to 50 minutes. The basic course of plasmolifting is 4 sessions with a frequency of 1 session in one or two weeks. And to maintain and consolidate the effect obtained, it is necessary to repeat about 2 cycles of plasmolifting per year.
To prevent unpleasant side effects, the authors of plasmolifting are forbidden to further modify the method, for example, by adding other components, vitamins, to platelet-rich plasma.
The plasma skin rejuvenation procedure has the most important advantage over other cosmetic procedures: over time, the process of stimulating collagen production, i. e. improving the general condition of the skin, skin rejuvenation continues in the following months, up to a year included.
Plasmolifting procedure: efficiency
In 40% of cases, the effect is evident almost immediately after plasmolifting. In all other cases, this performed cosmetology procedure does not manifest itself immediately, the results appear after about 2 weeks. To achieve a more pronounced and better effect, experts recommend several procedures. Then the rejuvenation of the skin of the treated area will be very noticeable. The results of the procedure can last up to two years.
The resulting effect can be compared with the chemical peeling of the skin of the neck and face: it becomes younger, more elastic, its color improves, fine wrinkles are smoothed. The most noticeable result after the procedure is the effect of "porcelain skin": the skin becomes very velvety, soft, smooth, as if it shines from within. The plasmolifting procedure is only effective when the first signs of age-related changes and skin aging appear. Only then can its application be able to effectively rejuvenate the skin. If there are deeper wrinkles or an indistinct oval of the face, this cosmetology procedure will not give good results.
Below is the recommended average duration of a plasma-lifting course, as well as the results obtained for the following most common skin problems:
- skin ptosis. Result: increased turgor and skin tone. 4-6 procedures 1 session in 7 days.
- Wrinkles. Result: reduction in the depth and number of wrinkles, slowing down the course of age-related changes. 4-6 procedures for 1 session every 7 days.
- Photoaging. Result: elimination or reduction of hyperpigmentation, photoaging. 4-6 procedures for 1 session every 7 days.
- Tired skin. Result: reduction of dark circles, swelling, as well as improvement of the complexion, local increase of skin immunity. 2-4 treatments, 1 session every 7 days.
- Problem skin. Result: reduction of the manifestations of acne, improvement of the condition of the skin, its relief. 4-6 procedures for 1 session every 7 days.
- Dry skin. Nutrition and hydration, activation of metabolic processes. 2-4 treatments, 1 session every 7 days.
- Hair loss, baldness. Result: inhibition of the extinction processes of hair follicles, activation of hair growth. 4-6 procedures for 1 session every 7 days.
- Dry and thin hair. Result: increased blood supply and nutrition of hair follicles, restoration of the hair structure. 2-4 treatments 1 session every 7 days.
- Dandruff, an oily scalp problem. Normalization of the functioning of the sebaceous glands, elimination of dandruff. 4-6 procedures 1 session every 7 days.
Plasmolifting procedure: safety
Plasmolifting is an absolutely safe cosmetology procedure that provides almost painless skin rejuvenation without serious subsequent complications. Injections of platelet-rich plasma are not immunoreactive and non-toxic, since, as mentioned above, such plasma is obtained from the patient's blood without the addition of additional substances and drugs. Since the plasma rejuvenation procedure helps activate the body's hidden resources, such skin rejuvenation does not cause rejection reactions. Small complications are possible, such as spots on the skin, redness, necrosis, hypopigmentation. Also, this cosmetic procedure does not have a recovery period. It should be noted that such complications are theoretically possible, but the possibility of their occurrence is extremely small.
Combination with other procedures
The plasmolifting procedure is perfectly combined with other anti-aging cosmetic procedures, for example, all types of peeling and laser resurfacing. So skin rejuvenation will manifest itself more effectively. In addition, this cosmetology procedure is perfect for preparing the skin before performing plastic surgery and improving its condition, its appearance in the postoperative recovery period. To achieve maximum efficiency of the plasmolifting method, it can be combined with other laser procedures:
- laser hyaluroplasty will prepare the skin for an increase in the hyaluronic acid content;
- laser photothermolysis will allow to consolidate the results obtained from plasmolifting;
- the combined laser will enhance the resulting rejuvenation effect.
Plasmolifting procedure: cost
The plasmolifting procedure itself is low-cost, since the patient himself is the supplier of platelet-rich plasma, the centrifuge performs the work of dividing the blood into fractions, and the resulting drug injection can be performed by a cosmetologist trained in mesotherapy injections. The main component of the price of the plasmolifting procedure is intellectual property. But this cosmetic procedure is not that expensive.
The total cost is formed taking into account the number and area of the treated areas.