Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP) otherwise known as Autologous Rejuvenation Therapy, is a form of regenerative medicine that uses your body’s own natural healing powers to slow and even reverse the aging process.
It is considered to be a natural treatment as it uses your body’s own cells rather than a synthetic substance.
PRP has become a popular treatment for many conditions in sports medicine, regenerative medicine, aesthetic medicine and hair loss treatment, as the platelets release numerous growth hormones and cytokines that can accelerate wound healing, tissue restoration and cell proliferation.
A small amount of blood, approximately 8-10ml, is taken in a similar manner as for a blood test. This is then spun in a centrifuge for a few minutes to separate the red blood cells from the platelet rich plasma. The PRP is then injected into the skin using very fine needles.
Although primarily used on the face, this procedure can be carried out anywhere on the body, including the scalp and generally on all skin types.
Platelets contain a high concentration of growth factors which help to heal injured tissue or damaged skin. When re-injected they release the growth factors triggering surrounding cells to proliferate, stimulating repair and rejuvenation. One cell that is stimulated is the fibroblast cell which is the cell type that creates collagen.
As we age, collagen, which gives skin a youthful appearance, is produced less and less, causing fine lines and wrinkles. The results of PRP therapy are gradually visible beginning a few weeks after treatment as collagen production increases.
There can be some mild discomfort due to the injection process, but this is temporary and can be minimised by the application of a numbing cream prior to the treatment.
A course of 2-3 treatments, at 4–6 week intervals, is generally recommended with results lasting up to 18 months.
This can then be maintained with one session at 3-6 month intervals.
For hair loss, 3-4 treatments are recommended, followed by maintenance treatments at 6 month intervals
There are few side effects associated with PRP. You may find some tenderness, bruising, swelling or redness associated with the injection process but this is generally short lived. A cold compress, if needed, is recommended to relieve any symptoms.
As the blood and therefore the platelets are the patient’s own, there is no risk of transmissible disease or allergic reaction.
You should not wash the treated area for 4 hours nor apply makeup that day.
Otherwise, recovery time is minimal and you can return to normal activities immediately or within a short while.
Most people are suitable candidates but there are a few exceptions.
Individuals with platelet dysfunction syndrome, thrombocytopenia, hypofibrinogenaemia, haemodynamic instability, sepsis, acute or chronic infections, chronic liver pathology, anti-coagulant therapy or anyone with unrealistic expectations. Although nicknamed the “vampire facelift”, it will not achieve the same results as a surgical facelift.
PRP has been used medically for a number of years in urology, ophthalmology, dentistry, neurosurgery, orthopaedics and sports medicine to treat muscle and ligament injuries, pain problems, skin lesions and more. It’s success in medicine has led to its development as a cosmetic procedure. It can be used to treat fine lines, wrinkles, crepey skin, mild drooping or sagging skin, to improve the appearance of dehydrated skin on the face, decolletage, backs of hands, in fact all over the body including the scalp for cases of hair loss.
