Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is today’s modern approach to skin regeneration and eventual rejuvenation. It is a treatment based on the miracles of our bodies. PRP treatments use stem cells from our blood to regenerate and repair skin tissues, giving long-lasting results. Platelet-rich plasma utilizes injections containing concentrated platelets for the collagen growth process. Using our own body’s natural healing ability, practitioners can augment aesthetic treatments and increase our ability to reduce unwanted signs of aging.
Today, let us learn more about PRP or platelet-rich plasma injections, their purpose, and their effectiveness. Read until the end and discover if this treatment can also be for your skin concerns.
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma?
Platelet-rich plasma is a material that consists of two (2) elements: the liquid portion of blood called plasma and a type of blood cell called platelets that play essential roles in the healing process throughout our bodies. These platelets are well-known for their ability to help wounds clot. However, they also consist of growth factors that help trigger the process of cell reproduction, stimulating tissue regeneration. PRP is simply blood that contains more platelets than usual.
Creating platelet-rich plasma requires clinicians to take blood samples from patients and place these samples into a device called a centrifuge. With this device, the blood sample is spun rapidly, separating all blood components, including the platelets, and concentrating them within the plasma.
What are PRP Injections?
After creating platelet-rich plasma from blood samples from patients, this same solution is injected back into the targeted treatment area. This idea increases the concentration of specific bio proteins or hormones, called growth factors, within a particular area to accelerate the healing process.
The mechanism behind PRP injections has yet to be entirely understood. Research has shown that increasing the concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma can significantly help stimulate or speed up our body’s healing process. This breakthrough shortens the healing time for injuries, decreases pain, and even encourages hair growth.
The Purpose of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections
Platelet-rich plasma injections are used for various conditions, from injuries to musculoskeletal pain to cosmetic procedures. Here are a few common uses of PRP injections:
- Injuries in the tendons, ligaments, muscles, and joints
- Healing after surgery
- Osteoarthritis
- Hair loss
- Skin rejuvenation
For skin rejuvenation, PRP or also known as “vampire facials,” is sometimes used as an anti-aging treatment. Still, there is little evidence to show that platelet-rich plasma reduces wrinkles and other signs of aging. Hence, the previous reference. Concerning this subject, the following are some of the benefits one can get from PRP injections:
- Improves skin complexion
- Promotes healing
- Reduces acne scars
- Repairs deep creases
- Revitalizes sagging skin
- It takes care of wrinkles
- Requires little or no downtime!
How Do PRP Injections Work?
The Platelet-rich plasma injection begins with running several tubes of your blood through a centrifuge, separating the platelets. Once separated, the platelets are injected back into your body in the affected areas, encouraging growth factors to enhance cosmetic procedures.
Many skin clinics and med spas offer this latest regenerative medicine – injecting your blood, stimulating and increasing the cell’s production that eventually triggers collagen. PRP is also used for hair restoration and is a natural alternative to dermal fillers.
Before Getting PRP Injections
Before you get platelet-rich plasma injections, you’ll need to refrain from taking certain medications that thin your blood, like aspirin and ibuprofen. Also, you may be asked to take a breather from specific vitamins or supplements, such as omega-3 fatty acids. Your doctor can tell you precisely what needs to be done in preparation for these shots.
PRP doesn’t usually cause significant after-effects. But since it involves drawing blood, if your doctor recommends it – you’ll want to ensure you eat enough before your procedure. You can avoid feeling lightheaded when you get platelet-rich plasma injections.
After the shot, you shouldn’t wash the treated area for 48 hours. You might notice some soreness and bruises in the targeted treatment area. When you feel sharp or intense pain, let your doctor know.
The Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections
Although more studies are still needed to see what conditions PRP can work on, research has already shown that it helps speed healing after injury or surgery for specific requirements. Aside from helping heal injured tissues, experts have claimed that PRP injections help curb pain and significantly boost mobility for people with rotator cuff injuries. Platelet-rich plasma injections reduce hair loss in people with male or female pattern baldness. But it needs to be clarified whether PRP injections used on the areas of the face can ease visible signs of aging, such as wrinkles and sagging skin.
It can take several weeks before platelet-rich plasma injections start working. For some concerns, especially those affecting our skin and hair, effects may take up to six (6) months to notice the full impact. For hair loss issues, you may need to repeat procedures to maintain the results.
Potential Risks and Possible Side Effects
PRP injections are low-risk procedures and do not usually cause significant side effects. This procedure involves the drawing of blood, so make sure you are well-hydrated and have at least eaten enough food beforehand to prevent any instance of feeling lightheaded. After the platelet-rich plasma procedure, you may experience soreness and bruise at the injection site.
Since PRP injections are made up of your cells and plasma, the potential risks of allergic reactions are much lower than other injectable medications like corticosteroids. Less common risks of platelet-rich plasma injections include:
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Nerve injuries
- Tissue damage
Furthermore, when considering platelet-rich plasma injections, always discuss it with your doctor or healthcare provider, especially all the benefits and risks platelet-rich plasma procedures entail so that you can be sure of your decision.
FAQs About PRP Injections
“How often should I get PRP injections?”
Platelet-rich plasma treatments are administered through injections every three months for best results. Benefits from such care usually last nine to 18 months. Depending on aging and sun exposure, some may last as long as two years. Fillers affect each individual’s body metabolism differently, which is why they are not all the same.
“How many treatments will I need to achieve results?”
The average person requires 2-3 treatments every 4-6 weeks to achieve the best results.
“How long do PRP injection results last?”
Platelet-rich plasma results may vary per individual. Make sure to discuss everything with your practitioner, including expectations.
“What is the recovery or downtime time?”
On average, the recovery time for any PRP injection treatment is about four to six (4-6) weeks.
Final Thoughts on PRP Injections
Platelet-rich plasma injections are effective and serve their purpose based on the patient’s particular needs. You can ensure this certainty by discussing everything with your trusted skincare expert. PRP injections will work, but it will be okay if you’ll know what you’re getting into beforehand.
Do you want to experience Platelet-Rich Plasma injections? Our wonderful friends at Savvy Chic Medspa can help you today. Visit them now!
