For years, doctors have relied on the regenerative properties of platelets, a substance within the blood that allows for clotting, putting them to good use for everything from treating sports-related injuries to osteoarthritis and speeding up healing. Spinning down the platelets and separating them creates a unique matrix known as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) that has made its way into aesthetics, and for a good reason. Loaded with growth factors, PRP is a tried-and-true solution for treating sports-related injuries, jumpstarting hair growth, and rejuvenating the skin. So What is PRP? Keep reading to learn more!
What is PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy relies on taking your blood and putting the platelets within it to good use. Most commonly used as an injection either on its own or following microneedling, the platelets in PRP help to speed up the rate of wound healing and repair any injuries, even cellular damage, while stimulating collagen and elastin production. PRP is loaded with cytokines and growth factors, which are instrumental in skin healing, too. Sending a dose of platelets into an area of damage allows the healing process to create new, healthy skin cells for improved hair growth and more youthful-looking skin.
When it comes to the skin benefits of PRP, the treatment is beloved for its ability to minimize the appearance of scars, enlarged pores, wrinkles, fine lines, a loss of volume (that’s why PRP is often called a natural filler), somewhat slack skin, hair loss, and overall skin rejuvenation. The large concentration of platelets and growth factors work to incite collagen and elastin production for increased skin support and better-looking skin overall. Since PRP helps promote healing, it’s often a go-to treatment for improving acne scars and brightening hyperpigmentation on the skin.
At AdvancedMD Aesthetics, Dr. Rheaume relies on PRP therapy to rejuvenate the skin around the eyes, on the cheeks, chin, jaw, hands, neck, and decolletage and to increase hair growth on the scalp in men and women who are showing the first signs of hair loss.
The PRP Experience
No matter the reasons for choosing PRP, the procedure details are always the same. First, blood is drawn from your arm and is then put into a centrifuge to isolate the platelets and growth factors into a special solution. Then, the platelet-packed serum is injected or applied topically to a specific area after either microneedling or a laser. Using it following a treatment that creates micro injuries in the skin allows the PRP to absorb into the skin better and make its way down to the deeper layers. Some patients look to PRP as a more natural filler option since it can add volume as a traditional filler does, but without relying on the use of any synthetic agents.
From start to finish, the entire process takes about 30 to 45 minutes, but you’ll need repeat treatments to reap the benefits. After each treatment, you can continue your regular activities since PRP requires no downtime. However, it is customary to see some mild redness, swelling, tingling, bruising, and even a feeling of tenderness or pressure at the injection site. Generally, one treatment session is recommended once per month for three or four months or until you see results.
PRP Applications
PRP is a popular treatment for skin rejuvenation, volume enhancement, and hair restoration and regrowth. Our patients continue to seek PRP because, unlike other aesthetic treatments, the plasma is obtained from their blood, so there’s no risk of adverse effects or reactions.
By stimulating fibroblast activity, which leads to collagen production, skin emerges naturally fuller, glowing, and more youthful following PRP. Introducing platelets into the skin helps to amplify its tone and texture while boosting collagen production and encouraging healthy cell repair. We tend to see the best results in patients who see initial signs of aging, like fine lines and wrinkles, sun damage, discoloration, and anyone who wants brighter, more youthful-looking skin.
When used as a hair loss treatment, PRP essentially wakes dormant follicles so that they can grow and function properly. The growth factors contained within PRP can help promote new hair growth and limit shedding. Research shows that PRP is an excellent option to stimulate hair growth. While it works differently than hair grafts and restoration surgery, it helps increase the amount and quality of hair for natural-looking fullness.
Besides the cosmetic benefits of using PRP, it also works well to help heal the body and treat certain conditions. For example, PRP is a suitable treatment option for orthopedic injuries, soft tissue injuries, joint pain, and even tendonitis.
