What can PRP do? This is one question we get asked a lot. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy has rapidly become one of the best aesthetic treatments on the market. Whilst it’s most commonly known for its anti-aging benefits, PRP can be used to address several indications.
What is PRP?
Before looking at what PRP can treat, it helps to understand what the treatment involves. Unlike many other injectable treatments, PRP uses the natural components found within one’s own blood.
It harnesses your body’s healing ability, to stimulate collagen production, and restore tissue health in the affected area. Collagen is the most abundant protein found in the human body and is vital for overall skin and tissue health, helping to maintain structure.
The first step in PRP treatment involves a clinician drawing blood from a patient’s arm, like a regular blood test. The blood is collected in a specially designed and approved medical device and then spun in a high speed centrifuge to separate the red blood cells from the desired components including plasma and platelets (including their growth factors.)
These components are then drawn and injected into the target area, which in turn encourages the body to begin its natural healing process, which involves producing and signalling Fibroblasts to the affected area to repair and rebuild damaged tissue.
What can PRP do?
Besides maintaining skin health, PRP and its unique ability to stimulate collagen within the body are highly effective in treating several other ailments, including skeletal injuries.
One specific technique using PRP in skincare has been labelled the ‘Vampire Facial’ and is loved by A-List Celebrities, including the Kardashians.
As we age, the decline of collagen within the body means the skin begins to show signs of aging. For many people, this means the formation of fine lines and wrinkles, loss of youthful volume, and overall, less radiance.
In skin care, PRP can be used to help address:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Loss of volume
- Acne scarring
- Hair loss
- Skin tone and laxity
- Rosacea
- Complexion
Now, it may surprise you to learn that PRP was initially used mostly in sports science to help leading athletes recover from sports injuries.
Other uses for PRP treatments around the body include:
- Gynaecological issues to restore a healthy sex life, especially post menopause.
- Hair loss
- Tennis elbow
- Golfer’s elbow
- Early osteoarthritis
- Chronic muscle injuries
- Chronic ligament injuries (including on the knees, ankles, elbows, and wrists
- Chondral injuries
With most PRP treatments, for best results, a course of several treatments spaced evenly are recommended. In skin rejuvenation, most patients begin to see a noticeable difference slowly following treatment, but full results will take around three weeks. Patients may experience slight swelling, bruising, and tenderness around the treated area, but this will heal within a few days. This is dependent on the clinicians technique and target area.
As PRP uses no additional drugs, and only a patient’s own growth factors it is considered to be one of the safest treatments around with no downtime and little to no risk of complication or infection.
Generally speaking, PRP is safe for everybody, however, there are certain conditions that it may not be suitable for, including:
- Pregnancy
- Hepatitis C
- HIV/ AIDS
- Cancer – including active blood and skin cancers
- Cardiovascular disease, which requires blood thinning medication
For more information on PRP kits, contact RegenLab.
