Lately, Lisa has started whining (annoyingly) again. The last time she did this was when she first started wearing braces - I still remember how she couldn’t stop complaining about the pain and discomfort of not being able to eat all the food she likes.
This time, it’s about the aging signs on her face that are becoming more apparent.
“Oh no, am I really getting old already?”
Lisa is getting into her 30s now, and have started to show some fine lines and wrinkles on her face.
Always aspiring to still maintain her youthfulness even after being a mum while keeping her modelling job in peak condition, Lisa has been really concerned about this for a while now.
Are you in the same situation?
Are you worried about the fine line and wrinkles that are starting to show on your face, or the laugh lines that are getting more apparent whenever you smile?
Or has your skin loosen and lost its elasticity, and is no longer as tight and radiant as before?
“I heard my colleagues talking about PRP injections as an anti-aging solution, that it’s a very viable option without much risk, is this true?”
To answer Lisa’s question, I met up with Dr Chin Shih Choon, former president of the Malaysia Society of Aesthetic Medicine and current consultant Medical Aesthetics Physician at MJ Medical Aesthetic and Assence Aesthetic Clinic & Medispa.
I asked him about PRP treatments for anti-aging, and he gave me a comprehensive guide towards understanding how PRP works, what’s better than hearing from the expert himself?
PRP and Anti-Aging
I hear stories about PRP treatments for face, that it can help in anti-aging effects. Is this true? How does it work?
Dr Chin: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy involves the injection of the patient's own platelets and fibrin for the cosmetic treatment of wrinkles or scars in the face, hands and neck.
Known to some as the "vampire facelift", it is less invasive than plastic surgery, takes about 30 minutes for each treatment, and offers improvements for up to 18 months.
Cost of the procedure is generally similar to that of fillers and may range from Rm1800 to Rm2800 per treatment.
Platelets play a role in stopping bleeding and in repairing damaged blood vessels and cells in the body. Platelets also contain substances called "growth factors" that activate and rejuvenate cells in our body.
Unlike fillers that use various synthetic substances, PRP uses the patient's natural biology to address skin defects and volume loss, triggering production of new cells and collagen formation.
Is PRP For You?
I see so many different types of anti-aging treatments. How do I know if PRP is right for me?
Dr Chin: PRP is used mainly for face, neck, hands and genitalia rejuvenation. It helps treat wrinkles, dull skin, volume loss, scars and other aging concerns. It is a very popular method to reverse the signs of aging naturally.
In recent years, PRP has also been used to rejuvenate the vagina. It enhances the sexual function and also treats minor stress urinary incontinence. It is popularly known as O-shot or the orgasm shot.
In men, it has been used to treat erectile dysfunction and is called the P-shot or priapus shot.
Home Remedies for Anti-Aging
There are plenty of home remedies found online for treating wrinkles, scars, dull skin etc. What’s your opinion on these home remedies? Are they viable options?
Dr Chin: Some of the things that we can do to have a healthier body and better skin are having enough rest, drinking enough clean water and eating wisely. Avoid toxic substances like tobacco, drugs, excessive alcohol and indiscriminate sun exposure.
Do take care of your mental health too. Connect with friends and loved ones. And if you don’t have friends, get a pet instead…ha ha! Happy people do look better!
PRP Injection Expectations
What can I expect from a PRP treatment for my face? Are the effects immediate? How long is the recovery time?
Dr Chin: This cutting-edge rejuvenation is a quick 30-minute procedure. After about 9 cm3 of blood (approximately 1 vial) is drawn from the patient, it is spun down in a centrifuge for 6 minutes at a pre calculated speed to retrieve the most viable fibrin and platelets.
After centrifugation, the platelet and fibrin component of the blood (the top layer) is extracted and re injected into the area of concern.
There may be some redness and mild swelling which subsides in a day or two. The results are subtle, with gradual improvement in the injected area over a 3-5 week period. Full correction occurs at 4-7 weeks and can last as long as 18 months.
Because this ‘filler’ is made from the patient's own blood, so there are no risks for rejection, infection, or an allergic reaction.
This procedure can be combined with dermal fillers, Botox injections, fat transfer, lasers, as well as facial surgery. PRP builds tissue over time, whereas traditional fillers break down over time.
Multiple uses of PRP
I heard that PRP treatment is not only used for anti-aging solution, but can also treat conditions like hair loss, orthopaedic problems, or knee conditions. Is this true? How does it work?
Dr Chin: Yes, PRP has been used to treat hair loss, arthritis and also injuries to the joints and muscles.
The growth factors in PRP help to regenerate the hair growth in hair loss treatment.
As for the orthopaedic indications, it helps to regenerate the cartilage, ligaments and muscles. It also helps to reduce inflammation and pain.
Watch Out for Illegal PRP Injections
What's your final advice for anyone of us looking for an anti-aging treatment today?
Dr Chin: PRP therapy is very promising in facial rejuvenation. Results are optimal when patients receive a combination of PRP, dermal fillers, BTA (botulinum toxin A) and laser therapy.
Be sure to consult with certified aesthetic medical practitioners with LCP (letter of credentialing and privileging) from the Ministry of Health. This medical procedure should also be done in a medical clinic or hospital.
Lisa is also in the process of her weekly PRP treatments now, and she seems happy with the visible results (and she’s finally stopped whining, too!).
What about you? Do you want to treat your wrinkles and fine lines, or that annoyingly loose and sagging skin, and prevent yourself from going further down the aging process, maintaining your youthful and vibrant look?
If you wish to get in touch with Dr Chin about PRP treatments, you can send an enquiry to his clinic here or here.
Or if you’re at a different location, find a medical aesthetics clinic with PRP treatment near you here!
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