Platelet Rich Plasma, often referred to as “PRP’, means abundant platelets that are concentrated into a small volume of plasma.
PPR has greater concentrations of growth factors compared to the while blood and is used in varied specialities like dermatology, plastic surgery, orthopedics and dentistry. The growth factors in PRP help in tissue repair, remodeling and promotion of growth of cells. PRP is used in various dermatological indications ranging from hair restoration, skin rejuvenation to chronic ulcers. Overall, PRP seems to be a promising therapeutic modality but the level of evidence as of now, from the available research studies is low.
How does it work?
PRP has become a famous non-surgical procedure for hair growth, acne scars, stretch marks, ulcers and for skin rejuvenation. PRP therapy is a particular treatment which uses your own blood platelets in order to stimulate new cell growth, tissue repair and regeneration.
PRP therapy preparation process-
The blood in your body is made up of four components which are red blood cells, white blood cells, the plasma and the platelets. In this procedure or treatment, the surgeon takes your blood and spins it in a centrifuge, which in turn enables the separation of your blood cells from your plasma and platelets. This is re-injected into your skin to stimulate collagen and new skin cells.
PRP therapy is a three-step process. Most PRP therapy requires minimum three-four treatments which will be 4–6 weeks apart. Along with the main treatment, maintenance treatments are also required every 4–6 months.
Step 1
Your blood is drawn from your arm and put into a tube and centrifuged in a machine that rapidly spins to separate fluids of different densities.
Step 2
After 10 minutes in the centrifuge, your blood will have separated into in three layers:
- Platelet – poor plasma
- Platelet – rich plasma
- Red blood cell
Step 3
The platelet – rich plasma is then drawn up into the syringe and then injected into areas of the scalp which needs increased hair growth. All this procedure is done under strict aseptic measures.
PRP for Hair Loss
PRP therapy for hair loss is a medical treatment which occurs in 3 steps where a patient’s blood is drawn, processed, and then injected into the scalp.
Research shows that PRP injections trigger natural hair growth, prolongs the survival of hair cells, prolongs the hair cycle, and also maintains it by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle thus increasing the thickness of the hair shaft. Sometimes this approach is often combined with other hair loss procedures or medications.
However, there has not been enough research to prove if PRP is an effective hair loss treatment. PRP is injected directly into scalp through mesoneedles or mesogun. It can be combined with dermaroller or dermapen.
PRP For Skin
Prp is indicated for skin rejuvenation, dark circles, acne scars and stretch marks. It can be directly injected into skin by mesotherapy or can be combined with dermaroller, laser or dermapen.
The procedure of PRP depends on how many areas you want to get treated, the length of the area and volume of blood will be taken. Usually 10 ml to 30 ml of blood is taken. Then this amount of blood is then placed in a centrifuge for 8-10 minutes. Once the cells have been separated, the rich platelets are extracted from the blood and injected into the area to be treated.
PRP treatment harnesses the beneficial properties of your own platelets and therefore there is no risk of allergy or rejection of the treatment.
What are the side effects of PRP?
As PRP therapy involves injecting your own blood into your scalp, you aren’t at much of a risk for getting any kind of communicable diseases as it is ultimately your blood. However, any therapy that involves injections always carries a risk of side effects such as:
- Injury to the blood vessels .
- Possible Infections
- Calcification at the point where injected
What should you expect after PRP treatment?
Most people usually experience some mild or moderate swelling, pain or bruise in the area of the skin which is treated. Bruising might occur and may take a few days to disappear.
How soon will you see PRP results?
Most patients usually require three-four treatments with a four to six week interval. The first thing people notice is an improvement in skin rigidity and elasticity. The production of collagen can take up to three months to occur and the ultimate result can differ depending on the individual. As the injected product is totally your own, factors such as stress, smoking and illness can affect the results to a great extent. PRP for hair, the results are appreciated after 3-4 months. Earliest sign would be decreased hair fall.
Are there any reasons why you can’t have PRP therapy?
When it comes to if you are a good candidate for this type of therapy, women who are pregnant or who are breastfeeding, they should not be taking this therapy. PRP treatment is also not recommended for people who are on anticoagulation treatment, autoimmune conditions, infections, or have suffered from any type of cancer . Your past and present medical history, needs to be taken to ensure that you are good to go for the treatment. If you do not have a doctor, visit us or book an appointment with us at Ambrosia Clinics and our doctors can help you get back your beautiful skin.
PRP is an effective treatment, yes but it is also a treatment where every kind of aspect has not been found yet. Some find it unstable, some find is risky whereas others find it one of the best treatments for skin or hair. It is essential that you understand that your doctor should be the one to take the call on what treatment you should take up, whether it is for hair loss or for your skin, PRP treatment will be given to you and only when its required.
About the Doctor
Dr. Sindhuri Reddy specializes in clinical and cosmetic dermatology and dermatosurgery. Her continuous thrive to be updated in recent advances of skincare gives her a unique insight and approach to skincare. She has an MBBS and MD from NTR University of Health sciences and has done observership at Mayo clinic , USA . She has several academic publications to her credit. Her areas of special interest are acne scars, hair transplantations and lasers.
