Now it is fashionable to be well-groomed, young, beautiful. But youth is a gradually passing phenomenon, and since we want to keep it as long as possible, cosmetologists give us this opportunity by developing, presenting and applying the latest, most effective techniques, rejuvenation procedures. But what choice from the entire wide range of modern cosmetic procedures should be made by a person who wants to prolong his youth and beauty, rejuvenate his skin and put his 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 a huge potential that can stimulate all the resources of the body, so necessary for it in the fight against the aging process and age-related changes, rejuvenate the skin and general tissue repair. And the plasmolifting procedure contributes to a highly effective disclosure, the manifestation of all this potential. What is plasmolifting, what is it based on, how is this cosmetology procedure carried out, effectively rejuvenating the skin and subcutaneous tissues?
Plasmolifting is a cosmetology procedure, a non-surgical technique that performs skin rejuvenation, activating the processes of tissue regeneration 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 platelet-rich blood plasma of a human patient. The resulting plasma is injected into problem areas of the skin. Thanks to such injections, the human body receives a powerful incentive to activate natural rejuvenating and regenerative processes.
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, 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 cellular rejuvenation, skin autorejuvenation, autoplasma skin therapy, skin plasma revitalization, plasma biorevitalization, hemorejuvenation, plasma biorevitalization, "draculotherapy".
The plasmolifting procedure is partly similar to biomesotherapy, since it uses the patient's biomaterials for injection, thereby ensuring the fullest compatibility of 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 early predecessors of this method include autohemotherapy (transfusion of the patient's blood from a vein into the muscle of the buttocks 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 treating certain 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 carried out in the USA decades ago. As a result of these studies, a cosmetology procedure called PRP therapy (PRP-Plateled Rich Plasma - platelet-rich plasma) appeared. And the plasmolifting procedure is considered a modification of PRP therapy; it 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 accumulate near the wound, starting the process of stopping the blood, as well as restoring the damaged area.
To force the cells to renew themselves artificially, thereby producing skin rejuvenation, one should inflict a small injury, for example, as in a chemical peel procedure, or deceive the patient's body by delivering platelets to the desired area. Such an action will serve as a signal to start the regeneration processes.
Thus, platelet-rich plasma, when injected into the right areas, helps to 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.
Scope of plasmolifting
The plasmolifting procedure is mainly common in the field of cosmetology. Highly effective and fast, painless skin rejuvenation is her merit. But also this cosmetology procedure is successfully used in trichology, being an effective way to combat baldness and hair loss. After several sessions of plasmolifting, 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, it depends on the general condition of the hair.
The plasmolifting procedure is successfully used in dentistry to speed up the process of engraftment 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. Mimic and small wrinkles - age over 35;
- violations of the basic properties of the skin due to weight loss;
- primary signs of skin prolapse, a 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 (tanning from the sun, solarium);
- sparse dull hair;
- baldness and dandruff;
- correction of the bad effect of Botox injections.
Contraindications for 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;
- diabetes mellitus in severe forms;
- diseases of various internal organs of the patient;
- allergy to anticoagulants used in the manufacture of injections;
- menstruation;
- oncological diseases;
- hypofibrinogenemia;
- platelet abnormalities and dysfunctions, low platelet count (below 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 it is carried out:
- a ban on going to the solarium;
- a ban on getting a natural tan;
- a ban on visiting pools and saunas.
Plasmolifting procedure: carrying out
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 taken from a vein into a test tube containing a separation gel and an anticoagulant. The volume of blood taken depends mainly on the individual and biological characteristics of the patient. Usually it is about 10-20 ml. 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 µl);
- plasma poor in platelets (less than 150, 000 per 1 µl).
Platelet-enriched blood plasma is injected using microinjections into problem areas, previously treated with an antiseptic solution. After its introduction, fibroblasts are placed along the Langer line (line of age-related natural stretching). In the process of stimulating the formation of elastin and collagen, skin tightening occurs. The microinjection technique is generally similar to mesotherapy.
If necessary, application anesthesia with a special cream can be used. At the end of the procedure, the areas on which the plasmolifting procedure was performed are once again treated with an antiseptic. During the first 3 days after plasmolifting, patients usually experience redness and peeling of the skin, as well as its slight darkening. Small wrinkles may appear on the surface layer of the skin. It usually goes away 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 to two weeks. And in order to maintain, consolidate the effect obtained, it is necessary to re-perform about 2 courses of plasmolifting annually.
To prevent unpleasant side effects, the authors of plasmolifting are prohibited from further modifying the method, for example, by adding other components, vitamins, to platelet-rich plasma.
The procedure of plasma skin rejuvenation has the most important advantage compared to other cosmetic procedures - over time, the process of stimulating collagen production, that is, improving the general condition of the skin, skin rejuvenation continues in the following months, up to a year inclusive.
Plasmolifting procedure: efficiency
In 40 percent of cases, the effect is noticeable almost immediately after plasmolifting. In all other cases, this cosmetology procedure performed does not manifest itself immediately, the results appear after about 2 weeks. To achieve a more pronounced, better effect, experts recommend several procedures. Then the skin rejuvenation 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 chemical peeling of the skin of the neck and face: it becomes younger, more elastic, its color improves, fine wrinkles are smoothed out. The most noticeable result after the procedure is the effect of "porcelain skin" - the skin becomes very velvety, soft, smooth, as if glowing from within. The plasmolifting procedure is effective only 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, then this cosmetology procedure will not give good results.
Below is the average recommended 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 circles under the eyes, swelling, as well as an improvement in complexion, a local increase in skin immunity. 2-4 treatments, 1 session every 7 days.
- Problem skin. Result: reduced manifestations of acne, improved skin condition, 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 processes of dying off hair follicles, activation of hair growth. 4-6 procedures for 1 session every 7 days.
- Dry, thin hair. Result: increased blood supply and nutrition of hair follicles, restoration of hair structure. 2-4 treatments 1 session every 7 days.
- Dandruff, 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 procedure of plasma rejuvenation helps to activate the hidden resources of the body, such skin rejuvenation does not cause any rejection reactions. Small complications are possible, such as spots on the skin, its 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 chance of their occurrence is extremely small.
Combination with other procedures
The plasmolifting procedure is perfectly combined with other cosmetic anti-aging procedures, for example, all types of peelings and laser resurfacing. Then skin rejuvenation will manifest itself most effectively. Also, 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 the greatest efficiency of the plasmolifting method, it can be combined with other laser procedures:
- hyaluronoplasty using a laser will prepare the skin for an increase in the content of hyaluronic acid;
- laser photothermolysis will allow you 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 injection of the resulting drug can be done by a cosmetologist trained in mesotherapeutic injections. The main component of the price of the plasmolifting procedure is intellectual property. But this cosmetic procedure is not so expensive.
The total cost is formed by taking into account the number and area of the treated areas.