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PRP Facelift in Palo Alto, San Jose and the Bay Area

This powerhouse combination of platelet-rich plasma and dermal filler achieves beautiful and natural-looking results with almost zero downtime.

What is a PRP facelift?

A PRP facelift (also referred to as a Vampire Facelift®) pairs growth factors from your very own blood with a dermal filler to rejuvenate the face and correct signs of aging and issues such as fine lines and wrinkles, loose skin, uneven tone and texture, hyperpigmentation, and acne scarring. The result is a brighter, more radiant, more youthful appearance. The PRP facelift can also be combined with microneedling for even more enhanced results. 

Most commonly treated concerns

  • Hollow-looking tear troughs
  • Dark circles around the eyes
  • Acne scars
  • Sagging cheeks
  • Lines and wrinkles
  • Lip lines
  • Deflated skin
  • Sun damage
  • Lower eyelid lines
  • Uneven skin tone and texture
Hessler Plastic Surgery

How does the PRP facelift work?

The effectiveness of the PRP facelift lies within the combination of growth factors and dermal filler. First, the filler is injected into the face. This adds volume and establishes a “scaffolding” for the growth factors.

After the dermal filler, growth factors from your own blood are added to elevate the volume and tone of your face, providing a youthful height and curves to the cheeks.

Essentially, the dermal filler will deliver the volume, and the growth factors build collagen over time to support that new volume.

What exactly is PRP?

PRP is platelet-rich plasma. This is a substance that exists in every human. Our blood is mostly made up of liquid plasma, which contains red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Platelets are our body’s natural rescue team because they contain dozens of growth factors (healing proteins) which are responsible for clotting blood and creating scabs when we get injured and bleed. When these growth factors are applied to the body in different ways, they can help with a variety of issues, from joint pain to hair loss to skin conditions. 

PRP facelift treatment details

A PRP facelift takes about one hour. When you arrive for your appointment, a topical numbing cream will be applied to your face. This will help minimize any discomfort from the injections. A small amount of blood will be drawn from your vein, and the blood will be placed within a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells and other impurities from the platelet-rich plasma. The PRP will be safely stored for a few moments until it is needed. 

Next, dermal filler will be used to create the appearance that you and Dr. Hessler will have decided upon during your consultation. The dermal filler is administered via a series of injections directly into targeted areas of the face.

Once the dermal filler has been administered, the prepared platelet-rich plasma will be put into a syringe and injected where the dermal filler was placed. This stimulates new tissue and collagen growth which will continue to develop over the course of a few months. 

Combining a PRP facelift with a PRP facial

At Hessler Plastic Surgery, we often combine the PRP facelift with a PRP facial to achieve optimal results. The PRP facial (also known as a Vampire Facial®) further enhances the skin because when used in combination with the PRP facelift, a dual level of effect occurs: 

  • The platelet-rich plasma infuses into the skin, delivering a radiant glow.
  • Collagen production is significantly multiplied, leaving the skin tighter, thicker, and brighter.
Hessler Plastic Surgery

PRP facial treatment details

A PRP facial involves microneedling. This process combined with platelet-rich plasma allows the growth factors to be absorbed more effectively, reaching a deeper layer of the skin where cell growth occurs. During treatment, the purified platelet-rich plasma is added drop by drop onto the skin as the microneedling device passes over the skin, creating tiny micro-channels. 

Downtime and recovery

There is very little downtime with a PRP facelift, even if you choose to include microneedling. Most patients are able to return to their regular routines immediately without any problem. Immediately following treatment, you may experience mild redness, slight swelling, and a tight feeling to the skin. These side effects can last up to two days, and may be followed by some slight peeling. As always with any injection, there is a risk of bruising. A note on bruising: There are things that may be done to minimize this risk.

First, if not medically necessary, discontinue the use of any blood thinning products such as but not limited to aspirin, ibuprofen, Aleve®, fish oil, and omega 3 vitamins for 1 to 2 weeks prior to your treatment. Another method to decrease the chance of bruising is the use of a cannula with a blunt end instead of a needle to perform the injections.

A cannula is not only great for minimizing the risk of bruising, but also provides additional safety — particularly when injecting near or around the eyes. Dr. Hessler has been a leader in the field of injection safety for dermal fillers, and has lectured on and demonstrated her injection techniques, including her use of cannulas.

Results 

Immediately after your treatment, you will see plumping results from the dermal filler. The effects from the PRP will take a little longer, about 2 to 3 weeks. Results may last up to two years. 

Schedule your consultation for a PRP facelift in Palo Alto, San Jose, or the Bay Area

If you’re interested in a PRP facelift in Palo Alto, San Jose, or the Bay Area, Hessler Plastic Surgery is the perfect place for you. We invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Jill Hessler to learn more. As a recognized leader in her field, Dr. Hessler is an innovative surgeon who continuously researches the most advanced treatments, always keeping her finger on the pulse for the most cutting-edge and effective techniques.

She is an award-winning, double board-certified plastic surgeon who has established Hessler Plastic Surgery as a place where patients can restore their confidence. Dr. Hessler also currently holds a position as Chair of the Women on the Facial Plastic Surgery committee at the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery. To learn more about the PRP facelift or microneedling, or to schedule a consultation, please contact us.

FAQ

How is a PRP facelift different than a surgical facelift?

A PRP facelift is a completely different procedure from a surgical facelift. A PRP facelift is used to provide subtle volume to the face and improve the texture of the skin. It does not address loose skin of the neck or significant skin excess. If you want to remove extra skin from under your neck or around your jowls, a surgical facelift is a better option for you.

How is a PRP facelift different than Botox®?

Botox is a neuromodulator that works by paralyzing the muscles that create and show wrinkles. While Botox improves the appearance of lines and wrinkles, it doesn’t add any volume or lift to the face — which is what the PRP facelift does.

How much does a PRP facelift cost?

A typical PRP facelift costs between $1,500 and $2,000 per injection. This cost includes pre-operative prep, surgeon’s fees, and hospital fees. We invite you to schedule a consultation with Dr. Hessler to get a personalized price estimate.

Who should NOT get a PRP facelift?

Individuals who have excessively loose skin of the face and neck or advanced signs of aging are not a good candidate for a PRP facelift. A traditional facelift would better meet these aesthetic concerns.

Where are your PRP facelifts performed?

We perform PRP facelifts at our Palo Alto, CA office for residents of the area, San Jose, and the Bay Area.

Are there any incisions involved in a PRP facelift?

No. A PRP facelift is completely non-surgical. It is minimally invasive, using a series of injections directly into to the face.

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