PLATELET-RICH PLASMA (PRP) THERAPY
What:
Inject your own blood platelets, which have proteins known as growth factors that contribute to wound healing. This supposedly enhances the skin’s natural repair process, thereby treating ne lines and wrinkles for a fresher, smoother complexion overall, with fewer blemishes such as freckles, scars and acne.
The jury is still out on the effectiveness of PRP therapy in dermatology, orthopaedics, sports medicine and other elds, but it hasn’t detracted from its popularity in Korea. “Koreans are more willing to try new things earlier than others,” says Dr Kim.
How:
About 10ml of blood is taken from the patient and placed in a centrifuge, which separates the platelets from the rest of the blood. The platelet concentrate is then injected into the face. According to Dr Kim, who offers PRP therapy in his Seoul clinic, patients can expect to see improvements after several days, with results generally lasting between six and 12 months. Its effects are most often compared to those of llers.
Local doctors say:
Like stem-cell therapy, PRP therapy is only available here in clinical trials approved by the MOH. Otherwise, it’s mainly used in orthopaedic clinics to aid in the recovery of sprains and muscle tears. • Dr Low suggests an alternative, Sculptra – an FDA-approved injectable made from poly-L-lactic acid, which encourages collagen production. Unlike hyaluronic acid llers that create immediate volume to give the treated areas a supple appearance, Sculptra works gradually over a few months, reducing the severity of wrinkles and restoring facial contours as collagen levels increase.