PRP is procedure in which patient’s blood is processed to make platelets rich plasma that is then injected locally into patient to treat different problems
PROCEDURE

PRP injections are prepared by drawing blood from the patient’s vein, transferred into a few tubes with an anticoagulant and then the sample is spun to centrifuge.by centrifuging red cells are separated from blood and it concentrates the platelets. These activated platelets are then injected directly into patients’ injured or diseased body tissue. This releases growth factors that stimulate and increase the number of reparative cells your body produces.                  

HAIR GROWTH

 Patients with hair fall or having decreased hair density can benefit from PRP injections. It is effective in treating androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness). 

Patient’s blood is drawn, processed and then injected into the areas of the scalp that have decreased hair growth .PRP accelerates the hair growth by activating hair follicles. Procedure needs local anesthesia and multiple sessions are needed to get desired results. PRP can be used post hair transplant. 

SKIN REJUVENATION   

PRP is commonly used to treat skin aging .It helps in reducing fine lines and wrinkles by stimulating collagen production and cell migration. Thus it improves skin quality giving a young looking face.  Multiple sessions are required to give skin a better texture and tone.                                                                                                   

SCARS

PRP can improve the quality of atrophic, depressed acne scars either alone or along with its treatment with ablative fractional CO2 laser. It decreases the duration of laser-related side effects including edema and erythema. Regarding surgical scars, PRP may improve wound healing and early scar quality, texture, color and contour in scar resurfacing.

CHRONIC NON HEALING WOUND

Chronic wounds are characterized by a prolonged inflammatory phase, involving a continuous destruction of matrix proteins and growth factors. PRP stimulates the body to grow new and healthy cells. It is rich in growth factors and growth factors promote cell migration, proliferation, and differentiation, which are essential for wound healing. Role of PRP in chronic leg ulcers has been established.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

1. Who is the best candidate for PRP in hair restoration? 

The best candidates are people who have only recently begun to lose hair.  PRP won’t work for anyone who’s completely bald and it won’t completely regrow all lost hair.

When will I get results of PRP in hair loss

Mostly 6 -12 months

2. Can PRP injection cause allergies?

PRP is extracted from a patient’s own blood so it can not cause allergic reaction.

3. How many sessions will I need for complete treatment?

There is not a single answer to this question. Number of sessions depends on the area involved in the case of hair restoration. In treating scars or wounds it depends on severity and chronicity of wound or scar.

4. Who should avoid getting this treatment?

Patients with following problems should not undergo PRP therapy

• Severe anemia
• Low platelet count
• Abnormal platelet function
• Active systemic infection
• Patients on blood thinners

• Is PRP painful?

Local anesthesia is either locally applied or injected to reduce pain.

 

Written by :  Dr. Yusra Afzal
Copyrights: Pakistan association of Plastic Surgeons