I have been eagerly awaiting the introduction of the Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment (nicknamed the ‘vampire’ treatment) to Laserase Bolton. Being the wrong side of 50 and working in the aesthetics industry I am really keen to improve the look and feel of my skin by reducing lines and wrinkles and generally rejuvenate my skin. I particularly want to reduce those lines and dark circles around and under my eyes.

On the 11th November 2015 therefore, I put myself in the hands of Sister Saria Tahir who undertook my first PRP treatment. This followed an in-depth consultation with Saria some days before so I knew exactly what to expect on the day.

I went into the treatment room and made myself comfortable on the bed. Being slightly apprehensive about the blood taking procedure I was grateful that I have good veins and Saria was able to take a small sample of blood from my arm easily and quickly! This she then transferred to the Centrifuge machine. I lay back and relaxed for 10 minutes while the machine spun my blood to separate the Platelet Rich Plasma from the rest of my blood.

After collecting the blood plasma from the machine the nurse then proceeded to inject the plasma into the areas that I was most concerned about, the lines around my eyes. I was told that an anaesthetic could be used but I didn’t feel the need for one and was fine without. I was nervous when the first needle went in but soon found that this felt no more than a slight prick. The nurse then went on to inject problem areas around my neck.

Once the injections were completed the nurse spread some of the remaining plasma over my face and neck and massaged this into my skin using a Dermaroller. This felt slightly uncomfortable but not unbearable. After using the Dermaroller the rest of the plasma was spread on my skin and left to soak in. I was told not to wash until the next day.

Throughout the procedure Saria chattered to me and put me at my ease. Immediately after the treatment my face was slightly swollen and a purplish red but this went down within 24 hours. I developed one very small bruise on my neck but otherwise experienced no other side effects or discomfort.