THE PRINCESS AND THE PRP

Regenerative expert, nurse Claudia McGloin answers all your burning questions

“IS IT OK TO DERMAPLANE THE SKIN BEFORE DOING A PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP) TREATMENT OR IS THERE A TIMEFRAME TO WAIT?”

Yes, it’s perfectly acceptable to perform a dermaplaning treatment prior to applying PRP. This combination of treatments can enhance the benefits of both procedures. Dermaplaning will gently exfoliate the outer layer of dead skin cells and fine vellus hairs and can improve the skin’s texture and create a smoother surface.

After dermaplaning, the skin will often be more receptive to treatments like PRP, as the removal of the upper layer of dead skin allows for better absorption of the growth factors and healing properties present in PRP. You can apply PRP directly to the skin after dermaplaning either through needling or a topical application.

Ensure you do a thorough consult before treatment to determine if this combination is appropriate for the individual’s skin type and condition. Also, ensure that both of these procedures are carried out safely and effectively.

“IS PRP WITH MICRONEEDLING SAFER THAN INJECTING THE PRP?”

Both microneedling with PRP and injecting PRP have their own benefits to the skin but they serve slightly different purposes and can yield different results. As with any treatment, there are risks and complications and a thorough consultation should be carried out prior to any treatment to discuss these and any potential downtime the patient may experience.

Both techniques are widely regarded as safe. The choice between them may depend on the individual’s skin concerns, treatment goals, and personal preference. Both methods can be conducted in the one treatment. Ultimately, the safety and efficacy of either approach largely depend on the practitioner’s experience and the specific techniques and products used.

“MY CLIENT DOESN’T WANT FILLER UNDER HER EYES, CAN I DO PRP UNDER EYE INSTEAD?”

Yes, PRP can be an effective alternative to dermal fillers for under-eye rejuvenation. Many people do prefer PRP for its natural origin and ability to improve skin texture and stimulate collagen production without the use of synthetic materials.

It is crucial to use the correct technique when applying PRP under the eyes. Some practitioners prefer to use microneedling, while others inject the PRP directly. Discuss what results can realistically be achieved with PRP compared to fillers, as the outcomes may differ from person to person.

Conduct a thorough consultation to ensure that your client understands the procedure and aftercare, and assess if they are a good candidate for PRP under the eyes.

“WHEN DOING PRP, WHAT NEEDLES DO YOU USE FOR INJECTING THE PLASMA UNDER THE EYES AND ON THE FACE?”

When injecting PRP under the eyes and on the face, the choice of needles is crucial for ensuring precision, minimising discomfort, and achieving the best aesthetic results. The standard needle gauge is 30 to 32. You also need to take into account the needle length. Another thing to consider is whether you will use a cannula.

“I HAVE JUST DONE TRAINING FOR FACIAL PRP. CAN I NOW DO TREATMENTS FOR HAIR LOSS?”

If you’ve completed training for facial PRP treatments, you may feel confident in your injection skills for the face. However, performing PRP for hair loss does have specific considerations.

I would advise having additional training for this as you will need your training certificate for your insurance company, plus the protocols are different and you want to offer the best treatment for your patients.

While the injection technique may be similar, hair restoration involves different anatomy and treatment protocols. If your training did not specifically include hair loss treatments, it’s highly recommended to seek additional training focused on PRP for hair restoration.

You need to have an understanding for the procedure and the patient assessment. Also, if this is out of your remit then you need to reconsider and if you are a medical professional, you need to be CQC registered. I will address this in an upcoming column.

If you have any questions regarding any aspect of regenerative medicine -PRP, PPP, PRF, polynucleotides, exosomes - or relating to treatments, please get in touch by emailing claudia@thenewyouclinic.ie and I will answer them in a future column.

CLAUDIA MCGLOIN

Claudia McGloin is a registered nurse and holds dual registration in both the UK and Ireland. With over 26 years’ nursing experience, McGloin is the clinical director and nurse practitioner at The NewYou Clinic in Sligo. She is one of Ireland’s leading plateletrich plasma experts and has performed thousands of PRP treatments. She has shared her expertise on the international stage and in various publications.