PRP Treatments | Dr. Mahony | Westport | Fairfield CT

131 Kings Highway North
Westport, Connecticut, 06880

Mon, Wed, Fri: 9AM – 5PM
Tues, Thurs: 9AM – 6PM

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

The History and Science of PRP

Westport | Fairfield CT

It was only about 40 years ago that blood platelets — an irregular, disc-shaped element in the blood — were considered as singularly involved in the clotting process, the mechanism by which bleeding ends. When research into heart disease and hardening of the arteries accelerated in the mid-1970’s, platelets were further examined and found to have unique properties that affected tissue growth.

About 20 years later, the field of “Regenerative Medicine” was born with a focus on methods to regenerate and/or engineer tissue in a laboratory setting to meet the needs of complex wound healing and organ replacement. Due to the unique properties of platelets and the discovery of their numerous growth factors, the interest in platelets grew. Continued research and testing showed that in addition to their clotting function, platelets have a profound effect on wound healing due largely to components inside them called granules, and the Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) procedure was effectively born.

How PRP Stimulates Healing and Cell Growth

The PRP procedure is simple from a medical perspective: a patient’s blood is drawn and processed in a centrifuge which separates the platelets from the rest of the blood. This centrifuged platelet-rich plasma is then applied in various clinical scenarios to stimulate tissue growth.

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Unlike tissue engineering, platelets hold more immediate potential including augmentation and optimization of existing tissue; affordability and are minimally invasive. In addition, because it uses the patient’s own blood, it is customized to the patient’s personal DNA and will prompt no allergic reactions. Since the 1990s, the most popular PRP application has been in orthopedics where it has been used for tendon injuries, cartilage healing and as a supportive measure in bone healing. More recently, the clinical success seen in the orthopedic area has stimulated enthusiasm in the plastic surgery industry where there has always been a keen interest in promoting cell renewal and tissue growth, particularly in the face.

Ten growth factors found in platelets

  • Platelet-derived growth factorchemotactic for fibroblasts, macroph debride tissue, promotes HA, fibronectin, collagen
  • Transforming growth factor beta synthesis, preservation ECM
  • Fibroblast growth factor angiogenesis, fibroblasts, repair and growth
  • Insulin-like growth factor 1 cell growth and multiplication
  • Insulin-like growth factor 2
  • Vascular endothelial growth factor vessel permeability, ECM, chemotactic
  • Epidermal growth factor mitosis endothelial cells
  • Interleukin 8 inflammation and wound healing
  • Keratinocyte growth factor stimulate thickening of barrier layer to skin
  • Connective tissue growth factor contributes to the maintenance of normal cell and connective tissue function. It is also important for tissue repair
  • Plasma is the straw colored liquid that is a part of our blood
  • Platelets are a cell type within blood that is critical to wound healing and clot formation (stopping bleeding
  • Biologic product is a product extracted or synthesized from biologic sources

PRP Therapy for Facial Anti-Aging

The facial aging process has been studied for years, and there is agreement on all fronts that the changes in skin quality, thickness and texture represent the biggest challenge to the profession. Although we can lift and remove skin or heat it and cool it, we have yet to find a way to affect its inherent quality. The discovery of PRP has provided new pathways and early answers to this biggest obstacle.

The Connection Between Healing and Skin Regeneration

There are several similarities between the processes involved in wound healing and those necessary for regeneration of skin. When the skin is wounded, growth factors accumulate at the site of injury and interact synergistically to initiate and coordinate healing. The growth factors decrease tissue inflammation, stimulate collagen development, grow new blood vessels and elastin fibers, lay down the matrix that holds and thickens cells together, and stimulate hyaluronic acid production. These cellular processes have shown in clinical trials to be beneficial to enhancing and improving aging skin.

Our PRP Treatments

Dr. Mahony has been impressed with the results she has seen with the PRP procedure and now offers a PRP facial series that, combined with supportive topical products like Altar® and our exclusive FACTORFIVE serum, will help to diminish fine lines and stimulate the rejuvenation of your skin from the inside to add to overall skin integrity, thickness, hydration and tightness.

In addition, we offer PRP for many other exciting new areas. PRP stimulates hair regrowth in male and female pattern baldness. The “O” shot helps increase blood flow to the vaginal area to improve sex drive, increase orgasms, reduce stress incontinance and combat painful intercourse.

PRP is also used for these regenerative medicine procedures: Vampire Breast Lift, P Shot, Vampire Facelift and the Vampire Wing Lift.

Ready to Find Out More About Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?

Schedule a consultation with Dr. Mahony today!

DR. MAHONY'S ACTUAL PATIENTS

BEFORE & AFTER

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131 Kings Highway North, Westport, Connecticut, 06880

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*Individual Results May Vary
Copyright 2019 Ellen A. Mahony, MD, Inc. All Rights Reserved.

Board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Ellen Mahony specializes in breast augmentation, breast lift, breast reduction, tummy tuck, liposuction, face lift and eyelid surgery. Her office is located in Westport and serves Fairfield, Bridgeport, Norwalk, New Canaan, Ridgefield, Shelton, Darien, Redding and Monroe.

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