PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)
PRP for Health and Beauty
The use of platelet rich plasma (PRP) for the treatment of a variety of medical conditions is rapidly gaining popularity. The applications range from accelerating healing to several cosmetic treatments. Human blood is made up of two main elements- plasma or the liquid portion and platelet which are the blood cells that play a vital role in healing the body. Platelets contain growth factors that cause healing, tissue regeneration and cell reproduction. PRP is plasma that has a higher than normal amount of platelets.
This is achieved by removing a small amount of blood from the patient and placing it into a centrifuge that spins the blood at high speed causing the platelets to separate from the other components of the blood and concentrating them in the plasma. Once the PRP solution is ready, it is injected into that part of the body that requires treatment. The PRP stimulates the metabolism so that it becomes more efficient in reaping damage that has resulted from natural ageing or environmental factors.
Because the treatment uses a patient’s own tissue, PRP injections are safe. They can be administered either alone or used in conjunction with other therapies.
PRP for Hair Regrowth
Hair loss is a problem for both men and women. While hair loss is natural with advancing years, especially among men, it can happen to anyone at any age. The possible reasons for this to happen are many, ranging from the natural male pattern baldness in men to the consequence of disease or injury or been the side effects of medical treatment. Hair loss is a common side effect of chemotherapy treatment for cancer.
Alopecia, or hair loss, can have a huge impact on a person’s self confidence and this, in turn, may impact every aspect of his or her life from social, professional, family and other interactions. In the past, the treatment options included hair transplants (which were often not successful) and the use of strong prescription drugs, which also has limited success. Home treatments and so-called natural cures for baldness never produce results. The use of wigs was, and still remains an option for those for whom no other option was available. However, wigs are not a cure – they only hide the baldness, and the fact that they are being used is often very noticeable, thereby defeating the whole purpose.
PRP offers a non-surgical way to treat hair loss. It is a a 3 step process that uses the patient’s own cells to safely and effectively promote hair growth. It is important to note that PRP is not a new therapy, it has been used for many years to treat injuries before its efficacy as a hair loss treatment was discovered. When PRP is injected into the scalp, it stimulates the scalp to increase hair growth. Blood supply to the hair follicles is also increased, resulting in an increase in hair thickness.
PRP therapy for hair loss is done in 3 stages:
1. A small amount of blood is drawn, usually from the arm. The amount is so small that patients do not notice its loss.
2. The blood is placed into a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets in the plasma.
3. The PR is injected into specific areas of the scalp to promote hair growth.
PRP is a simple, safe, effective and economical way to promote hair regrowth and increase thickness. There is little or no downtime involved and the procedure is an outpatient one so you can return home after it is over. 4 to 6 sittings are typically required to produce optimum results after which maintenance treatments may be required every few months.
PRP Facial Rejuvenation
PRP facial rejuvenation is an advanced skincare treatment that uses your body’s own power to repair and rejuvenate your skin. The platelet rich plasma is either injected into the skin at specific depths, depending on your aesthetic needs or placed on your face to allow the skin to absorb it. The benefits of PRP facial rejuvenation include:
- Increased collagen production: Collagen is a protein that gives skin its elasticity and firmness. After the age of 25, the production of collagen reduces, causing the skin to show signs of ageing. When PRP is injected into or absorbed by the skin, it stimulates the production of collagen which will result in firmer tighter skin with more elasticity.
- Reduction in lines and wrinkles: As the skin ages and loses its elasticity, the loss of flexibility results in the skin not being able to return to its relaxed state after the normal stretching movements it is subjected to. Over time, this causes fine (and later deeper) lines to form and wrinkles to develop. PRP injections increase the elasticity and firmness of the skin causing the lines and wrinkles to fill out and disappear.
- Tighter and firmer skin: As you age, your skin starts to sag and some parts like the lips and cheeks become thin and gaunt. PRP plumps up the skin, reducing the sagging. It can also bring body and fullness back to the lips and cheeks.
- Increased moisture retention: The stronger and thicker the skin is, the better the inner layers are protected from outside irritants. The strong skin also becomes a barrier that helps to retain moisture keeping the skin from becoming dry.
- Open pores: PRP has a confusing effect. It makes the pores appear small, to give the skin an even texture and feel. However, it actually works to unclog the pores, allowing the free flow of natural oils and improving the absorption of moisturizers and other skin supplements.
- Better skin tone: PRP causes the generation of new skin cells. These cells will replace the old ones that are there at scars, injury and stretch marks or where the skin tone and texture are poor. This will improve the skin tone and reduce the appearance of any flaws.
- It is safe: Since PRP involves the reapplication of your own cells, there is no danger of infection or rejection.
- It is painless: PRP treatment may involve injections, but these are almost completely painless so the treatment does not cause any pain or discomfort.
- It is quick: The total time required for a PRP sitting will depend on the amount of treatment required, but it is rarely more than 1 hour.
- The results are lasting: Unlike many other aesthetic treatments which have to be repeated every few weeks or months, the effects of PRP facial rejuvenation last much longer, often up to a year or two.