Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
What is Platelet Rich Plasma?
Platelet Rich Plasma is a regenerative treatment derived from your own blood. The three main components of blood are red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Red blood cells are needed to transport oxygen to vital tissues in your body. White blood cells are involved in fighting infection in the body. Platelets are important for blood clotting and tissue repair after injury. Platelets are composed of proteins that act as growth factors. When the blood is concentrated in the production of platelet rich plasma, the number of growth factors is also concentrated. When these concentrated growth factors are introduced into an area of dysfunction, repair and rejuvenation occurs.
Some of the areas of the body that can be treated with PRP are:
- Joints with pain and stiffness associated with osteoarthritis
- Chronic tendonitis
- Rejuvenation of the face
- Improvement of alopecia (loss of scalp hair)
- Sexual improvement in both men and women
- Rejuvenation of the skin of the hands
Some of the benefits attained through the use of PRP for the face are a smoother skin tone, refreshed skin appearance and color due to improved circulation, and an overall more youthful appearance. The best candidate is someone with some of the early signs of the Four D’s of the aging face:
- Deflation
- Deterioration
- Descent
- Dynamic lines.
With the PRP facial rejuvenation most can expect some amount of improvement in skin texture (less deterioration), improved collagen (less droopiness and deflation) , and a lessening of wrinkles (dynamic lines) as well as less sagging (descent).
How is the Procedure Peformed?
1. A small amount of your blood is drawn from the arm
2. The blood is taken and placed in a centrifuge which will extract and concentrate the platelet rich plasma
3. Topical anesthetic is applied to the face in the areas requiring treatment
4. The PRP with concentrated growth factors is introduced into the face in the predetermined areas
5. The concentrated growth factors can then activate your stem cells to increase collagen production and improved circulation.
Here are some important facts about PRP:
The procedure is essentially pain free as topical anesthetic is used. The results can be seen immediately in some patients and continued improvement continues for two to three months for most patients. The effects of PRP are permanent, but the natural aging process continues in your body so maintenance treatments are recommended yearly. The side effects of treatment include mild swelling initially and occasional bruising. It is recommended to stop all anticoagulants including certain vitamins and herbal supplements for one week prior to your scheduled treatment.
After Treatment care for PRP includes:
1. Avoid strenuous exercise for 24 hours
2. Avoid alcohol use for 24 hours
3. Stop all anti-inflammatory medications for 14 days following the procedure
4. Avoid swimming and hot tubs for 24 hours following treatment
5. Wash face and shower as normal but avoid very hot or cold water for 24 hours.
5. Tylenol can be taken safely for pain control if present.
6. Drink plenty of water to remain hydrated
Platelet Rich Plasma for Hair Loss
The procedure for restoring growth of hair is similar to that used in facial rejuvenation. The blood is drawn and centrifuged to concentrate the growth factors and after anesthetizing the scalp in the area of desired treatment, the PRP is applied. Hair growth is usually observed in 6 to 12 weeks. Best results are obtained with a repeat treatment at 3 months and 6 months following the initial treatment. specific vitamin supplementation is also prescribed as well as low level light therapy. A customized treatment plan will be given to you based on the individual needs.
PRP for Penis rejuvenation and improving erectile dysfunction
Sexual dysfunction can be a profound problem for many patients with aging and loss of youthful hormones. Step one is always to evaluate for hormonal imbalances and vitamin deficiencies and correct these, but many individuals continue to have symptoms of sexual dysfunction despite correction of hormonal imbalances. Other confounding factors come into play including the aging circulation. Compromised vasculature has a direct negative effect on penile erection. PRP treatments can offer a significant benefit to those men who have tried everything and still have difficulty with achieving and maintaining an erection.
Some of the benefits to the use of PRP for penile rejuvenation include:
- Immediate improvement in the appearance
- Increased size and firmness
- Improved circulation over time
- Improved sensation
- Improved symptoms of erectile dysfunction
Some men will experience immediate results from one injection and most will have a gradual improvement in symptoms over several weeks. Usually one treatment is needed, however some difficult cases may require up to three injections over a 6 month period.
PRP for Vaginal Rejuvenation
PRP can also be used for Vaginal rejuvenation With aging an loss of hormone balance comes atrophy or thinning of the vaginal tissues and loss of support of the supporting structures and tissues. Many women experience painful sex and urinary incontinence with aging. The first step is to restore the hormone imbalances that come with aging to a more youthful level. Many women will continue to have some symptoms of sexual dysfunction and that can be improved with PRP for vaginal rejuvenation. The procedure is safe and involves your own blood and growth factors.
Some of the benefits of the procedure include:
- Relief of vaginal dryness
- Relief of urinary incontinence
- Improved sensation and a putting stop to painful sex
- Reversal or improvement in vaginal atrophy or thinning
- Improved ability to achieve orgasm
Some women achieve immediate results and most will have a gradual improvement in sensation over several weeks. Most women require one treatment but some may require an additional treatment to achieve the desired effect.