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A natural alternative to Botox for your best skin ever? YES PLEASE.

A new treatment has been doing the round of the web, and I wanted to know more about it. Touted as 'natural botox', this treatment uses your own plasma to plump the skin. I chatted with Expert Skin Specialist Yvette Heyes (renowned founder of Pellis Medispa, Sydney) to give us the low-down.

What is PRP?

PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma.

These injections are offered by many clinics as the standard treatment using client’s blood. The next generation of skin treatments is called Plasma Rich Growth Factor (PRFG). The difference is in the centrifuge (spinning of the blood).  This process separates the leucocytes from the plasma, and a special kind of calcium is then used to break down the plasma membrane to release growth factors.  

From this, a serum is made to use for injections/derma-penning or the serum is heated to a thicker consistency to use as an injectable filler.  

How does PRFG work? 

PRFG works to thicken the dermal layer of the skin, increase skin integrity, and increase collagen + elastin production. As we age, the skin naturally becomes thinner. Within 4-months of a PRFG treatment, the dermal layer is 40% thicker on average. 

By utilising PRFG serum, we can regenerate thicker skin to provide a youthful, plumping effect.  PRFG filler has the same effect but adds additional volume. The filler can be used in areas such as lips, tear troughs, nasal labial lines, forehead, neck, back of hands, cheeks, chin, and jawline to contour and add volume to specific areas.

Can it replace traditional botox injections?

Botox is a neurotoxin that works by paralysing the muscle, reducing movement. If you're looking for full movement whilst reducing wrinkles, PRFG may be the right choice for you. Many Botox devotees are now switching to PRFG in clinic because there is no risk of facial paralysis or nerve damage.

Is PRFG safe? Are there any side effects?

PRFG is very safe you can not react to your own plasma.  It is a completely Kosher autologous.

Side effects are minimal. If using a dermapen with PRFG serum, the skin can be pink for up to 24 hrs. If injected, slight swelling for a few hours post treatment may occur.

Does it work for everyone?

The health of the individual is vital.  Healthy plasma equates to a much better result.  Clients should be briefed on what is required for good blood flow and optimal plasma when they have a consultation. Smokers will see a limited effect. 

Pellis Medispa, Clovelly.

Is it used for reducing the appearance of wrinkles?

Yes, it is used for full skin retexturizing. It has been shown to:

  • reduce pigmentation
  • minimise inflammation and redness
  • minimise pores
  • regulate oil flow
  • minimise scar tissue
  • have a skin brightening effect
  • reduce the apearance of wrinkles and fine lines

Maintenance in between treatments can be added for extra benefits, such as facials, LED lights, skin supplements, and a consistent home routine to keep the skin healthy and hydrated.

How long do the results last?

Every treatment you are regenerating your skin on a deeper layer, so the oxidative process is at a minimal pace. The results are everlasting if you are consistent with your skincare and treatments and healthy lifestyle!

What does PRFG cost?

PRFG serum is $250 per ml we get 3ml per tube of blood.
In my clinic use 3 mls per patient, so a total of $750.

PRFG filler is $1600 for 6mls.
That volume would cover a full face, neck and the back of the hands.

Want to try it for yourself? Yvette's clinic is one of only 3 clinics in Sydney to offer this exclusive treatment. Hit up her website to find out more: https://pellismedispa.com.au.

Sally O'Neil - Editor in Chief

Sal is on a mission to prove that healthy and nutritious doesn’t have to be boring – and that even while staying in shape you can have your cake and eat it too. After losing 14kg from adopting a healthier lifestyle, she shares her journey with others on The Fit Foodie Blog. She also works as a commercial food photographer and stylist, is studying a Bachelor of Health Science in Nutrition and Dietetics, and is the author of two cookbooks: Love Move Eat (Bauer Media, 2017) and Meal Prep Plan (Murdoch, 2019).

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