There are lots of terms in the annals of aesthetic medicine, some more confusing than others. When you hear about something new and exciting, it can be a bit daunting to do the research.
So if you’ve ever wondered about the term “regenerative medicine,” this blog post is for you! It’ll cover everything you need to know about this emerging trend in medical aesthetics and its two options: platelet rich plasma (PRP) and exosomes.
What is Regenerative Medicine, Exactly?
Regenerative medicine deals with the process of replacing, engineering or regenerating human cells or tissues to restore or establish normal function.. This includes treatments that help the body repair itself by replacing or “regenerating” cells, tissue, collagen and elastin — all of the substances that tend to break down or decrease as we age.
There are two different types of treatments in medical aesthetics that fall under the umbrella of regenerative medicine. Those are:
- Platelet Rich Plasma – “PRP”, which refers to the plasma that’s derived from a patient’s own blood. Plasma is the liquid portion of blood, and it’s mainly made up of water and proteins.
- Exosomes are tiny little messengers for your cells. They arise from four divisions of a stem cell and create an array of information or instructions for the body.
These two treatment types can help with different things: facial skin rejuvenation and hair/scalp restoration.
For facial skin rejuvenation, PRP and exosomes can help with:
- fine lines, wrinkles & age-related pigment
- improves overall brightness and hydration
- redness and skin irritation
- skin lesions and acne scars
- texture and pore size
- increase collagen and elastin
LEARN MORE: Exosomes for the Skin.
For hair restoration, they can:
- hydrate and nourishes the scalp
- promote a healthy hair growth cycle
- improve damaged, brittle, and lackluster hair
- reduce hair shedding
LEARN MORE: Exosomes for the Scalp.
How Do PRP and Exosomes Work?
Delving more deeply into PRP, it’s an all-natural treatment that provides a medium for red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets to make their way through the body. Platelets (also called thrombocytes) are blood cells that create blood clots and perform other growth and healing duties. Platelet activation plays a key role in the body’s natural healing and restoration process.
So, PRP can stimulate cell growth and tissue rejuvenation to help slow the aging process and promote collagen and elastin growth. In other words, PRP is youth-enhancing!
If you’re wondering how the PRP process works, blood is drawn from the patient and placed in a blood collection device which is spun in a centrifuge to efficiently separate the PRP from platelet-poor plasma.
At Clarity, we utilize Dr. PRP blood collection kits, a patented design that creates the high concentration and high-quality PRP. They are FDA-registered for use in medical aesthetics.
As far as exosomes, they’re paraben and steroid-free and responsible for communication between cells. They do this by merging with other cells and releasing their information into those cells, giving the old cells the information they need to regenerate, rejuvenate and improve themselves overall.
As we age our skin loses the ability to consistently produce collagen and repair damaged (aging) cells. At Clarity, we utilize EXOSOME Regenerative Complex+, an intensive dual-action hypoallergenic patented complex formulated to absorb quickly into the skin delivering the concentrated power of over five billion stem cell-derived lyophilized exosomes, potent growth factors, peptides, coenzymes, minerals, amino acids, and vitamins.
As far as treatment is concerned, PRP and exosomes may be either injected directly into the skin of the affected area or may also be massaged into the skin after any ablative (minimally invasive) aesthetic treatments such as:
- Co2 (lasers that remove thin layers of skin to treat conditions)
- Fractora (fractional resurfacing treatment using micro-pins)
- Microneedling (tiny needles that stimulate collagen)
- Morpheus8 (microneedling using radiofrequency energy)
- Sylfirm (another form of microneedling using radiofrequency)
Both PRPs and exosomes immediately go to work to speed healing and lessen inflammation after treatments, leading to better results overall and a more enhanced appearance.
Why Should You Choose PRP vs. Exosomes?
While both treatments are extremely effective, you may be wondering which is right for you. The answer depends on your situation.
As far as PRP is concerned, patients who have any blood-related disorder may not be a candidate and should opt for exosomes instead.
For exosomes, some patients may not feel comfortable with exosomes since they are donor-derived (even though they are safe, sterile, and lyophilized).
When Do You See Results?
Results with both treatments are slow but steady, with the best results seen around the three month mark. Talk to your provider at Clarity about which option is best for you, and look forward to glowing skin and a younger-looking appearance either way!
Please note, results may vary. Your treatment options will be clearly reviewed with our medical professionals during your complimentary consultation.
