Optimizing Use of PRP via Innovative Devices and Advanced Injection Techniques
Sponsored by RegenLab USA Use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in aesthetic practices has become more widespread, safer and less wasteful thanks to innovative devices and advanced injection techniques, according to dermatologist Janine Hopkins, MD, of Hopkins Dermatology (Monroe, La., and Southlake, Texas).
October 19, 2022
Sponsored by RegenLab USA
Carmen Kempts | Oct 19, 2022
Use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) in aesthetic practices has become more widespread, safer and less wasteful thanks to innovative devices and advanced injection techniques, according to dermatologist Janine Hopkins, MD, of Hopkins Dermatology (Monroe, La., and Southlake, Texas).
Controlling PRP Application, Eliminating Waste
Dr. Hopkins uses the CuraCatorTM device (Trinnovations LLC) when applying PRP – often RegenPRP by RegenLab (Brooklyn, N.Y.) – to tissue after procedures such as microneedling or laser resurfacing.
RegenLab offers FDA-cleared devices for the autologous preparation of PRP, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) and platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM), now manufactured in the U.S. RegenLab kits offer up to 12 mL of PRP with flexible concentrations and high platelet recovery to utilize in various applications.
The CuraCator device addresses the main challenge of using PRP: Application.
“You would see people dripping from syringes with the needle, creating a high risk for needle stick. Or they would drip from an opening in the syringe, so there would be splatter,” Dr. Hopkins explained. “With CuraCator we no longer have to drip and rub PRP into the patient’s skin.”
The CuraCator was designed as a sterile, single-use applicator that attaches to luer lock syringes, making it easy to administer RegenPRP and other PRP products, shared Dr. Hopkins, who trademarked and launched CuraCator in the U.S.
“It is safer and more controlled,” Dr. Hopkins continued. “This device also lowers the risk of possible contamination of these PRP products.”
Aesthetic practitioners have also seen product run down the neck or drip around the eyes when using PRP. CuraCator’s targeted application solves this problem, too.
“Often in my practice, we will do a PRP facial to amplify results of a microneedling or laser resurfacing procedure,” Dr. Hopkins began. “Because we are not wasting as much product during the application process, we can actually offer patients a second treatment by injecting the residual PRP into their scalp or into other areas like the lower eyelid trough or nasolabial fold.”
Advanced Injection Techniques, New Uses
“PRP is beneficial for many different ages and stages of life,” noted Dr. Hopkins. She uses RegenPRP not only to enhance recovery but also to boost neocollagenesis.
“Based on data in studies, some of which came out in Europe, we can inject PRP into tissue. It is commonly done to stimulate new hair growth,” Dr. Hopkins explained. “In the past we did not have a lot of options for stimulating hair growth until products like PRP became available in the U.S.”
She also uses PRP in combination with hyaluronic gel to inject into areas of the face, such as acne scars, nasolabial folds or the lower eyelid tear troughs. She does the injections using a microcannula, which also attaches to a syringe.
“This allows us to inject without risk of needle puncture and less risk of bruising,” Dr. Hopkins said.
She shared another use for PRP: To prepare skin prior to injectable treatment into the tear trough. Injecting hyaluronic acid gel filler into the tear trough often results in transient post-procedure eye puffiness because fillers bind with water. “I prefer to inject PRP alone (before filler) to strengthen the skin and build a little more dermal collagen in that thin area of eyelid skin,” Dr. Hopkins concluded.