What is platelet-rich plasma?
PRP is a platelet concentrate obtained from the patient's blood.
Blood is first taken, then centrifuged to separate its different components. The platelet-rich fraction is then collected for injection.
PRP is therefore an autologous product because it comes directly from the patient. It contains no filler intended to create volume.
Why are they called growth factor injections?
Platelets contain proteins called growth factors, which they release when activated.
These molecules include PDGF, TGF-β and VEGF. They are involved in various mechanisms of tissue repair, cell communication and extracellular matrix remodelling.
The principle of PRP is therefore not to inject collagen directly into the skin. It involves supplying platelets that release their growth factors locally.
How does PRP act on facial skin?
PRP aims to stimulate the skin's natural repair and remodelling mechanisms.
The growth factors released by platelets act, in particular, on fibroblasts, cells involved in producing collagen and other extracellular matrix components.
The aim is therefore to improve certain skin characteristics gradually, particularly texture and overall appearance. Results are not immediate: they depend on the tissues' biological response.
What results can you expect from facial PRP?
PRP can improve skin quality and texture, but results vary between patients and the protocols used.
Available studies have notably assessed its action on texture, elasticity, fine lines and overall skin appearance. Results are encouraging, but preparation methods and protocols differ considerably between studies.
PRP should therefore not be presented as a treatment that can, on its own, rejuvenate the entire face or erase every wrinkle.
Can PRP treat wrinkles?
PRP can improve certain fine lines associated with skin quality, but does not treat every wrinkle.
Expression lines on the forehead, glabella or crow's feet are mainly caused by muscle contractions and are more appropriately addressed with botulinum toxin.
Folds associated with volume loss have a different mechanism and may require hyaluronic acid injections. PRP does not provide the volume needed to correct a hollow cheek, a tear trough or significant loss of facial volume.
Can PRP firm a sagging face?
No. PRP can improve skin quality and firmness, but does not correct sagging facial tissues.
Its action mainly concerns the skin: it can help improve texture, elasticity and overall quality. However, this effect should not be confused with a lifting effect.
When sagging causes jowls or loss of jawline definition, PRP cannot lift tissues or restore volumes that have shifted over time.
PRP is therefore useful for improving the skin, but not for correcting a sagging face.
Which facial areas can be treated with PRP?
PRP can be injected into several facial areas, particularly the cheeks, eye area and, more broadly, areas where improved skin quality is desired.
The choice of areas depends on skin thickness, its condition and the treatment objective. The injection technique is adapted to each area.
PRP can therefore be used on different parts of the face, but not every area is treated in the same way.
PRP also has other medical indications, particularly on the scalp, but the treatment objective is then different.
How long does it take to see PRP results?
PRP results appear gradually and cannot be assessed immediately after injections.
The first changes in skin quality may appear over the following weeks. Tissue remodelling mechanisms then continue gradually. The final result is visible 3 months after the session.
The appearance immediately after the session therefore does not reflect the final result, particularly because of injection-related redness and mild swelling.
PRP, Skinboosters or mesotherapy: what are the differences?
PRP, Skinboosters and mesotherapy can improve skin quality, but differ in composition and mode of action.
PRP is prepared from the patient's blood. It contains platelets that release growth factors. Skinboosters consist of lightly cross-linked hyaluronic acid and act mainly on skin hydration and quality. Mesotherapy involves superficial injections of small amounts of products that vary according to the protocol used.
The choice between PRP, Skinboosters and mesotherapy therefore depends on the problem being treated and the desired result.
Do PRP and hyaluronic acid have the same role?
No. PRP and hyaluronic acid do not act in the same way and serve different indications in aesthetic medicine.
Hyaluronic acid can be used to fill certain hollows, restore lost volume, redefine facial contours or perform certain non-surgical lifting techniques.
PRP has no volumising action. It is mainly used to improve skin quality and stimulate natural tissue repair and regeneration mechanisms.
The choice between PRP and hyaluronic acid therefore depends on the intended objective: improving skin quality or addressing facial volume and contours.
Is PRP really effective for skin rejuvenation?
Studies show encouraging results, but scientific evidence remains insufficient to state that PRP produces significant, reproducible facial rejuvenation in every patient.
One of the main difficulties is the lack of protocol standardisation. Platelet concentration, centrifugation method, PRP composition, number of sessions and injection techniques vary between studies.
Published results should therefore be interpreted cautiously. PRP can improve certain skin quality parameters, but is not a universal treatment for facial ageing.
How can you tell whether PRP is suitable for your face?
PRP is mainly considered when the aim is to improve skin quality without adding volume.
The consultation determines whether the problem mainly concerns the skin or is associated with volume loss, muscle contractions, pigmentation spots or tissue sagging.
In Geneva, this assessment determines whether facial PRP is an appropriate indication or another treatment better addresses the observed problem. Treatment is chosen according to the sign to be corrected, rather than a treatment someone is determined to have.
Article written by Dr Valeria Romano
Dr Valeria Romano supports each patient through a comprehensive approach to facial, body and intimate aesthetics, as well as skin and hair quality. Every treatment is based on a personalised medical assessment.
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