Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy
What is platelet rich plasma?
Normal blood is comprised of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Platelets contain growth factors that are important for tissue regeneration and collagen production. Platelet—rich plasma is the portion of the blood that is rich in platelets, and therefore rich in growth factors and nutrients as well.
What can PRP be used for?
PRP can be used for many different treatments. In my clinic, I offer PRP for facials, for hair loss, as well as for musculoskeletal injuries including tendonitis, joint instability and ligament laxity. When used for skin regeneration: PRP can stimulate collagen in the skin, treat fine lines and wrinkles, and even out skin texture including scars and stretch marks. PRP can also be used for hair regrowth: increasing blood supply to the follicles, increasing hair shaft size, maintaining growth phase of hair, and decreasing hair loss. When used to treat injuries, PRP injected into the area of injury. The concentrated growth factors in the plasma stimulate and accelerate healing.
How does the procedure work?
A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm, then the blood is spun in a centrifuge to extract the platelets. The platelets are then injected into areas of concern (areas of hair loss, scars, wrinkles, injuries). The face/skin and hair injections are followed by microneedling- helping to boost collagen production and elasticity, and reduce hyperpigmentation and scarring. The total procedure including blood draw should take about an hour.
Is it painful?
It can be tender/painful, depending on where the injections are going. For facial and hair PRP, a topical numbing cream is applied prior to the treatment to minimize discomfort.
Recovery
For facial and hair PRP, there can be possible swelling following the procedure. Your skin will be red that will last 3-4 hours, and residual redness can last for a few days. You may use makeup to cover any redness in the days following the procedure. There can also be possible bruising at the injection sites.
For musculoskeletal/joint PRP, expect discomfort anywhere from 2-7 days. This is normal and to be expected as part of the inflammation & healing process.