If you visit the skin care isle of any drug store, you will see many topical creams claiming to restore collagen to the skin. While it is true that collagen can make your skin look years younger, you need it to build collagen from the inside out. There are several treatments that can stimulate collagen production inside the skin. Two of the most popular are platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and Sculptra injections. When combined, these two collagen-enhancing agents can provide incredible anti-aging benefits. This treatment is often referred to as Plasma Sculpt, which can have amazing anti-aging results on the skin.
Why Is Collagen Important?
Collagen is a protein that our bodies make, and it is abundant throughout the body, including in the skin. It is the scaffolding within the skin that supports hyaluronic acid and elastin, as well as other structural elements. When collagen is plentiful, the skin is firm and elastic, but collagen production naturally wanes as you get older. Plus, environmental and lifestyle factors can reduce collagen in your skin and body.
As you make less collagen and existing collagen deteriorates, the skin becomes thinner, drier and less firm. This can result in lines, wrinkles, sagging and other signs of aging. Increasing collagen can combat these issues, but it is not as simple as just smearing collagen on the skin or taking a collagen supplement. To restore skin collagen, you need your body to produce it, which is where Sculptra and PRP injections come in.
How Does Sculptra Work?
Sculptra is a biologic dermal filler which works differently than most filler injections. Instead of using hyaluronic acid or other fillers to plump under the skin, Sculptra contains poly-L-lactic acid which stimulates collagen production. Sculptra injections do not provide the immediate results of some other dermal fillers, but instead create a change in the skin structure over several weeks and months. New collagen is created to thicken skin and smooth away wrinkles, lasting for up to two years.
The poly-L-lactic acid or PLLA in Sculptra is a synthetic version of the lactic acid our bodies make naturally. When lactic acid is produced, the body responds by producing collagen to help with tissue repair. By injecting PLLA into the skin, the same reaction occurs. Sculptra injections trigger collagen to be produced, bolstering levels to create thicker, firmer skin that looks years younger.
PRP Injections for Youthful Skin
Unlike most cosmetic treatments for anti-aging, PRP is not a pharmaceutical product. Instead, it is derived from your own blood. A small sample of your blood is needed to create PRP. The blood is filtered through a centrifuge, creating the platelet-rich plasma that is injected into the skin. PRP contains growth factors that stimulate healing and collagen in the skin, helping restore a more youthful appearance.
One of the great advantages of PRP injections is that they are completely natural. Most cosmetic injectables have the risk of a reaction, even if the risk is very low. With PRP injections, the substance is from your own body, eliminating the risk of negative side effects. This treatment is simply concentrating elements that are already in your blood and delivering them to the desired areas to repair and enhance the skin.
Advantages of Combing Sculptra and PRP
Both PRP and Sculptra injections take time to produce anti-aging results, but it is worth the wait. These two agents work synergistically to improve collagen levels deep within the skin. Over the following months, the skin increases in volume and improves in elasticity. Deep lines soften and wrinkles fade. Since the results occur slowly and naturally, it never appears that you had “work” done. Both PRP and Sculptra are safe and effective, offering amazing results for the face, neck, chest and other areas where you want to enjoy more youthful-appearing skin.
What to Expect During Your Treatment
If you want to experience the anti-aging effects of using Sculptra and PRP injections in tandem, we offer this treatment at Arcadia Wellness Center in Phoenix, AZ. The first step is creating platelet-rich plasma, which requires a small sample of blood to be taken. Our technician will draw the blood and filter it through the centrifuge, creating the PRP. The PRP is added to the Sculptra injection containing the PLLA. The skin is numbed before the procedure to reduce any discomfort, then the Plasma Sculpt injections are delivered into the skin.
For the best results, most patients should receive 2-3 Plasma Sculpt treatments spaced about 4-6 weeks apart. With each treatment, more collagen is created, and the skin becomes firmer and more youthful. This treatment can be used on the face, neck or chest, but also on other areas of the body. The results look natural because they are natural – it is your own collagen that makes the skin appear and feel younger. The results can last up to two years or longer, but booster treatments once a year are recommended to maintain the desired appearance.
Plasma Sculpt Treatments in Phoenix
If you want a natural-looking option for more youthful skin, try our Plasma Sculpt Face, Neck or Chest treatments at Arcadia Wellness Center. This combination treatment can help make your skin look years younger with stunningly natural results. Contact our clinic in Phoenix to schedule your anti-aging consultation with Sarah or Holly. Our team can book your first Plasma Sculpt treatment and begin your journey to more youthful and firmer skin!