Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy uses the natural healing and regenerative properties of platelet-rich plasma sourced from the patient’s own blood. This is an all-natural and drug free alternative to invasive procedures that can be used to treat a wide range of medical conditions such as chronic and acute pain. In addition, PRP is a popular technique used for aesthetic reasons including skin rejuvenation and hair restoration because of its powerful effects in stimulating collagen and increasing blood flow for rapid healing of damaged tissue.
The advanced technique of using platelet-rich plasma to accelerate the healing process when treating tissue damage has long been observed and practiced among doctors. First recognized as a means of promoting tissue regeneration for patients who have undergone a surgical procedure, the abilities of PRP have now expanded towards a variety of other uses due to its efficacy and ease of treatment.
How is PRP performed?
During treatment, the patient’s blood will need to be sampled to extract the platelet-rich plasma. A centrifuge is used to quickly spin the blood and isolate the Platelet-rich plasma in preparation for injection. After extraction from the blood sample, it is then injected into the desired areas of treatment. This procedure is quick, and pain is minimal for the patient.
A numbing cream is applied when injections take place in sensitive areas such as the face, scalp, or genitals to ensure patient comfort.
Treatments
Platelet-rich plasma injections can be used to treat a variety of medical conditions including:
- Tendon ruptures
- Meniscal damage
- Rotator cuff tears
- Plantar fasciitis
- Osteoarthritis
- Sports injuries
- Post-surgery recovery
- Tissue inflammation
- Nerve injuries
- Joint injuries
- Muscle injuries
- Acute sports injuries
Aesthetic uses:
- Hair loss
- Skin damage
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Skin laxity
- Hyperpigmentation
This treatment is unique with no risk of incompatibility or allergic reaction because the platelet-rich plasma is sourced from the patient’s own blood.
Is PRP safe?
Platelet-rich plasma is safe and effective. This is a technique developed by doctors to speed up recovery and healing after surgery and athletic injury, that has been used for decades. Because your own blood is being used to treat your skin, there is no risk of having an allergic reaction, and very little risk of infection or adverse reaction from this treatment.
When will results show?
Results are continual with Platelet-rich plasma treatments and vary with different uses. Injections stimulate the natural healing and regenerative processes in the body and may take a few weeks for results to show. These effects are gradual, and patients will see improvements over the course of months.
This can be most visibly observed during aesthetic treatments such as skin rejuvenation, where collagen and elastin production are increased, showing improvements in tightness and firmness of the skin.
How many sessions are required?
A single platelet-rich plasma Facial can yield dramatic results for most patients. For individuals with more or deeper wrinkles, lines and/or scars, or more extensive sun damage, more than one PRP Facial may be recommended.
Although a single treatment of PRP can yield dramatic results, variables such as purpose for treatment and severity of the condition treated largely influences the number of sessions needed. It is recommended to continue PRP treatments until optimal improvement is reached as recommended by the provider.
Downtime and Recovery after PRP
Most patients can return to work or their normal activities right after a platelet-rich plasma treatment. In most cases, some slight redness or swelling of the skin typically occurs, however, this subsides within a few days.
Patients undergoing PRP for skin rejuvenation should wait 24 hours before applying makeup and sunscreen and avoid extended periods of sun exposure.