Platelet Rich Plasma therapy can be used for a variety of purposes, which we’ll discuss below in more detail. However, the most popular use for Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is ‘PRP for hair loss rejuvenation’. This technique and cosmetic procedure involves extracting blood from the patients and then utilising growth factors inside the blood, to rejuvenate the skin.
It sounds complex (and it is) but the process and the treatment is relatively straightforward and simple for the patient. Extracting the blood will feel like having a normal blood test, and the insertion of the PRP won’t feel any different from having botox or filler injections.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy has made headlines around the world for how controversial it sounds. Interestingly, the treatment was given the nickname of the “vampire facial” which can often make the Platelet Rich Plasma therapy sound scarier than it actually is.
In fact, Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is used around the world for many different purposes. For example, it is favoured by athletes, as it can help with inflammation and injury – and speed up recovery times greatly by promoting soft tissue-healing.
As we’ve mentioned, PRP therapy is used for a variety of purposes, but whatever the purpose, the process is in three stages:
Your blood is taken from your body.
The blood is used to create Platelet Rich Plasma.
PRP is injected into the desired area.
Here are some of the ways this process is used and how it works to improve the body:
Platelet Rich Plasma therapy (or PRP for hairloss) is very popular among men, especially those who have noticed their hairline receding. The therapy for hair loss is very natural, and doesn’t involve any surgical procedures (like hair transplantation) and it also doesn’t require the addition of any pharmaceutical products.
The end result with PRP therapy for hair loss, is a very natural and subtle one – and one that doesn’t impact your life or routine hugely either. The PRP therapy procedure takes around 30-45 minutes including injections, and there is no recovery or down-time needed. You could essentially get the treatment done in your lunch break and return to work in the hour. There is no risk of allergy or rejection to the injections, as PRP is obtained from your blood, which makes the procedure extremely low risk too.
The results from Platelet Rich Plasma therapy for hair loss, are usually visible after approximately 3 weeks but it’s recommend for optimum results that patients have 2-3 sessions, usually 4-6 weeks apart. The final results can last for as long as 18 months. This can vary from patient to patient, but most people see such great results, that it becomes part of their cosmetic routine.
Here is generally how the appointment will be scheduled:
Your skin will be cleansed and disinfected
Topical numbing cream will be used to ensure comfort, it takes about 10 minutes to work
Ice pack and Arnica cream will be used to minimise bruising
Procedure takes around 30-45 minutes on average
PRP can also be used as an injectable into the face to promote healing and improve skin texture. This treatment, which has been nicknamed ‘Dracula therapy’ or a ‘vampire facelift’ is hugely popular as a low risk, effective facial option.
The platelets in the plasma from your blood, contain large numbers of growth factors, which can help speed up healing, and help fill in wrinkles, improve skin texture, improve aged skin, and even improve fine lines and wrinkles too.
As with the hair loss treatment, your blood is drawn like how it would in a normal blood test, and then it will be spun in a centrifugation system to separate the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the other blood elements. This is then injected back into the desired areas.
The platelets in the blood that is taken from the patient during Platelet Rich Plasma therapy have extremely beneficial qualities for medical uses too. This treatment has been used in sporting industries for years, and many elite athletes swear by PRP therapy, as the key to their healing and recovery.
Some of the medical benefits of platelets are:
To promote blood clotting so that a person does not bleed for as long is cut or injured.
To contain proteins in the blood that assist wounds to heal.
According to athletes and their doctors, injecting troublesome areas with Platelet Rich Plasma can help tackle inflammation, areas of inflammation whilst also encouraging wounds and tissue to heal quicker.
There aren’t really any side-effects from PRP therapy. The most notable ones would just be side-effects from having blood taken, or having injections (which you would find with many cosmetic treatments). These can include discomfort during the injection, local bruising, redness, mild swelling, You may also experience localised itchiness and there may be a small risk of wound infection.
These side effects aren’t unique to Platelet Rich Plasma therapy, and will just depend on how well your body copes with needles and injections.
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