Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is collected from a patient’s own blood sample that is centrifuged to create a high concentration of platelets in a small amount of plasma. Platelets are made in the bone marrow and play an important role in blood coagulation. In recent years, scientists have discovered that platelets contain different factors (growth factors, cytokines) that also assist in inflammation, neovascularization, stem cell migration, and cell proliferation.
PRP injections have frequently been used in musculoskeletal injuries. It has grown in popularity in this field as it increases the necessary blood and nutrients needed to regenerate damaged tissue. Besides orthopedics, PRP injections have also been used in fields such as ophthalmology, pediatrics, gynecology, urology, cardiac surgery, dermatology, and plastic surgery.
In aesthetic medicine, it has been shown that PRP is effective in increasing collagen and elastin production which can improve the overall quality of the skin. Topical application, skin injections, or a combination of both PRP applications have been used for patients with facial wrinkles, sun damaged skin, atrophic acne scars, and depressed skin. Studies have shown that patients who received PRP treatment for these concerns noted a general improvement within weeks of their initial treatment. PRP can also be injected into sites such as the nasolabial folds, supraorbital grooves, forehead, temple, and glabella. However, PRP alone is not as effective in addressing deeper wrinkles in comparison to filler.
It is important to discuss with an experienced medical provider if PRP injections or topical application is the right option for you.
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