Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) - All You Should Know About It!

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrate of platelet-rich plasma protein derived from whole blood, centrifuged to remove red blood cells. It has a greater concentration of growth factors and other cytokines that can stimulate healing of soft tissue and joints. The concentration of growth factors can be 5 to 10 times greater (or richer) than whole blood and has been used to encourage a brisk healing response across several specialities, in particular dentistry, orthopaedics and dermatology. Once this is accomplished, the concentrated platelets are re-injected into the damaged area like the knees, elbows, shoulders, hips and even Achilles tendons.

PRP therapy is a relatively new procedure - It was first developed in the 1970s and first used in Italy in 1987 in an open heart surgery procedure, but scientific and medical research shows that it is safe to perform. Because of that, it’s steadfastly on its way to becoming the primary means of treatment in many different medical fields such as cosmetic surgery, dentistry, sports medicine and pain management, most commonly treating hair loss (and other things, like injuries). Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment is frequently called stem cell treatment due to the fact that it behaves as bringing in cells from a person’s own body, which can then actually differentiate into either tendon, cartilage, or ligament cells.

Use of PRP in Dermatology:

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) helps you harness the natural aesthetic powers of your own platelets to augment your facial rejuvenation. When done properly, PRP creates impressive results both as an isolated procedure or when incorporated into a treatment plan with hyaluronic acid fillers, neuromodulators, volume restoration and technology. The major advantage is it can be done in the clinician's office and produces virtually no downtime in the treatment of wrinkles, melasma, and acne scars. Exceptionally, there is some downtime when it is used to treat the lower eyelids. The aesthetic benefits it generates are dramatic!

Skin Rejuvenation and Ageing:

The goal of PRP skin rejuvenation therapy is to improve skin tone and texture, tighten skin, and soften lines and pores. The PRP, injected into specific areas of the skin, act as a matrix that promotes your own collagen to grow, regenerates tissue, and thus acts as to naturally smooth and tighten the skin. Results begin to show 3-4 weeks after the treatment session and continue to improve with time. Three treatment sessions are generally recommended, spaced 1-2 months apart, to achieve the best outcome. In this way, PRP softens wrinkles and creating smoother skin texture and tone, thus making you look younger!

Acne, Scar and Ulcer Treatment:

PRP is used to correct pitted acne scars on the skin. You may have heard about this acne scar treatment technique, which is also known as the “Vampire Facial,” as it has gained popularity amongst celebrities and beauty insiders. Once the platelet-rich blood is injected into sites on the face with acne scars, the concentrated platelets release a host of beneficial growth factors that help to promote healing and stimulate regrowth of collagen and elastin. PRP can also been used as an adjuvant for improving the viability of grafts for the treatment of recalcitrant ulcers, with good results.

PRP might not be a panacea or universal cure, but it could turn out to be a miracle treatment nonetheless!