Unlocking the Therapeutic Potential of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP).

The Fountain of Youth seems to have finally been found with the increasing popularity of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, which has received a lot of attention. So, what is the science behind PRP?

PRP is a therapeutic approach in aesthetic medicine that holds great potential and is progressively gaining popularity. Although its usage in medical scenarios such as cardiac surgery, oral surgery, orthopedics, and plastic surgery has already been documented, it is continuing to evolve into a diversified treatment in the area of aesthetic medicine. PRP comprises high concentrations of platelets and growth factors consisting of hundreds of bioactive proteins and is a form of autologous serum produced from the serum of an individual's own body.

PRP's clinical application relies on the heightened concentration of growth factors from platelet particles and the exudation of specific proteins, which together can help to accelerate the healing process on a cellular level of the skin. This procedure can refuel the skin's innate restorative abilities, amplifying its natural beauty, and aiming to improve the skin's overall appearance and enhance physical condition, prolonging youthfulness.

PRP, which can be simply derived from an individual's blood, contains numerous growth factors that encourage new collagen formation, increased blood vessel growth, and a boost in the expansion of stem cells and transformation of soft tissue. Clinically, PRP is known for its effectiveness in aiding hair restoration and skin revitalization, as well as reducing the presence of acne scarring. Additionally, combining PRP treatments with solutions such as lasers, microneedles, dermal fillers, and autologous fat injection can amplify the results, producing an even better overall outcome. A clinical setting can safely perform PRP procedures.

What is PRP Treatment?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy naturally rejuvenates and reverses signs of aging, utilizing the patient's own blood to stimulate the body's healing process and revitalize the skin. The treatment enhances weakened skin by aiding in the generation of collagen and elastin, resulting in a smoothing of wrinkles and fine lines. It achieves this effect by boosting collagen levels, improving the texture and color of the skin. PRP is an effective and safe cosmetic procedure suitable for hard-to-address areas, particularly the delicate skin under the eyes where the first signs of aging are noticeable as lasers are not a suitable option for this region.

The three-step procedure of PRP involves drawing blood from individuals since platelets are present in our blood.

For this process, a venipuncture blood sample of 15 mL is taken and combined with an anticoagulant. After obtaining a whole blood sample, it is placed in a centrifuge, which breaks it down into three distinct layers - red blood cells (RBC), platelet-poor plasma (PPP), and the highly sought-after "liquid gold" PRP layer. The PRP layer is carefully removed and kept for treatment and reinfusion.

Dermatologists are currently conducting trials to investigate the potential of PRP as a remedy for hair loss, while orthopedic surgeons use it to aid athletes in healing more rapidly from sports-related injuries.

PRP can reduce wrinkles, plump sagging skin, remove deep wrinkles, improve complexion, and reduce acne scars. Patients have reported little to no downtime from the procedure. Although it may sound like something straight out of a science fiction novel, PRP has shown promising results in various medical fields.

How Does PRP Help Skin Rejuvenation?

PRP is increasingly recognized for its efficacy in skin rejuvenation when used in combination with microneedling. Microneedling creates small punctures in the skin, allowing PRP to penetrate deep into the dermis for a noticeable improvement in skin structure, enhanced wound healing, and quicker recovery time. This process also reduces post-treatment erythema, the melanin index of the treated area, transepidermal water loss (TEWL), and inflammatory hyperpigmentation.

Research on PRP has shown that it is a highly promising treatment for thinning hair, male pattern baldness, female pattern baldness, and alopecia areata. PRP growth factors stimulate differentiation of hair follicle stem cells, increase blast survival, activate anti-apoptotic pathways, induce and prolong the proliferative growth phase of hair follicles, and promote angiogenesis and perifollicular angiogenesis, as well as dermal papilla fibers.

Studies have indicated that PRP improves hair restoration, but an inadequate protocol is sometimes used. To gain maximal benefit, it is suggested to have a series of monthly injection treatments until significant improvement is observed, and then switch to maintenance treatments every 3-6 months.

How Can I Obtain Platelet-Rich Plasma For Treatment?

PRP therapy is highly sought after due to its natural, abundant and non-allergenic properties. It is advantageous as it is created from an individual’s own blood, making it free from unwanted side-effects or rejection of treatment.

What Is The PRP Procedure?

The PRP procedure involves applying an anesthetic cream 60 minutes prior to the treatment. Depending on the area to be treated, PRP can be administered directly or via a dermapen for microneedling. After the PRP treatment, the affected area may show reddening, slight swelling, and warmth, which should subside within 24 hours.

To facilitate healing during the initial stage, it is recommended to avoid direct sunlight and refrain from using active skin care products such as retinol, AHA, and BHA.

The intended results can be seen after three to four weeks, with outcomes lasting up to 12-18 months after three to four sessions of PRP treatments.

Treatment Of Breast Sagging With PRP

PRP breast skin rejuvenation is a non-invasive procedure that does not require incision, anesthesia, or extended recovery time. A small vial of blood is removed from the arm and transferred to a special centrifuge where the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is extracted and then injected into the breasts to produce more collagen fibers. The results typically appear in the following weeks or months, making the skin appear firmer, smoother, and younger-looking.

Can PRP make your breasts bigger?

PRP therapy is not recommended for patients looking to enhance breast size or fullness, as injectable skin fillers are more effective for this purpose. Patients considering breast skin rejuvenation with PRP should be healthy, non-smokers, want a non-surgical solution, have mild sagging of the breast skin, and have realistic expectations for results.

Musculoskeletal Application of PRP

Professional athletes widely prefer Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, which have been shown to be highly effective in treating chronic non-healing tendon injuries and cartilage degeneration [R]. These injections stimulate the growth of collagen and proteins that may have been lost in the tissue, regenerating connective and skeletal tissues. PRP treatments are a proven effective means of treating conditions ranging from tennis elbow to Achilles tendonitis.

Is PRP Safe?

Although dermatologists still have many open questions, PRP is generally considered a safe procedure. Some patients may experience pain, bruising, and swelling after the treatment, which usually subside within a few days. The greatest risk associated with the procedure is the handling of the blood drawn from the body. Maintaining sterility is crucial to prevent infections. To ensure patient safety, the center should follow the same process that blood facilities use to ensure that the patient's own blood is infused. If proper precautions are not taken, there is a risk of getting sick.

How Long Does It Take To See Results?

The time it takes to see results from PRP therapy largely depends on how efficiently and consistently the patient undergoes the therapy. Typically, results can be expected in 4-6 weeks, although this may vary depending on individual body and lifestyle factors.

Although PRP is generally considered safe for most people, it is not recommended for those with medical conditions such as Hepatitis C, HIV or AIDS, all types of blood cancer, cardiovascular disease requiring anticoagulant medication, or skin cancer in the area to be treated.

Additional Resources:
1. The Benefits of PRP and Microneedling For Your Face
2. IS PLATELET-RICH PLASMA THE SECRET TO YOUNGER-LOOKING SKIN?