Therapy with your own blood
What is treatment with your own blood?
The regeneration of the body’s own tissue is the Holy Grail of medicine. Science is expanding our understanding of how cells regenerate on an almost daily basis. As early as 1974, it was described that components of the blood, the so-called blood platelets, stimulate the renewal of cells [1] . Blood platelets, also known as thrombocytes, are nucleus-free cell elements that are formed from precursor cells in the bone marrow. A healthy person has around 150,000 to 400,000 thrombocytes per microliter of blood. The name platelet is derived from the flat, disk-like shape of the thrombocytes. They are barely two micrometers in diameter and have small vesicles called granules in which messenger substances are stored.
When the messenger substances are released, the cells of the connective tissue and the scaffolding components around the cells multiply. The messenger substances of the thrombocytes promote the formation of collagen [2] . The development of new cells from stem cells is also stimulated. The skin color, for example dark circles under the eyes, becomes more even. The anti-ageing treatment with the body’s own blood concentrate improves the skin’s texture and elasticity and reduces the depth of wrinkles on the face and décolleté. In this context, this gentle lifting method is also popularly referred to as a vampire lift.
In addition, treatment with the body’s own blood is also used in certain cases to combat hair loss and is a popular alternative to a costly hair transplant. Hair loss therapy with blood leads to an effective increase in hair follicles in the bald areas and thus promotes the formation of new hair, resulting in fuller hair. The thickness and density of the hair increases with age-related and circular hair loss. However, the result is not to be expected for diffuse hair loss.
In hair root treatment with the patient’s own blood, this is injected into the scalp to promote the formation of new hair roots in the event of hair loss and thus stimulate hair growth.
The regenerative properties of the thrombocytes are utilized. The body’s own platelets are administered in concentrated form. Its skin-rejuvenating effect was described in 2009 and is now well researched [3] .
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Information at a glance
Duration of treatment
45 minutes
Anesthesia
Anesthetic cream / vibration anesthesia
Hospitalization
Outpatient
Socially acceptable
immediately
Costs
Additions or alternatives
Advantages of therapy with the body’s own blood
Treatment with the body’s own plasma is characterized by the following advantages when evaluated according to generally accepted standards:
- Fact-based efficacy: There are more and more high-quality and meaningful studies on therapy every month that prove the benefits beyond doubt.
- High level of safety: The risks of an allergic reaction, intolerance or the transmission of a disease are excluded with this therapy.
- High pharmaceutical quality: hygienic, specialist blood collection and the use of closed systems guarantee pure, uniform and standard-compliant production.
- Cost-effectiveness and economy: Laboratory-produced messenger substances in comparable concentrations cost several thousand euros.
- Availability: On average, an adult produces one hundred billion platelets every day to maintain a normal platelet count. If necessary, the body can increase the production of new platelets tenfold [4] . This means that less than 0.01 percent of the platelets produced each day are used for treatment with the patient’s own blood.
Who is suitable for therapy with their own blood?
The benefits of therapy with the patient’s own blood have been proven in hundreds of studies, particularly in the treatment of hereditary hair loss, the treatment of scars, stretch marks and skin rejuvenation. The treatment can be used alone or in combination with other procedures. There are no age restrictions for the application of the therapy, so that some patients are interested or decide to undergo it at an early stage when hair loss begins or when the skin shows the first signs of ageing. Patients over the age of 45 and those with diabetes often require more treatments, as the concentration of some growth factors decreases with age [5] .
We generally advise against aesthetic treatments for serious underlying conditions. This applies to rare hereditary platelet disorders as well as anemia, influenza or fever. The intake of blood-thinning medication (e.g. Aspirin®, Thomapyrin®, Ibuprofen, Diclofenac) and cortisone preparations should be avoided two weeks before treatment and two days after treatment, as these drugs impair the concentration of growth factors.
Procedure for treatment with autologous blood
Preparation
Before each treatment, the specialist will check which measure will best achieve your goals according to the latest scientific findings. A thorough examination and good advice are important for the success of any treatment. Then, as with a general health check, about 20 milliliters of blood will be taken. The calcium is bound so that the body’s own blood does not clot immediately after collection. This is done by adding anticoagulants such as citrate.
The uncoagulated blood is then spun in a laboratory centrifuge. This causes the blood components to separate according to their density. The platelets accumulate at a certain point in the test tube.
The treatment
A gentle procedure should be used during preparation and care should be taken when handling the platelets. Special processing systems are available for production. From our own many years of experience, closed systems have proven their worth. The blood cannot escape from the test tube, nor can anything get into the test tube from outside. This process is more hygienic, standardized and better reproducible. Several commercially manufactured systems are available for this purpose, for example Regenkit®, ACP Arthrex®.
The systems, including the centrifuge, should be approved in the EU or have a CE marking.
Some systems also use a gel filter to separate the platelets. As a rule, the platelet concentration is 2 to 9 times higher than the blood value. Concentrations of more than one million platelets per microliter are generally considered effective [6] . To ensure that the platelets are sufficiently supplied with nutrients, excessive concentrations should be avoided [7] .
Contact with certain substances stimulates the blood platelets to release their messenger substances. Calcium or thrombin is therefore occasionally added to the concentrated platelets. When adding thrombin, please note that allergic reactions may occur. Within a few minutes, the additives trigger the coagulation or clumping of the platelets. As the collagen in the injected tissue also activates the thrombocytes and studies have shown the effectiveness of this form of treatment without additives, we do not use such additives. [8] . Without additives, the blood platelets gradually release the messenger substances into the tissue.
Particularly fine cannulas are used to carefully inject the blood platelets. Anesthetic cream, so-called “vibrational anesthesia” and supportive measures such as distracting background music or aromatherapy ensure a pleasant, almost pain-free treatment. The volume of the injection varies depending on the location and treatment. Generally, about 0.3 milliliters per square centimeter of skin surface are injected.
After the procedure
You will find out how to proceed immediately after the procedure and what aftercare measures are recommended when you speak to the doctor treating you.
Treatment areas with the body’s own blood
Acne scars
There are many misconceptions about the causes, treatment and consequences of acne. The rumor of a harmless disease has long been refuted by science. It has been shown that acne and its consequences are associated with stress, social withdrawal, stigmatization, anxiety, depression, sexual dysfunction and suicidal thoughts [9] .
The application of your own blood in combination with a microneedling treatment leads to a finer skin texture, a more even complexion and less visible scars. Studies have shown a high level of patient satisfaction [10]. Slight swelling or reddening of the skin will improve within a few hours. The visible results are permanent and can be seen after just 3 months. We recommend three to six sessions at intervals of two to four weeks.
Dark circles
Various characteristics can contribute to the formation of dark circles. The causes are hereditary and are exacerbated by stress, lack of sleep, a lot of sunlight or cigarette smoking. Effective treatment of dark circles under the eyes depends on the individual findings. According to the examination findings listed below, we will give you different recommendations regarding suitable anti-aging methods:
- Deposition of the skin pigment melanin
Slight dark circles and tear troughs caused by the deposition of skin pigments can be treated effectively and safely with an injection of the body’s own blood [11]. The excessive formation of skin pigments is suppressed by the growth factors of the treatment with the body’s own blood (TGF and EGF) [12].
- Shimmering hair vessels
The appearance of translucent blood vessels is improved by vascular modulating factors (VEGF, TSP1). In addition, the autologous blood has a positive effect on the cells of the connective tissue, collagen formation and skin thickness. Follow-up studies show that the improvements last up to 4 years (Kamakura T, et al., 2015. Plast Reconstr Surg.). The effect is enhanced by the combination with microneedling (Sahni K, et al., 2013, J Cutan Aesthet Surg.).
- Shadow formation due to slackening of the connective tissue and loss of fatty tissue
Volume deficits under the eyes are permanently corrected by injecting autologous fat or by correcting the fat pads as part of a lower eyelid lift [13]. The injection of autologous fat ensures harmonious contours and improves skin quality [14]. An autologous fat treatment is therefore often combined with the removal of excess eyelid skin or a facelift. Temporary correction with filler is also possible and offers the advantage of very little downtime.
- Shadow formation due to skin wrinkles
For thin, dry and inelastic skin, we recommend treatment with the body’s own blood in combination with micro needling. This results in an increase in collagen content, elasticity and skin thickness, which has a positive effect on small wrinkles in the skin. However, excess skin requires targeted correction with a lower eyelid lift.
Crow’s feet
Crow’s feet are a sign of reduced skin elasticity. Clinical studies have shown that crow’s feet are significantly smoothed after three to six treatments with specially prepared autologous blood [15]. Both the number and the depth of the wrinkles decrease. The results last for at least six months. The effect can be enhanced by combining it with other procedures. We recommend injecting the blood together with a microneedling treatment, as this achieves better results than a treatment with blood in combination with peeling treatments [16].
Folds
The body’s own growth factors from the treatment with the patient’s own blood activate cells of the connective tissue and increase the collagen content of the skin. The skin texture is rejuvenated and the skin tone becomes more even. Incipient signs of ageing of the facial skin can be improved by injecting the patient’s own processed blood [17]. Scientific studies show that the alignment of the collagen fibers after the combination treatment corresponds to the pattern of younger skin. Fine-layered examinations show that the damaged elastic fibers of the skin are broken down [18].
Sun-damaged skin
Fair-skinned people are particularly sensitive to sunlight. UV radiation often leads to the first wrinkles before the age of 30. Deep wrinkles at the age of 40-50 can make people look older than they are. Ultraviolet radiation activates certain enzymes, also known as metalloproteinases, which accelerate the breakdown of collagen [19]. The growth factors PDGF, TGF, VEGF, IGF and EGF produced by blood platelets improve skin texture. This usually requires three to six treatments.
Neckline
The body’s own growth factors from the treatment with the patient’s own blood activate cells of the connective tissue and increase the collagen content of the skin. The skin texture is rejuvenated and the skin tone becomes more even. Incipient signs of ageing of the facial skin can be improved by injecting the patient’s own processed blood [17]. Scientific studies show that the alignment of the collagen fibers after the combination treatment corresponds to the pattern of younger skin. Fine-layered examinations show that the damaged elastic fibers of the skin are broken down [18].
Stretch marks
Stretch marks or stretch marks are unsightly tears in the subcutaneous tissue that can occur in women and men of all ages. When stretch marks first appear, usually during puberty, they appear as red stripes (striae rubrae in Latin). Stretch marks or stretch marks are unsightly tears in the subcutaneous tissue that can occur in women and men of all ages. When stretch marks first appear, usually during puberty, they appear as red stripes (striae rubrae in Latin). After a few months, the striae fade and an unsightly white crack remains in the skin (striae albae in Latin). Women are most frequently affected during puberty or pregnancy. Stretch marks tend to appear on the thighs, hips, buttocks and breasts. There is a lot of evidence for the effectiveness of therapy for the treatment of stretch marks. It has been shown that skin thickness and the formation of collagen and elastin increase [22]. The combination with microneedling is significantly more effective than microneedling alone for the treatment of stretch marks [23]. We therefore recommend combined treatment of stretch marks as early as possible. For optimum success, it should be repeated at least three times.
How does therapy with the body’s own blood work?
Their effect is mediated by the body’s own blood platelets. These contain an abundance of growth factors, which they release in the target tissue. The effects of growth factors are highly complex and can vary depending on concentration and combination [24]. It is known that the effect of this treatment method cannot be attributed to a single growth factor or messenger substance. The effect is rather based on a mutual reinforcement of the effect of many factors. A precise dose-response relationship between individual messenger substances and the activation of stem cells and connective tissue cells is therefore difficult to prove [25]. The growth factors are named after the initial letters of the English terms. The most important growth factors in treatment with the body’s own blood are:
VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor):
- Promotes the migration and proliferation of cells that line the inside of blood vessels,
- Increases the permeability of blood vessels,
- Promotes the growth of blood vessels and cells on the inner and outer surfaces of the body,
- Increases the formation of collagen [26] .
PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor):
- Stimulates the breakdown of old collagen,
- Activates progenitor cells in the supporting tissue,
- Stimulates the proliferation of immune cells in the blood and supporting tissue [27] .
FGF (fibroblast growth factor):
- Stimulates the formation of new blood vessels,
- Plays a role in tissue remodeling,
- Promotes the migration of cells in the connective tissue of the skin [28] .
EGF (epithelial cell growth factor):
- Increases the migration of epidermal cells,
- Stimulates the migration of cells in the connective tissue of the skin,
- Supports the formation of granulation tissue [29] ).
TGF-β (transforming growth factor beta):
- Promotes the formation of new blood vessels,
- Activates the proliferation of cells of the connective tissue of the skin and cells of the epidermis,
- Stimulates the formation of collagen, hyaluronic acid, fibronectin and proteoglycans [30] .
IGF:
Our before and after pictures of the treatment method with autologous blood
Therapy with the patient’s own blood is used successfully for a wide variety of purposes. The presentation of before and after images of procedures for aesthetic purposes on websites is not permitted by law. During a personal consultation, however, you can ask the treating doctor to show you before and after photos so that you can get a realistic picture of the achievable success of the treatment. Talk to your doctor about this.
Frequently asked questions
It is undisputed that the effect of this treatment method is based on the messenger substances of the blood platelets. However, it is not possible to set a minimum or maximum limit for the platelet count required for an optimal effect. A blood test to determine the platelet count is therefore not necessary before use. It is generally known that the number of blood platelets is influenced by various factors. The number of platelets can be significantly altered by pathological changes such as inflammation, bone marrow diseases, autoimmune diseases, genetic diseases or a vitamin deficiency. However, slight deviations can also occur naturally or be caused by lifestyle habits. From the age of fifty, the platelet count decreases steadily by four to five percent every decade [33]. In general, women have around three percent more platelets than men [34]. Cigarette smokers have around 17 percent fewer platelets than non-smokers [35]. With the same number of platelets, it can be shown that obesity has an unfavorable effect on platelet size [36]. An increase in blood sugar also has a detrimental effect on the size of the blood platelets [37].
Treatment with the patient’s own blood stimulates the body’s own regeneration processes. The formation of collagen and elastin, the proliferation and migration of connective tissue cells and the increase in skin thickness take two to three weeks. However, the effect is only visible and measurable after several repetitions of the non-surgical procedure with the body’s own substance. You will therefore have to be patient for three to six months to see noticeable results. When combined with needling, the results can be seen earlier.
The experience of CenterPlast doctors and scientific studies show that a treatment should be repeated at least three times. The newly formed collagen remains in your skin. To slow down the skin’s natural ageing process, we recommend repeating the treatment at intervals of six to nine months.
We focus on the expression of your eyes. An eyelid lift will make you look fresher and more rested. However, you do not become a different person. A positive result means that your fellow human beings notice that you look better without recognizing any signs of surgery.
From the age of forty, the first signs of ageing usually appear in the eye. In exceptional cases, such changes can occur earlier due to genetic influences. People then try to cover up these wrinkles with make-up.
Unfavorable conditions for lower eyelid correction are dry eyes, thyroid disease and the use of blood-thinning medication. Each case must therefore be examined individually to determine whether you are suitable for treatment.
The effects of treatment with the body’s own processed blood are permanent. However, the normal ageing processes of the skin are not halted. It is therefore advisable to repeat the treatment after a certain period of time. For patients under 40, an annual repeat treatment can already achieve the desired effect. In general, a longer effect can be assumed when combined with needling. How you care for your skin after the treatment also influences how long the results last. Avoid smoking cigarettes, use UV protection every day and use a suitable skin care product, such as a skin cream containing vitamin A and vitamin C.
The high satisfaction of our patients and our experience speak for this treatment method. In addition, we always keep up to date with the latest scientific findings so that we can recommend the best possible treatment for you. To investigate the effect of the therapy, ideally two groups of patients are compared in a clinical trial (also known as a controlled trial). A study should always be examined for possible sources of error. The evaluation of the results of a study requires special knowledge and experience in conducting clinical studies. Differences in the preparation of the blood to be used, the administration or the measurement can distort the results. There are also other sources of error, known as bias, which can lead to false conclusions.
For example, if the patients in one group are younger than the patients in another group to which they are compared, the supposed success may be due to age. This error can be avoided by assigning the treatment at random (also known as randomization). If the person measuring or evaluating also has knowledge of the treatment, the measurements can be distorted by a preconceived opinion. The confidentiality of the treatment carried out prevents such a distortion. If neither the patient nor the evaluating physician is aware of the treatment procedure, this is referred to as a double-blind study.
Even if randomized, controlled, double-blind studies are desirable, they are often ethically unacceptable or unaffordable. The effect of therapy with the patient’s own blood has been proven in numerous controlled studies. The more studies there are, the more reliable the recommendations are. Scientific guidelines help to assess the quality of these studies (Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions, Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses Guidlinies). The following scientific publications critically summarize the available literature and confirm the benefits of therapy with the patient’s own blood:
- Evans AG, Ivanic MG, et al, Rejuvenating the periorbital area using platelet-rich plasma: a systematic review and meta-analysis, Arch Dermatol Res. 2021 Jan 12.
- Long T, Gupta A, et al, Platelet-rich plasma in noninvasive procedures for atrophic acne scars: A systematic review and meta-analysis, J Cosmet Dermatol. 2020 Apr;19(4):836-844.
- Maisel-Campbell AL, Ismail A, et al, A systematic review of the safety and effectiveness of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for skin aging, Arch Dermatol Res. 2020 Jul;312(5):301-315.
Before each treatment, a risk-benefit assessment of all treatment alternatives should be carried out (e.g. microneedling, fillers, autologous fat treatment, tightening operations). Since such a decision can only be made by a surgeon with the appropriate training and experience, we recommend that you consult a facial surgeon who specializes in the field of aesthetic surgery. He or she will select the right technique, which is crucial for the success of the treatment. Doctors refer to the decision as to which treatment is appropriate as an indication. Without precise knowledge of all treatment alternatives, the appropriateness of a treatment cannot be assessed. It is therefore important to choose an experienced specialist in aesthetic and plastic surgery and medicine with many years of experience.
Alternative practitioners are not permitted to prepare the blood required for the treatment method under the German Medicines Act (Münster Higher Administrative Court case reference: 9 A 4073/18). The processed blood is a medicinal product within the meaning of Article 2(1) of the Medicinal Products Act and Article 2(3) of the Transfusion Act. It is subject to the provisions of pharmaceutical law and requires a manufacturing authorization. Compliance with strict hygiene regulations is very important in the production of processed autologous blood. In addition, procedures should be used that ensure the collection of platelets in high concentration and purity. A great deal of sensitivity and dexterity is required to avoid damaging the cells during extraction, separation and injection. In the best case, consult a plastic surgeon.
Since you are treated with your body’s own cells, allergies and the risk of infection are excluded. The use of closed systems and the observance of strict hygiene regulations prevent contamination or the risk of ignition. Serious complications have not yet been reported after using the method. Minor undesirable side effects may include slight swelling and bruising.
If you regularly take blood-thinning medication, we do not recommend this treatment method. If you suffer from cold sores, treatment should only be carried out once they have completely healed. After a vaccination, influenza or an operation, protein molecules produced by the immune system can influence the production and effectiveness of platelets. We therefore advise you to wait about 10 days after a flu or vaccination before the procedure is carried out.
The statutory health insurance companies will not cover the costs, as they only cover the costs of medically necessary treatments. The health insurance funds also only finance treatment methods that have been assessed by the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA). As of 2021, there are over 10,000 scientific publications on the areas of application and effectiveness of the method. However, it often takes years or decades for the scientific facts to be recognized by the Federal Joint Committee (G-BA). You can find out more on our page about the health insurance companies ‘ benefit obligations.
AUTHOR
Dr. Adelana Santos Stahl
Our aim is to offer optimal, discreet and precise treatment based on our extensive expertise in the field of plastic surgery.
Dr. Adelana Santos Stahl has a unique international perspective with a female view of plastic surgery. Your individual and detailed approach is the key to the beautiful and natural results. Having trained in Brazil, one of the largest and best-known countries for aesthetic and reconstructive plastic surgery, she understands her patients’ desire to look and feel their best.
She completed her medical studies and training as a specialist in plastic and aesthetic surgery in Brazil. In 2009, she also successfully passed the German equivalence examinations for the state medical examination.
Two years later, in 2011, she received the German and in 2012 the EU specialist certification (EBOPRAS) for plastic surgery. From 2009 to 2013, she deepened her knowledge of aesthetic and reconstructive facial surgery with world-renowned representatives of plastic surgery such as Professor Gubisch at the Marienhospital and Madame Firmin in Paris.
A VDÄPC Fellowship (continuing scholarship for graduate students) in Switzerland, France and the USA has further enriched her professional experience. Dr. Santos Stahl is active in various renowned professional associations. In addition to the DGPRÄC and DGBT, she is also a member of the Brazilian Society of Plastic Surgery – SBCP.
She is also the author of several scientific articles and, together with her husband, is dedicated to research and clinical studies in the field of plastic surgery.
She has been based in Saarbrücken since 2019.
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