Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatment for Hair & Skin
Platelet-rich plasma therapy stands, undoubtedly, as one of the leading ways of treatment in healing and rejuvenation. PRP represents a very versatile treatment in skincare, hair restoration, and injury recovery that makes use of the natural healing processes of an individual. In today’s blog, we will explain more about the science behind PRP and how it works and what to expect from this kind of treatment.
PRP treatment is a cutting-edge treatment, where the result is achieved by using the body’s natural healing abilities by promoting tissue regeneration and repair. The treatment features using a concentrated form of blood of the patient themselves. PRP Therapy encourages tissue regeneration. Over recent years, it has become a popular choice for those who need a natural, effective alternative to synthetic treatments. From rejuvenating skin to restoring hair or even healing injuries, PRP is always a solution rooted in the body’s biology.
The Science Behind PRP
Understanding PRP therapy requires a better understanding of what platelets do in the body. Platelets are the type of blood cells whose is responsible for clotting and are crucial for the body. In case of any injury, they rush to the site, form a clot, and stop the bleeding. However, the role of platelets does not end here. But their role doesn’t end there. Platelets release growth factors that are proteins stored in the platelets that help in the healing process of tissues and organs whenever they are damaged by promoting the growth of cells, tissue repair, and regeneration.
PRP is extracted by concentrating platelets from the patient’s blood. After the concentrated platelet-rich plasma is injected into an area in need of repair, it releases a higher-than-normal concentration of growth factors, which helps enhance the healing response of the body. That is why PRP is so effective in regenerating damaged tissues and stimulating collagen production to achieve brighter-looking skin with improved texture.
What is PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy is a medical treatment that uses one’s own concentrated platelets to increase the healing of injured tissues, promote hair growth, or rejuvenate skin. This process begins with a simple blood draw, similar to a routine blood test. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge. A centrifuge is a device spinning at high speeds that separate its different components. The platelet-rich plasma; which contains a very higher concentration of the growth factors, is then extracted.
The PRP is injected into the skin area being treated where it releases growth factors that stimulate the healing process. One of the ways that PRP is safe and natural is that it is developed from a patient’s blood, such that chances of adverse reactions are bare minimum.
Natural Healing Process
What makes PRP therapy popular is its alignment with the body’s natural healing processes. As PRP treatments use what the body already produces – platelets and growth factors to promote healing. This makes PRP just as much one of the desirable treatments for natural skin rejuvenation and hair regrowth as for recovery from injuries.
When PRP is injected into the skin, PRP stimulates collagen and elastin, two very important proteins for maintaining skin tightness and elasticity. This will, in turn, reduce the appearance of wrinkles, fine lines, even out texture and tone of the skin. For hair restoration, PRP injections will stimulate follicles that are dormant, promote new hair growth, and thicken existing hair.
In injury recovery, PRP ensures quick healing processes by the body, promotes the repair of damaged tissues, and reduce inflammation. The treatment’s ability to harness the body’s own healing mechanism. This is why many athletes and individuals who have chronic pain or injuries prefer PRP as an alternative to surgery or long-term medication.
Common Applications of PRP Therapy
There are many uses of PRP therapy that makes it a versatile treatment option. Some of the uses of PRP include:
Skincare: –
PRP is used in facial rejuvenation treatment like “vampire facial”. It reduces the visibility of fine lines and added wrinkles, scars and acne by stimulating skin cells for more collagen production.
Hair restoration: –
PRP offers treatment in case of thinning of hair or loss in a patient. Injected PRP in the scalp works by stimulating the hair follicles to enable therapy for new hair growth and thickening of the already existing ones.
Joint Pain and Injury Recovery: –
With its ability to increase the production and development of new body tissues and decrease inflammation, PRP can regulate joint conditions such as osteoarthritis, tendinopathies, or even any other ligament injuries caused by inflammation.
Wound Healing: –
PRP therapy is also used to accelerate the healing of wounds, especially in patients with chronic condition like diabetes, where wound healing is likely to be delayed.
The PRP Treatment Process
The process involved in the treatment of PRP is quite simple and has a few key steps:
Blood Collection: –
This whole process initiates by collecting blood from the body of a patient, usually from the arm. It is quite similar to drawing blood for a regular test.
Centrifugation: –
The collected blood is placed in the centrifuge to separate the constituents of blood – Red Blood Cells, White Blood Cells, Plasma and Platelets.
PRP Extraction: –
The platelet-rich plasma is carefully separated from the centrifuged blood, which consists of a good number of growth factors and forms the main material for treatment.
Injection: –
The PRP is injected with a fine needle into the tissue being treated. Depending on the treatment, this could be the skin, scalp, joints, or injured tissue. Both the number of injections and amount of PRP used will vary on the condition being treated.
The entire procedure generally lasts an hour and is conducted in a clinical setting by an experienced health professional. Since PRP is self-derived, the risk of an allergic reaction or other side effect is close to nil.
What to Expect During and After Treatment
The pain or uneasiness that a patient usually experiences from the PRP therapy is very minor and easily tolerated. These minor discomforts are typically confined to the actual time of injections themselves and can best be described as very slight tingling or pressure sensations.
Duration: –
A PRP treatment session usually takes about an hour, with blood withdrawal time, preparation time, and potency determination time added to the PRP injection itself.
Pain Levels: –
Some patients may experience a mild discomfort during the injection process but it is tolerable. Applying a topical numbing cream in an area may help to minimize the little discomfort.
Recovery Time: –
The recovery time is quick with most patients resuming their duties immediately after the procedure. Although some slight swelling in that area, redness, or even bruising could be experienced, it fades away within a few days.
Possible Side Effects: –
Since PRP is derived from a patient’s own blood, side effects are at rare. However, some patients may experience mild swelling at the site of the injected material, redness, or bruising. Infection and other possible complications are almost entirely rare if treated by a qualified provider like Bioclinic.
Post-Treatment Care
After the treatment, it is necessary to adhere to some post-care instructions that is necessary for best results and a hassle-free recovery:
- Avoid strenuous exercises or activities for at least 24-48 hours after the treatment; this reduces the chances of swelling or bruising.
- If PRP for facial rejuvenation has been performed, then keep the area clean and avoid any makeup or other skincare products on the face within the first 24 hours.
- Avoid sun exposure and tanning after a PRP treatment is done.
- Keep yourself properly hydrated and drink lots of water because it will help in the healing process and provides good, healthy skin.
- The treated area should also be protected from direct sunlight and applying sunblock, mainly after any PRP treatment that is related to dermatology.
- Follow-up checks may be required to monitor the response, primarily for the treatment of hair loss and the joint. This also gives an idea if more treatments should be performed.
Conclusion
PRP therapy is one of the simplest, yet most powerful natural treatment that supports the body’s healing mechanism by promoting regeneration and repair. Whether for skincare, hair restoration, or injury recovery, PRP is considered a rather safe and effective alternative to synthetic treatments. The benefits of PRP treatment help to accelerate tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and promote natural healing.
We have a team of highly skilled and experienced medical professionals is dedicated to providing the highest standards of care. We ensure that all of our treatment is safe, effective and customized as per your requirements. We use state-of-the-art technology so that our patients get cutting-edge treatments like Botox, dermal fillers, and PRP therapy in Abu Dhabi safely and effectively.
Are you ready to unlock the benefits of PRP therapy? Visit our website or call us at +971 2 634 3966 to book an appointment with us. We will help you achieve your aesthetic and wellness goals.
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