Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a substance that’s thought to promote healing when injected. Plasma is a component of your blood that contains special “growth factors,” or proteins, that help your body promote healing. It also contains proteins that support cell growth to help repair damaged tissues. Clinicians are able to produce PRP by isolating the plasma which contains several types of growth factors from blood and concentrating it. This is accomplished through a small blood and takes about 12 minutes to isolate platelet rich plasma.
The idea is that injecting PRP into damaged tissues will stimulate your body to grow new, healthy cells and promote healing. By concentrating growth factors physicians are able to utilize PRP to target the body’s various tissues help patients heal faster.
There are several appealing aspects of PRP treatment, including:
Clinicians use PRP injections across a number of applications. Examples of these include:
It’s important to note that none of these uses have been definitively proven to provide results.
There are more than 30 bioactive proteins contained in platelets, each with a certain capacity to heal tissue. Additionally, platelets secrete several growth factors, which trigger wound healing responses. Some of the proteins that are contained in PRP encourage cells to tether to one another, further supporting an optimal healing response. By introducing PRP into an area that has not been wounded, we encourage a cascade of regenerative processes that are intensified several times over. An example of what PRP does in the skin or other area is to decrease the number of inflammatory cells and enhance cellular growth while simultaneously activating the rebuilding of soft tissue or bone.
The regenerative qualities of PRP are well-suited to early hair loss. Introducing platelets into the scalp or other areas in which hair is thinning stimulates a vascular response in which circulation to dormant hair follicles increases. The numerous healing proteins in PRP also energize “lazy” hair follicles to engage in a stronger active growth phase.
Like male pattern baldness, there is a genetic factor for some women who experience hair loss. This is referred to as androgenetic alopecia, or female-pattern baldness. This condition can be seen in family lines and may begin at any time in a woman’s life, starting in adolescence. In female-pattern baldness, hair loss occurs as diffuse thinning.
An additional reason for hair loss in women is traumatic alopecia, which is related to hairstyling. This type of alopecia may result from chemicals in hair dyes or straighteners or from excessive heat or styles that are extraordinarily tight and pull on the hair.
Male pattern baldness, referred to as androgenetic alopecia, is a genetic condition that is passed down from a parent. Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss for men.
Both men and women may experience hair loss due to other factors, including:
PRP may be an ideal treatment for those who have begun to notice poor quality hair growth but who still have functioning hair follicles. The PRP procedure may also be beneficial for individuals with bald spots caused by alopecia areata.
In the same way that platelet-rich plasma can stimulate hair follicles, it can encourage more youthful behavior in the skin. There are two common techniques used for PRP facial rejuvenation. One is to combine platelets with a microneedling technique and the other is to inject PRP as its own type of dermal filler.
The various dermatologic processes that keep the skin looking young are enhanced by PRP. This can improve radiance, volume, and texture over time. The proteins contained in platelets assist in the regeneration of the fibrin polymer matrix in the skin. The substance promotes increased circulation and also feeds the skin with electrolytes and healing growth factors.
Generally speaking, there are few steps to preparing for PRP injections. Basic preparation includes a venous blood draw consisting of approximately 10ml-60ml of blood. This specimen is then centrifuged to separate the plasma and various blood components. This blood collection is performed utilizing sterile kits to minimize the potential for any infections.
Here’s what to expect from a typical PRP injection process:
A healthcare professional will draw a sample of your blood. The amount of the sample depends on the procedure and where the PRP will be injected. The blood is placed into a centrifuge. This is a machine that spins around very quickly, causing the blood components to separate. The separation process takes approximately 10-15 minutes.
A technologist then takes the separated plasma and prepares it for injection into the affected area. Doctors will often use imaging, such as ultrasound, to pinpoint specific areas for injection, such as the tendon. Your doctor will then inject the PRP into the affected area.
Each treatment can take between 1 and 1 ½ hours. This accounts for the application of topical anesthetic, if needed, the collection of blood product and processing of the blood to obtain PRP, and the treatment itself.
PRP treatments may begin with the application of a topical numbing medication. This occurs approximately 30 minutes before microneedling or injections are administered. By the time we commence with treatment, the area is desensitized and should feel only minor sensations, if any.
PRP can be injected in different ways. For example, PRP is utilized for musculoskeletal injuries, soft tissue injuries, hair restoration, facial rejuvenation, as well as sexual dysfunction conditions. Pain thresholds vary amongst patient depending on the application but typically patients experience very little discomfort from the PRP. Sometimes a topical numbing lidocaine solution is applied to a patients treatment area before injection to reduce discomfort. Other times, a local anesthetic is mixed with the PRP to reduce any discomfort.
When PRP is injected following injury, your doctor may recommend that you rest the affected area. However, these recommendations are more related to the injury and less to the PRP injections. Most people can continue their daily activities following PRP injections.
It’s typical that multiple treatments will be necessary to receive complete benefits. For most aesthetic treatments 3-6 treatments are typically necessary over the course of several months. Your physician will evaluate and recommend a customized program tailored to you individual needs.
According to the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, very few insurance plans will provide any reimbursement for PRP injections. The costs must largely be paid out-of-pocket. The costs can also vary from location to location and on how the injections are used. Some of the reported costs nationwide include the following:
ABC News 7 in San Francisco reports PRP treatments for hair loss cost $900 for one treatment with one vial of PRP. There usually discounted treatments when purchased as a package.
The Washington Post reports that knee injections of PRP can cost anywhere from $500 to $1,200 per treatment.
Insurance companies consider PRP an experimental treatment. More scientific research will have to conclude its effectiveness before it is more widely covered.
Because PRP involves injecting a substance into the skin, there are potential side effects. PRP is autologous, which means that it comes directly from your own body and there is no chance of rejection.
However, there are risks from the injection itself, including:
You should discuss these potential risks with your doctor, as well as the steps your doctor will take to minimize these risks.
Dr. Nasra believes quality healthcare needs to be given to anyone, regardless of who they are. We value a comprehensive approach to LGBTQ patient care where we aim to provide quality, evidence-based healthcare that comes from a non-judgemental, and open-minded approach. We strive to maintain a safe, stigma-free and welcoming space for every patient.
To learn more about PRP please contact our office today at (732) 838-3500 to schedule an appointment. Our practice serves Little Silver, NJ and the surrounding areas.
