Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that uses a person’s blood platelets to stimulate collagen production. PRP can be used to trigger natural growth factors that your body uses to heal tissues. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is often considered next-generation PRP and uses different harvesting techniques to prioritize extracting the fibrin and concentrating its healing and immune effects. Both can be especially helpful when it comes to injury.
PRP can be used to address aesthetic concerns such as:
Lines and wrinkles
Scars
Hyperpigmentation
Sun damage
Uneven skin texture
And more
Who is a Candidate for PRP or PRF?
Healthy individuals who are looking to rejuvenate their complexion or treat certain injuries can often benefit from this treatment. However, there are some who should not undergo this procedure, including those who are pregnant or breastfeeding, have a severe skin condition, or have a blood clotting condition. If you are interested in learning more about if PRP can benefit you, contact VitaLab today to schedule a consultation appointment.
The Treatment
To begin the treatment process, a small amount of your blood will be drawn from your arm. Then your blood will be placed into a machine called a centrifuge, which will spin to separate the protein-rich- plasma and/or fibrin from the rest of the elements of the blood. Platelets are then extracted, and the sample is concentrated, creating what is called platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or platelet-rich fibrin (PRF).
Next, PRP/PRF can either be used for aesthetic outcomes or regenerative results. For aesthetic purposes, the PRP will be spread onto your face, and microneedling will be performed to help your face absorb the proteins. To execute microneedling, a special pen-like tool with many small needles on the end will be moved across the skin, creating micro-wounds. These micro-wounds stimulate the body’s natural healing response, kick-starting the creation of collagen as well. Overall, this combined procedure encourages cell turnover for tighter, smoother, fuller skin.
In cases where PRP/PRF is being used for regenerative purposes, it is injected directly into the injured ligament, muscle, joint, tendon, or intravenously to promote healing.
Recovery
Generally, recovery time for PRP injections is about 4-6 weeks while recovery from aesthetic PRP is about one week. Temporary redness, swelling, or tenderness at the treatment site may occur. It may take several weeks to months to see full results. Repeated treatments are usually recommended for the best results. It is important to follow Dr. Oberg’s specific aftercare instructions, including using a daily moisturizer with SPF to keep the skin protected.
Schedule Your Appointment
To learn more about the powerful rejuvenating powers of PRP and how it can benefit you, please contact VitaLab today to schedule a consultation appointment.
Can PRP grow new hair?
PRP treatments are often used for hair restoration. PRP concentrates growth factors and cytokines that stimulate the hair follicles, improve the blood supply to the hair follicle, and promote healing. Typically 2-6 treatments are given 4-6 weeks apart, depending on the severity of hair loss.
Can PRP injections heal a torn rotator cuff?
Platelet Rich Plasma can be an effective cellular therapy for orthopedic injuries like rotator cuff tears. It works by stimulating progenitor cells and signal proteins to modulate the repair and regeneration process. Regeneration and repair typically begin within (10) days but the healing process takes time and a full 4-6 weeks should be allowed after the injections. However, actual results depend on individual factors such as how long the tear has been present, how bad it is, and whether the person has good quality platelets.
Can PRP regenerate cartilage?
PRP does have catabolic properties because of the growth factors it contains. Cartilage injuries vary in severity and often involve inflammation as well. PRP will help reduce the inflammation and stimulate regeneration, which may decrease the pain and severity of degenerative joint disease. If you wish to read more about the scientific studies which have investigated PRP for cartilage regeneration, read this: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6220001/
Does insurance cover PRP injections?
No, PRP injections not covered by insurance. However if you have an HSA or FSA account, you may be able to pay for PRP injections with funds from those accounts.
Does platelet rich plasma contain stem cells?
PRP is distinct from stem cell therapy. Platelet Rich Plasma contains growth factors and cytokines from your own blood and, by definition, does not contain many cells. The factors in PRP stimulate your bodys own healing and regeneration processes. If you wish to read more about the differences between PRP and stem cell therapy, this research review provides details: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6306612/
Does platelet rich plasma therapy help arthritis?
PRP is commonly used for osteoarthritis of the knees, shoulders, elbows, and more. The cytokines and growth factors in PRP reduce inflammation, stimulate new blood flow, and promote healing. The actual outcome of PRP depends on individual factors, such as the extent of damage and other chronic conditions. Talk to our experts to find out if the treatment is right for you.
How long should you wait between PRP injections?
Generally, treatments are given 4-6 weeks apart, allowing for the bodys natural healing processes to be activated before repeating the procedure.
How many PRP treatments are needed?
For best results, we recommend 3 treatments, however, results can be seen in fewer or may require longer. For conditions like skin regeneration and reducing fine lines and wrinkles, 2-3 treatments may be needed. Hair restoration typically requires 3-6 treatments, depending on the extent of hair loss. Joint injuries may improve after 1-2 treatments. However, every individual is slightly different.
What are the benefits of platelet rich plasma?
Platelet rich plasma is a beneficial therapy for stimulating tissue repair, regeneration, and healing. Because it is derived for the persons own blood, it is simple and efficient to deliver. PRP stimulates new collagen production, reduces inflammation, and promotes healing (reducing scars, hyperpigmentation, wrinkles).
What are the risks of PRP?
As with any therapy, there are potential risks. The risks of PRP include pain, irritation, or infection at the site of needle penetration (either withdrawing blood or injecting PRP). Overall, PRP is well tolerated.
What should I do after PRP treatment?
After treatment, youll want to leave the area alone so the healing can occur. If skin is treated, avoid rubbing or irritating the area. A moisture barrier may be applied to protect the skin for the first 6 hours. For hair restoration treatments, one should avoid washing the hair (and washing away the platelets) for at least 24 hours. It is best NOT to ice or take anti-inflammatories such as NSAIDS as these will decrease the healing immune response.
Where does platelet rich plasma come from?
Platelet rich plasma is concentrated from a persons own blood. An amount of blood is withdrawn with a needle (the same way it is for lab tests). It is then spun down and activated according to protocols that result in the correct isolation and concentration of platelets and growth factors. These active factors are then drawn into a fresh syringe, leaving the cells behind, and injected into the prepared area.
Who can legally inject PRP?
PRP can only be injected by licensed doctors and nurses who have the appropriate doctors supervision.
Who can perform PRP facial?
PRP can only be injected by licensed doctors and nurses who have the appropriate doctors supervision.
Is it OK to ice after PRP injection?
It is best to avoid icing after PRP. We want to support the mild, temporary, inflammatory process because that is a sign the immune system has been stimulated to repair and regenerate the treated area.
Naturopathic medicine is a specific system of medicine that combines natural therapeutic practices with modern science to achieve optimal health. Licensed Naturopathic Doctors (NDs)…
