Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP):

 

During the past several years, much has been written about a preparation called platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its potential effectiveness in the treatment of injuries.

 

Although blood is mainly a liquid (called plasma), it also contains small solid components (red cells, white cells, and platelets.) The platelets are best known for their importance in clotting blood. However, platelets also contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors which are very important in the healing of injuries.

 

PRP is plasma with many more platelets than what is typically found in blood. The concentration of platelets — and, thereby, the concentration of growth factors — can be 5 to 10 times greater (or richer) than usual.

 

To develop a PRP preparation, blood must first be drawn from a patient. The platelets are separated from other blood cells and their concentration is increased during a process called centrifugation. Then the increased concentration of platelets is combined with the remaining blood.

 

How Does PRP Work?

 

Platelets release large doses of bioactive proteins, such as growth factors responsible for attracting Macrophages, Mesenchymal stem cells, and Osteoblasts which not only promotes removal of necrotic tissue, but also enhances and is critical for tissue regeneration and repair.

 

It is during activation that the platelets successfully release their contents and begin the cascade of events that lead tothe restorationand growth of normal collagen in three separate stages: inflammation, proliferation and remodeling. From the time of platelet activation the inflammatory phase begins and can last up to three days. It is during this initial phase that all important growth factors are released. After the inflammatory phase, the influx of fibroblasts to the area of injury marks the beginning of the proliferative phase of healing. This second phase can last for weeks, during which time the fibroblasts differntiate and phase can last for weeks, during which time the fibroblasts differentiate and neo-vascularization occurs. The final stage of healing is the remodeling phase, during which the newly laid down collagen matures and strengthens. The final phase of healing can take upto one year to complete.

 

Indications for cosmetic applications:

 

• Crinkling skin aroud the eyes

• Bags and dark circles under the eyes

• Cheeks, mid-face (Malar pads, temporal areas)

• Neck

• Jaw-line

• Peri-auricular area

• Chest and Decolletage

• Back of hands and arms

• Acne and Scars

• Lips

• To stimulate hair growth on scalp and increased change of hair color from grey to black/ normal