By Amina Abdul Salam Women and some men are keen to rejuvenate the skin and keep it fresh, especially after many techniques have appeared to accomplish this. Women are also always eager to know everything new in the world of beauty. For example, there is a technique known as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) which is used to improve the appearance of thin lines on the face, scars, sun damage and even dark circles under the eyes. According to Dr Hani Nabil, Egyptian Consultant in Plastic Surgery, PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma, red blood cells and white blood cells and it contains growth factors that lead to collagen activation and secretion in the skin. This leads to skin freshness. PRP, Dr Nabil said, is a natural substance coming from the patient's body. It is not similar to Botox or fillers used as a treatment for wrinkles that appear in the face. These plasma-rich platelets are used to inject the face. The plasma contains proteins, vitamins and various minerals and stimulates the skin to produce collagen, help the skin to restore its freshness and fill the cavities caused by wrinkles. Dr Nabil said that there is also what is known as plasma gel. This is a thick gel used as an alternative to fillers. It lasts less time than the fillers. Concerning the use of plasma, Dr Nabil pointed out that injecting plasma in the face requires a complete blood count test to be sure the count of platelets is correct. Then there is a withdrawal of a blood sample from the patient. This is then put into a special tube to go into the centrifugal apparatus which separates the blood components from each other and withdraws plasma to be injected in the face. Plasma injections are used in the face, lips, under the eye and neck. In addition, plasma is also used as a treatment for hair loss and in orthopaedics as a treatment for problems of osteoarthritis. Dr Nabil said that plasma is fit for all cases except those who are afflicted with haematologic disease. And the cost of the plasma injection procedure is less than that of the other techniques. The patient is usually in need of a number of sessions ranging between three and six and its outcome appears after the third session. The side effects of using plasma injections for the skin are represented in redness of the face for only one day and in some cases, a simple bruising due to the injection.
