PRP For Skin & Hair
For many years, the medical community has been acutely aware of the body’s natural regenerative qualities. Providers across all fields, including orthopedics, dentistry, and sports medicine, have implemented protocols that work synergistically with the body. The use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is common for promoting joint recovery and managing degenerative disease. It was only a matter of time before science discovered the value that PRP held for the skin and hair.
About PRP
PRP is an organic substance that has long been advocated for its ability to facilitate tissue regeneration and wound healing. The substance exists in every persons blood, which makes it safe and convenient. PRP is obtained through a simple blood draw and centrifuge (spinning) process. Centrifugation of the blood separates nutrient-rich platelets from red blood cells and other product.
Platelets are valuable because they contain a large number of growth factors. These include epithelial and vascular epithelial growth factors as well as fibroblast and connective tissue growth factors. Each type of growth factor promotes vital processes, such as inflammatory response, blood vessel regeneration, tissue remodeling, and cell proliferation.
PRP For Aesthetic Rejuvenation
Platelet-rich plasma is used in several ways to improve the appearance and overall vitality of the skin and stimulate hair growth of the scalp. The product can be injected beneath wrinkles, hollows, and areas of deflation, it can be applied topically in a gentle microneedling procedure and it can be injected directly into the areas of hair loss on the scalp.
The way that PRP improves texture, volume, radiance and hair growth is by inducing numerous regenerative processes. The various growth factors that exist within blood plasma provide essential proteins, electrolytes, hormones, and other nutrients to the skin and hair follicle. Proteins are integral to the formation of fibrin polymer which lays a strong foundation for firm, youthful tissue. Platelets within the plasma naturally respond to injuries in the body, prompting accelerated tissue regeneration through vascular and cellular regrowth
Process Of PRP Treatment
PRP Injections begin with a standard blood draw. The blood is then processed in a centrifuge, which takes a few minutes. Areas may be marked where injections are recommended. A small needle or cannula (similar to a needle with a blunt tip) is used to inject PRP into the desired treatment areas.
If PRP is added to Microneedling, the PRP is applied directly to the skin during the microneedling procedure and adds an additional 5-10 minutes for the blood draw and processing.
After PRP Procedure
Patients can resume normal activity immediately following their PRP procedure. Slight redness and swelling should be expected. These side effects typically disappear within the first day after treatment. Some patients notice minor bruising, which usually resolves within 1-2 weeks.
Results of PRP Treatment
Patients who undergo microneedling with PRP may notice an immediate boost in the radiance and softness of their skin. PRP injections work beneath the surface to restructure the collagen matrix in superficial tissue, so results from injections alone become more noticeable after a few weeks to a month. It typically takes several treatments, 4-6 weeks apart with injections into the skin to achieve desired results. PRP injections for hair loss typically require at least 3 treatments, 4-6 weeks apart to begin noticing results.
As Healing Mechanisms Increase, Patients Notice Improvements Such As:
- Smoother texture due to improved collagen formation.
- More radiance due to new blood vessel formation.
- Fresher, younger-looking skin due to the influx of vital nutrients.
- Improvement of hair growth, volume, quality and fullness.
Advantages Of PRP Vs. Other Injectables
Studies have indicated that patients treated with platelet-rich plasma find that their results continue to improve over time. Several months after treatment, the effects of cellular regeneration may be even more noticeable than they are right after microneedling or injections. This is because plasma stimulates cellular activity in which collagen and elastin are remodeled.
From research, we can recognize that Platelet-rich plasma progressively improves the skin while other injectables gradually degrade as the body metabolizes the foreign substance. The results of PRP treatments may continue to improve for more than a year, providing results that last up to two years or more. Furthermore, research suggests that the cellular stimulation achieved with annual PRP treatments could offset the natural degenerative aging process.
Risks Associated With PRP
An important note about PRP injections and microneedling treatments: patients should obtain care from a trained professional. While the risk of prolonged swelling and infection are very low, the manner in which treatment is performed can affect outcome. I have been educated in the safe, effective and comfortable performance of PRP treatments.
Your body has incredible regenerative power, and we know how to harness it. I am pleased to offer PRP treatments to help my patients address their cosmetic concerns.
The content of this website is for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal medical advice. Information about conditions or procedures will be formally provided for you at your appointment.
