Your blood contains several components, including plasma. Plasma has special factors called platelets that promote blood clotting and cell growth. PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is simply a concentrated solution of platelets made from your own blood. To create PRP, your dermatologist begins by drawing a small amount of your blood. A centrifuge spins that blood at a high rate of speed, causing its components to separate into layers. The portion containing plasma and platelets is carefully removed and prepared for injection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is PRP therapy?
Your blood contains several components, including plasma. Plasma has special factors called platelets that promote blood clotting and cell growth. PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is simply a concentrated solution of platelets made from your own blood.
To create PRP, your dermatologist begins by drawing a small amount of your blood. A centrifuge spins that blood at a high rate of speed, causing its components to separate into layers. The portion containing plasma and platelets is carefully removed and prepared for injection.
How does PRP therapy work?
The power of PRP therapy lies in its concentration of platelets. PRP injections contain between 2.5-9 times more platelets than normal blood. When PRP is reintroduced to your body, those cells work to stimulate cell growth and healing in the targeted areas.
One of the benefits of this therapeutic approach is the fact that PRP is made entirely from your own blood. That means your body is able to accept the injections with no risk of rejection. It also reduces the risk of infection or side effects that can occur with many other injectable treatments.
What’s a PRP facial?
A PRP facial is another way platelet-rich plasma can deliver impressive results by stimulating cell regeneration. The process begins with a blood draw and preparation of your PRP solution.
Next, your dermatologist uses a special medical device to create hundreds of micro-injuries in your facial skin. A numbing cream helps you stay comfortable during the procedure.
Finally, the prepared PRP solution is carefully applied to the surface of your skin. The micro-punctures allow the platelet-rich plasma to reach deep into your skin’s layers where it works to stimulate healing and cell regeneration. The end result is increased collagen growth and improvement in the appearance of fine lines, wrinkles, acne, and scarring.
To learn more about how PRP therapy is used in hair-loss treatments or PRP facials, schedule a consultation with Elite Dermatology.
How can PRP therapy help treat hair loss?
Several studies suggest PRP injections can slow hair loss and prompt your body to generate new hair growth. Researchers believe the healing properties of PRP reduce inflammation, a known cause of some types of hair loss.
PRP therapy might also work to stimulate new hair growth. In fact, studies show moderate to significant increases in hair growth in the months following PRP therapy, and additional research is underway to learn more about this exciting therapeutic option.
