THE PRINCESS AND THE PRP

Regenerative expert, nurse Claudia McGloin answers all your burning questions

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 New You Clinic in Sligo. She is one of Ireland’s leading platelet-rich plasma experts and has performed thousands of PRP treatments. She has shared her expertise on the international stage and in various publications.

“CAN YOU USE A MESOGUN TO ADMINISTER PLATELET-RICH PLASMA (PRP)? IF SO, WHAT WOULD YOU USE?”

A mesogun can help to administer precise and efficient delivery of PRP into targeted areas of the skin or scalp, which can enhance the effectiveness of the treatment. Mesoguns are designed to allow for adjustable depth and speed of injection, which can improve patient comfort and ensure even product distribution. There are a few devices on the market; ensure that whichever one you choose is CE-marked. You also need to make sure that the device is compatible with PRP and that it is high quality. The company from which you purchase your device should be able to provide you with training and clinical papers on its product. Protocols are available for using a mesogun combined with PRP to treat the scalp, face, neck and decolletage. Depending on where you did your initial PRP training, these may have been given to you, or you can do further training. I can assist you with this if you wish.

“I USE A 30G NEEDLE TO ADMINISTER PRP; HOWEVER, AFTER 20 OR MORE INJECTIONS, IT CAN BE UNCOMFORTABLE FOR THE PATIENT, ESPECIALLY ON THE SCALP AND FACE.”

Patient comfort during any regenerative aesthetic treatment is paramount, to reduce pain, and to give a better treatment experience. Ensure that you inform your patient before treatment that there may be some discomfort so they can mentally prepare themselves.

• Use a topical anaesthetic – if you apply this for 30 minutes before the procedure, it can significantly reduce the pain sensation associated with injections

• Give the patient a stress ball to squeeze

• Talk to the patient during the treatment

• Have a TV or radio on

• Apply ice or a cold pack to the treatment area for 10–15 minutes before starting the injections

• Inject slowly to minimise tissue trauma and pain

• Use a cannula

• Use a smaller gauge needle (30G or 32G) to minimise discomfort

• Use a mesogun to deliver PRP in a rapid succession of small doses, for a more controlled injection and to reduce discomfort

• Use vibrating tools.

Remember, every patient is different, and they will all have a different pain threshold.

“ANOTHER PRP COURSE SAID THAT LIDOCAINE DAMAGES PLATELETS, SO I STOPPED USING IT. WHAT CAN I USE INSTEAD?”

Research has shown that lidocaine, particularly at higher concentrations, has the potential to affect platelet function. Studies suggest that, while low concentrations can be tolerated, higher concentrations may impair the aggregation and overall functionality of platelets, which are critical for the therapeutic effects of PRP. Several pain management options are available, such as using a topical anaesthetic rather than adding it to the PRP. I certainly don’t add anaesthetic and wouldn’t personally recommend you do it. You always want to ensure that the patient is getting the optimum results with a higher concentration of growth factors.

“SHOULD CLIENTS STOP SMOKING BEFORE TREATMENT?”

Smoking can significantly impact the effectiveness of PRP treatments in several ways. It can impair circulation by constricting blood vessels, which reduces blood flow and hinders the delivery of PRP to tissues, ultimately affecting the healing process. Additionally, smoking is associated with changes in platelet function, leading to increased platelet activation and aggregation, which may alter the natural healing properties that PRP aims to enhance. The toxic substances found in cigarette smoke can delay wound healing and tissue regeneration, resulting in longer recovery times and less favourable outcomes from PRP injections. Have a discussion with your patient about this. If quitting isn’t feasible, aim for them to stop smoking a few weeks before and after the procedure. If this is not possible, advise that they may not have an optimum result.

If you have questions regarding any aspect of regenerative medicine – PRP, PPP, PRF, polynucleotides, exosomes – or questions relating to treatments, please get in touch either by contacting Aesthetic Medicine magazine or emailing claudia@thenewyouclinic.ie.