Aesthetics

Platelet-rich plasma describes a natural component of a patient’s blood that is extracted during an in-office blood draw. The samples are generally spun in a centrifuge, which allows the platelet-rich plasma to be separated from the other parts of the blood, like lower-quality plasma and red blood cells. Often called “liquid gold,” this yellow-colored liquid contains growth factors, which are proteins that promote healing. The platelet-rich plasma also contains proteins that assist with the growth of new cells in damaged tissues. Healthy cells are prompted to replicate, effectively replacing damaged cells. Collagen growth also improves, which is the foundation of youthful, beautiful skin. The science behind the efficacy of the procedure is simple, and occurs naturally in the human body every day. Regenerative medicine manipulates this process to result in higher quality skin tissue.

PRP injections first became popular as a addition to microneedling procedures, when platelet-rich plasma is topically applied over the treated skin. Through the controlled injuries caused by the perforations of the tiny needles, the plasma can easily enter the skin and jump-start the healing process. The technique has evolved to include different procedures and ways to distribute the platelet-rich plasma.

Depending on the patient’s aesthetic needs, between one to six vials of blood (10-60ml), will be drawn to produce enough PRP for the procedure. This is generally performed the same day as the procedure. This small blood donation will not negatively affect the patients’s body or the procedure, and any extra plasma can be used for additional same-day treatments.

Every treatment in aesthetic medicine carries some degree of risk, but any adverse outcomes are significantly minimized through the use of autologous (your own) platelets. The body will not reject applied or injected PRP because the body recognizes the biomaterial as its own, rather than a foreign substance. Though the plasma will not negatively impact the healing process, it is possible that infection and nerve and tissue damage may present issues. Such complications are unlikely as the procedure is performed in the controlled office setting.

Providers and staff at Riverchase Dermatology are careful to ensure patient comfort during their time in the office. Topically applied numbing medications like lidocaine will help prevent any painful sensations. Additionally, post-procedure icing and drugstore pain medication will help prevent swelling and discomfort.

When PRP is performed with certain procedures, like facial fillers, some results may be immediately visible. In other cases, like following laser skin resurfacing and skin rejuvenation, results will become apparent over time with gradual improvement. It can be several months until patients see the final results.

The typical number of PRP treatments needed is between three and six, depending on which procedure is performed. The plasma may be administered in different ways to suit the needs of the cosmetic procedure.

Dark circles and puffiness below the eyes can be improved by PRP injections. The plasma will help to increase collagen production, creating firmer skin that effectively conceals minor cosmetic defects.

As the ultrasound energy is delivered, you may feel warmness of the skin. Treatment is comfortable simply by applying a topical anesthetic cream just prior to the treatment. Following the treatment, there are no sensations and there is no need to apply special care on the skin. Daily care can be resumed immediately post treatment.

The collagen regeneration process can sometimes take up to 12 weeks, so patients are expected to see ongoing improvements in the 3-month period after their treatment.

In Sofwave’s clinical trials, patients saw results after one treatment.

Sofwave is non-invasive, and clinical trials have shown the technology to be effective and safe.

Immediately post treatment, the skin may appear slightly red with limited swelling for up to a few hours post treatment.

During the short in-office procedure, your Riverchase provider will insert the patented Silhouette InstaLift sutures to lift the deeper layers of the skin in your mid-face or cheek area. The treatment does not require general anesthesia, and takes approximately 45 minutes. You will see immediate lifting with volume over time, and recovery time is minimal.

The unique Silhouette InstaLift sutures are naturally absorbed by your body over time and stimulate the production of collagen to aid in healthy skin renewal for natural-looking, long-lasting results.

Silhouette InstaLift is the ideal minimally invasive solution for men and women who are interested in refreshing their appearance without major surgery, injections, or lasers. It offers an FDA-approved technology to lift sagging facial skin. Suitable candidates have good skin quality, with moderate sagging of the skin in the mid-face. Skin should not be too thick or heavy or too thin.

The device should not be used in patients with any known allergy or foreign body sensitivities to plastic biomaterial or in situations where the standard procedure is not recommended based on a patient’s specific health condition, such as infection. The device should also not be used in patients appearing to have very thin soft tissue of the face in which the implant may be palpable or in patients with excessively heavy skin.

Silhouette InstaLift sutures are made from glycolide / L-lactide (PLGA), a polymer that is frequently used in medical devices and is well tolerated by the body. The fully resorbable sutures have bidirectional cones. The sutures lift and add volume while the bidirectional cones hold the suture and cheek sub-dermis in an elevated position.

During the in-office procedure, a specially trained Riverchase provider will begin by marking the areas of desired lift on the patient. The provider will gently insert a needle to a depth of 5mm and guide it through the subcutaneous tissue of the mid-face and extract at each bidirectional exit point. The sutures have bi-directional absorbable cones that hold them in place. The treatment is generally well tolerated by patients and takes about 45 minutes.

No. Your provider will only use a local anesthetic to numb the area before inserting the sutures.

Silhouette InstaLift is an entirely different technology and procedure. Rather than just repositioning the skin, Silhouette InstaLift focuses on the underlying layers of the skin, because that’s what causes sagging. Another important advance is that the sutures are not permanent; they are absorbed by the body over time. As they are absorbed, they stimulate collagen renewal, which helps achieve a younger, natural look.

After placement, patients may experience a minimal acute inflammatory tissue reaction. Symptoms may include minor pain, swelling and bruising.