Platelet-Rich Plasma
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is one of the major breakthroughs of regenerative medicine in modern aesthetic dermatology. Rather than relying on synthetic ingredients applied from outside, PRP uses the patient's own biological material to switch on the body's self-healing mechanisms, strongly stimulate cell growth and rejuvenate the skin's structure from within.
Platelets do more than help blood clot; they are also a rich reservoir of dozens of growth factors, including PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor), TGF-β (transforming growth factor beta), VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor) and EGF (epidermal growth factor). When these are concentrated and delivered into the right layer of damaged tissue, they send powerful signals that make fibroblasts multiply, increase collagen and elastin production, form new blood vessels and repair chronic damage.
At Haute-Derma, PRP follows a standardized closed process, from blood draw and separation in dedicated sterile centrifuge kits to precise micro-injection technique, ensuring maximum purity and excellent clinical results for our patients.
How PRP Works: The Biological Mechanism
PRP's regenerative effects come from a series of physiological actions at the cellular level:
- Growth factor release: When platelets are activated in the target tissue, their alpha granules release a flood of biological signals. These bind to receptors on the surface of target cells and set off intracellular signaling cascades that stimulate production of extracellular proteins.
- New blood vessel formation (angiogenesis): Thanks to VEGF and FGF, PRP promotes new microvessels that nourish damaged skin, improving microcirculation and tissue oxygenation for a healthier, more youthful glow.
- Extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling: Fibroblasts are stimulated to produce large amounts of type I and type III collagen and the skin's own hyaluronic acid, softening wrinkles, improving elasticity and filling in long-standing atrophic and pitted scars.
Types of PRP Systems and Their Clinical Uses
| PRP system | Technical features and platelet concentration | Biological action |
|---|---|---|
| Pure PRP / P-PRP (leukocyte-poor platelet-rich plasma) | Platelets concentrated 4–6 times above baseline blood levels, with red blood cells and granulocytes completely removed. | Cleanly stimulates fibroblasts and collagen production without secondary inflammation. |
| Leukocyte-rich PRP / L-PRP | Concentrated platelets with a controlled amount of mononuclear white cells (monocytes). | Enhances anti-inflammatory and anti-infective activity, stimulates phagocytosis and clears damaged cells. |
| Multi-layer biologic combinations (PRP + hyaluronic acid / exosomes) | Synergy between the patient's own growth factors and extracellular biological molecules. | Dual action: deep hydration plus rebuilding of the extracellular matrix scaffold. |
Centrifugation and Preparation at Haute-Derma
To produce PRP that meets international medical standards, Haute-Derma follows a strict centrifugation protocol:
- Safe autologous blood draw: A small amount of venous blood (usually 15–20 mL) is drawn into sterile, medical-grade vacuum tubes containing anticoagulant.
- First spin (primary spin): The tubes are spun in a dedicated centrifuge at precisely programmed speed and time to separate three distinct layers: red blood cells at the bottom, platelet-poor plasma (PPP) at the top, and the platelet-containing "buffy coat" in between.
- Harvesting the PRP: A sterile pipette collects exactly the platelet-rich plasma and buffy coat layers, leaving all red blood cells behind to avoid pigment irritation or painful inflammation after injection.
- Activation and delivery into the skin: Platelets are activated with physiological agents (such as calcium gluconate solution, if needed) and then delivered into the skin by micro-injection (mesotherapy) or combined with microneedling or radiofrequency microneedling (microneedling RF).
Evidence-Based Combination Protocols at Haute-Derma
At Haute-Derma, PRP is often built into specialized treatment protocols to amplify results:
- "Multi-layer acne scar and resurfacing" protocol (fractional laser + PRP): Fractional CO2 laser creates tiny thermal micro-injuries that break up the fibrous bands anchoring the scars. PRP is then applied and injected directly into the treated area so the growth factors penetrate deeply, speeding up healing and filling in pitted scars as fully as possible.
- "Full rejuvenation and repair of damaged skin" protocol (PRP mesotherapy + LED light therapy): Micro-injections spread evenly over the whole face, combined with LED light therapy, stimulate the skin's own collagen production, fade patchy melasma and restore thin, weak or sensitized skin after harsh treatments.
