Illustrated Guide to Collagen Induction with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

In recent years, treatment with platelet-rich plasma, already firmly established in the treatment portfolio of orthopedic medicine, has also gained increasing popularity in aesthetic dermatology – initially under the dramatic term “vampire lift”. It involves the targeted work-up of blood components, namely the platelet-rich fraction (PRP) of the patient’s own blood plasma, which is then reapplied. Sensational before-and-after images of treatment triumphs, initially in Hollywood celebrities, stimulated expectations and interest in this method throughout the world.

There are now numerous studies which substantiate the effect of PRP in aesthetic medicine. The method is technically relatively simple, but is complex in itself. This suggested the idea of publishing a practice-based text which comprehensively describes and documents the use and effects of PRP in aesthetic dermatology.

All the relevant aspects of PRP application are described in this Illustrated Guide. In addition to basic principles, possibilities and limits, it also provides a practical presentation of current systems for PRP harvesting. The focus is on the systematic treatment of the face, décolletage and hands. Striking photographic case histories extending over the course of several months demonstrate both the potential and the limitations of this method. In addition, this book contains a comprehensive sample patient information sheet, together with billing and documentation aids.

The aim of this book’s authors is to equip potential practitioners with all the necessary information, putting them in the position of being able to perform PRP treatments in aesthetic medicine.

Contents

1 Skin repair and skin regeneration as a therapeutic principle
1.1 Wound healing and cicatrization
1.1.1 Physiology of wound healing
1.1.2 Pathophysiology of wound healing
1.2 Fractional microtraumatization – the scarless gateway to the skin
1.2.1 Drug delivery via fractional microtraumatization
1.2.2 Laser- and microplasma-assisted PRP therapy
1.2.3 Needling-assisted drug delivery

2 PRP in aesthetic medicine
2.1 Introduction
2.2 Mechanism of action
2.3 Clinical effect
2.4 Contraindications
2.5 Side effects
2.6 Treatment failures
2.7 Off-label use and legal implications
2.8 The use of PRP in hair loss

3 PRP preparation systems
3.1 Requirements for the best possible system
3.2 Comparison of the various systems
3.3 Conclusions
3.3.1 Platelet concentration
3.3.2 Separating off leukocytes and erythrocytes
3.3.3 PRP yield
3.3.4 Preparation time
3.3.5 Closed versus open systems
3.3.6 With/without separation gel
3.3.7 User-friendliness/overall procedure time

4 Application methods
4.1 Microneedling
4.2 Devices
4.2.1 Rolling
4.2.2 Pens
4.2.3 Injector
4.3 Puncture depth
4.4 Combined treatment options
4.4.1 Combination of PRP with hyaluronic acid
4.4.2 PRP and lipofilling

5 Patient management
5.1 Consultation
5.2 Examination
5.2.1 History
5.2.2 General dermatological examination
5.3 Objective evaluation

6 Documentation and organization
6.1 Photo documentation
6.1.1 Background
6.1.2 Lighting
6.1.3 Camera
6.1.4 Taking photographs
6.1.5 Photo documentation checklists
6.2 Archiving
6.2.1 Record sorting
6.2.2 Archiving using practice software
6.3 Practice organization
6.3.1 Appointment planning and information material
6.3.2 Information events
6.3.3 Waiting room TV
6.4 The information session and informed consent

7 Treatment
7.1 The treatment setting
7.2 Positioning the patient
7.3 Ergonomics
7.4 Practical procedure for the combined needling/PRP treatment
7.4.1 Preparing the patient
7.4.2 PRP harvesting
7.4.3 Materials required
7.4.4 Treatment
7.5 Aftercare
7.5.1 Immediately after the treatment
7.5.2 Managing adverse treatment effects

8 Regional applications
8.1 Forehead
8.2 Periorbital region
8.3 Lower lid region
8.4 Perioral region
8.5 Nasolabial region
8.6 Chin region
8.7 Cheek/side of the face
8.8 Nasal region
8.9 Neck region/décolletage
8.10 Hands

9 Case histories
Patient 1
Patient 2
Patient 3
Patient 4
Patient 5
Patient 6
Patient 7
Patient 8
Patient 9
Patient 10

10 Aids for the practitioner
Documentation forms

Patient information sheet for PRP treatment
Patient’s disclosure form
Patient’s informed consent form

11 Appendix
References
Manufacturer directory
Index