PRP: how platelet-rich plasma therapy works
Scars? Knee fractures? Baldness? Today it is possible to treat these problems thanks to a "single solution: PRP, or Plasma Rich in Platelets. This substance, obtained by taking our blood, is able to bring enormous benefits to the body, without forcing us to excessively painful interventions. or invasive. In this article we explain everything there is to know about it!
Before reading, watch this video and find out how to start taking care of your skin from the inside!
What is PRP?
The expression PRP is an acronym that stands for Platelet Rich Plasma, also known in the scientific community as platelet gel or platelet jelly. It is a particular type of plasma which, subjected to a centrifugation and separation process, is richer in platelets than normal blood.
Today this substance finds its use in aesthetics and medicine and, in particular, is used in the treatment of baldness, cellular aging and orthopedic injuries. These problems are treated by the injection of PRP, obtained by taking a tube of blood from the patient who decides to undergo the process. For this reason, we speak of autologous platelets, that is, coming from the body of the subject to which they will then be injected during treatment. Plasma Rich in Platelets is particularly beneficial because it contains a high concentration of growth factors, i.e. proteins that are able to stimulate cell regeneration, speed up the healing process of the injured parts and reactivate stem cells present in the scalp, thus promoting hair growth.
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What is it for?
Following the results of several studies, it was clear that there are many uses and benefits associated with a treatment such as PRP. Let's see the three main ones:
Hair: One use of PRP undoubtedly concerns trichology. As highlighted above, the platelet concentrate present in this plasma and the high presence of growth factors help those suffering from baldness to slow down hair loss, allowing the latter to start growing again. When it comes to hair, a distinction must first be made between two different types of alopecia: androgenetic alopecia, due to an excess of androgens, and alopecia areata, caused by autoimmune reactions of the body that weaken the hair follicle, causing loss patchy. Then, thanks to the PRP injections on the scalp, to be carried out at a distance of 1 cm from each other, it is possible to stop hair loss. PRP, in fact, acts directly on the problem, reactivating the quiescent stem cells at the origin of the thinning of the hair, thus promoting growth and making the shaft stronger and more robust. Sometimes, it is advisable to undergo this therapy following the autotransplantation so that the platelets can stimulate the healing of the treated tissues and enhance the efficiency of the bulbs.
Skin: some patients decide to have the Platelet Rich Plasma injected from their blood to improve the quality of their tissues and, therefore, for an aesthetic reason. A PRP-based therapy, in fact, is able to heal wounds faster and is used for the treatment of scars, including and especially those due to acne, and other skin diseases such as psoriasis. In addition, the use of Platelet Rich Plasma is an excellent ally to counteract skin aging and ensure a younger looking skin.
Orthopedics: PRP infiltrations are also useful from an orthopedic point of view, especially when dealing with knee or tendon injuries. Usually, the Platelet Rich Plasma, combined with a local anesthetic, helps to soothe the pain and inflammation of the area affected by the lesion and accelerate the wound healing process following the surgery.
How does it work?
Before the actual session, the doctor responsible for the intervention proceeds with the blood sampling from the patient who will undergo the therapy. The test tube is taken to the laboratory where, thanks to a special centrifuge, it is centrifuged. Immediately afterwards, the PRP is extracted using a sterile syringe, which is thus isolated from the rest of the blood. At this point, the Platelet Rich Plasma is ready to be injected into the affected areas. In this regard, a recommendation is necessary: if you decide to use this system, be sure to go to authorized medical centers, where you can count on the expertise and training of specialists in the field.
Does it have any contraindications?
PRP is a safe treatment with no contraindications. The fact that the plasma is autologous and, therefore, derived from the patient's own blood, does not expose him to any risk of rejection, disease or other infections. In any case, it is not recommended for those suffering from coagulation disorders, blood cancers or other diseases of which to inform the specialist who will carry out the therapy.
What happens after the injections?
The operation is minimally invasive and does not provide for any limitations. Immediately after the infiltrations, in fact, the patient can return to his usual life. Having said that, in the hours following the intervention, it is advisable that the person in question avoids applying cosmetics on the skin and exposure to sunlight.
Is it effective?
Generally, Protein Rich Plasma turns out to be quite valid in the treatment of certain problems, but its effectiveness depends on several factors, such as:
- the area of the body where the injections will be given
- the state of health of the subject undergoing the treatment
- the extent of the injury to be treated
How many PRP sessions are needed?
Again, there is no single answer. The amount of sessions necessary for the PRP to have its effect always depends on the variables listed above.
How much does the treatment cost?
The price of PRP therapy may vary at the discretion of the medical center to which it is addressed. In general, the cost of a single session is around 250 euros.
