PRP Treatment - Benefits and Procedure

PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a treatment that involves using a concentration of a patient's own platelets to promote hair growth, tissue healing, and overall skin rejuvenation.

PRP FAQ

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What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a substance that’s thought to promote healing when injected. Plasma is a component of your blood that contains special “factors,” or proteins, that help your blood to clot. It also contains proteins that support cell growth. Researchers have produced PRP by isolating plasma from blood and concentrating it.

What is PRP & how does it work?

Researchers have produced PRP by isolating plasma from blood and concentrating it. The idea is that injecting PRP into damaged tissues will stimulate your body to grow new, healthy cells and promote healing.

When was PRP first used?

The term 'platet-rich plasma' was first used in 1954 by Kingsley and in the 1960s the first PRP blood banks were established, becoming popular by the 1970s. In the 1970s PRP was used in the field of hematology, originally for transfusions to treat thrombocytopenia. Ten years later it was used for maxillofacial surgeries.

How is PRP obtained?

PRP is obtained from the patient who is being treated. Blood is withdrawn from a vein in the patient's arm and the blood is placed in a centrifuge, a machine that spins at a high speed to separate the different types of blood cells. The physician extracts the platelet-rich portion of the blood and injects this into the area of injury.

What is a platelet rich plasma (PRP) injection?

This leaflet is for patients suitable to be treated with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections. These injections are used to treat various conditions that cause pain to some soft tissue of the body like the shoulder or the elbow. The treatment with PRP may improve your condition.

How is PRP prepared?

PRP is prepared by taking blood from the person, and then putting it through centrifugation designed to separate PRP from platelet-poor plasma and red blood cells. This is usually done by the clinic offering the treatment, using commercially available kits and equipment.

Is PRP a drug?

Since PRP is a substance derived from one’s own blood, it is not considered a drug. FDA clearance means that doctors can prescribe and administer PRP if they believe it’s in the best interest of the patient. However, lack of the FDA approval means that PRP treatments may not be covered by insurance.