PRP treatment (Platelet Rich Plasma) is based on the enrichment of one’s own blood with platelets and injection into the problem area. Although PRP is a treatment whose popularity has increased in recent years, it is actually a treatment method that has been used in many fields of medicine for 30 years.
The treatment, which is used in branches of medicine such as physical therapy, dermatology and orthopedics, was born from the ability of the human body to renew and repair itself. Although it is popularly known as stem cell therapy, it is a rich platelet therapy. Although platelets work indirectly with stem cells, it is not correct to call the treatment stem cell therapy.
In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the intricacies of PRP, its benefits, procedures, conditions it can treat and potential side effects.
What is PRP?
PRP is a concentrated plasma obtained from the patient’s blood. 8-20 cc of blood taken from the patient is transferred into a special tube containing heparin and separating gelatin. The heparin in the tube prevents the blood from coagulating (clotting).
The separating gelatin ensures that the layers are separated and do not mix with each other. This special tube is placed in a centrifuge and subjected to a separation and platelet enrichment process lasting approximately 20 minutes.
When the tube is removed from the centrifuge, the patient’s blood is 4-7 times richer in platelets. The intensely separated platelets are mixed with platelet activator to allow them to empty their contents in the area where they are injected.
Plasma rich in platelets, leukocyte cells, cytokine cells and growth factors is injected into the area where the problem to be treated is located. As a result of the treatment, repair and healing processes are initiated for tissues damaged for various reasons.
How to Enrich Platelets?
Our blood has three main blood cell lines: white blood cells, red blood cells and platelets. Red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to your organs, white blood cells are responsible for fighting infection and platelets are responsible for clotting your blood when bleeding occurs in your body.
Platelets also contain growth factors that control many cell functions, stimulate cell growth, prevent cell death, promote wound healing and produce new collagen.
How is PRP Applied?
Blood (between 8-20 cc) is taken from the patient with skin or hair problems and the rich plasma is separated in a centrifuge. The serum prepared from the healthy blood cells obtained as a result of the separation process is injected into the problem areas of the person and the serum is spread under the skin.
Although PRP is generally preferred for skin problems; it is actually a miraculous method that can also be applied for healthy hair. PRP applied to the scalp strengthens and protects your hair as well as eliminating the problem of hair loss.
PRP Procedures
PRP treatment involves a series of steps to ensure proper preparation and administration of the PRP solution.
The general procedure includes:
- Blood sampling: A small sample of the patient’s blood is taken, typically from the arm.
- Processing: The collected blood is placed in a centrifuge and spun at high speeds to separate platelets from other blood components.
- Concentration: The separated platelets are concentrated to obtain a PRP solution with a higher platelet count.
- Activation (optional): Sometimes, the PRP solution can be activated to release growth factors before it is administered to the patient.
- Administration: Once the PRP solution is prepared, it is injected directly into the targeted area or applied topically, depending on the condition being treated.
Conditions that PRP Can Treat
PRP therapy has shown promising results in treating a variety of conditions, including
Orthopedic Injuries
PRP can treat tendonitis, ligament sprains, muscle strains and osteoarthritis. It helps to reduce pain, improve joint function and enhance tissue repair.
Hair Loss
PRP can stimulate hair follicle growth, increase hair thickness and improve hair density, making it an effective treatment option for individuals with androgenic alopecia.
The PRP treatment is administered once a month for three months and is injected into areas where hair is thinning and follicles are weakened. The procedure does not cause any pain or scars after the procedure, and repeating it once a year ensures the continuity of the successful result.
Hair Transplantation
PRP therapy-assisted hair transplantation accelerates the healing process of wounds and scabs caused by the operation. It strengthens the existing hair and accelerates the process of new hair production and growth of the transplanted hair follicles. PRP-hair transplantation combination ensures that hair follicles that have lost their ability to produce quality hair because they have lost their healthy structure become stronger.
PRP treatment can be used in 3 ways in hair transplantation. The first method is injection into the scalp as in hair loss treatment. The second method is to keep the collected hair follicles in platelet-rich plasma while waiting for transplantation. In this way, the roots are kept in natural root stimulants and continue to receive oxygen and nutrients. The third method is washing the collected grafts with PRP solution.
Skin Care
PRP can be combined with micro-needling or applied topically to increase collagen production, reduce fine lines and wrinkles and improve skin texture and tone.
Although platelets are the building blocks of the blood cells in our body, they cannot prevent the signs of aging or the changes in our skin over time due to their density. Concentrated platelet therapy, which is enriched and concentrated in platelets, repairs the damages on the skin with its revitalizing and structuring effect.
The repaired skin regenerates and rejuvenates, regains a brighter and healthier appearance. With 3 or 4 sessions of PRP treatment applied at 3-week intervals, the skin is restructured, repaired and rejuvenated. As of the first session, it can be clearly observed that wrinkles are reduced and the dry and dull appearance of the skin disappears. A much longer lasting rejuvenating effect can be achieved with PRP treatment repeated every year.
PRP treatment can be combined with procedures such as dermapen, peeling or laser spot treatment. Combination treatments provide faster results and the effect lasts longer.
Dental Procedures
PRP can help bone grafting and implant procedures by promoting faster healing and reducing the risk of infection.
Benefits of PRP
The range of advantages offered by PRP therapy has made it a sought-after treatment option in various fields of medicine.
Some of the notable advantages of PRP are:
- Accelerated healing: The regenerative properties of PRP can significantly speed up the healing process by promoting tissue repair and reducing inflammation.
- Non-surgical approach: PRP is a minimally invasive treatment option that avoids surgery, making it a safe and less traumatic alternative.
- Natural and personalized: PRP is derived from the patient’s blood, so there is no risk of allergic reaction or rejection. It offers a natural solution that utilizes the body’s healing potential.
- Versatility: PRP can be used to treat a wide range of conditions, from orthopedic injuries to hair loss and skin rejuvenation.
Advantages of PRP
- Accelerate skin restructuring,
- Gives elasticity and shine to the applied area.
- It removes collapses, sagging and wrinkles in the applied area.
- When applied to the scalp, it strengthens the hair. It ends hair loss.
- It is one of the treatment methods that maintains its effects for a long time.
- Since it is applied with the patient’s own blood, it does not cause allergic reactions.
- Revitalizes the skin in a natural and healthy way, gives shine.
- Supports collagen formation and all vital functions of the skin.
Possible Side Effects and Risks
While PRP therapy is generally considered a safe and well-tolerated treatment, there are several potential side effects and risks to be aware of. These may include:
- Mild pain or discomfort at the injection site: Some patients may experience temporary pain, bruising or swelling at the injection site, which usually subsides within a few days.
- Infection: In rare cases, there is a slight risk of disease at the injection site. It is very important to make sure that the procedure is performed under sterile conditions.
- Allergic reactions: Since PRP is derived from the patient’s blood, the risk of allergic reactions is minimal. However, allergic reactions to anesthesia or other components used during the procedure are still possible.
- Incomplete healing: While PRP treatment promotes tissue regeneration, effectiveness may vary from person to person. In some cases, full recovery may not be achieved, requiring additional treatments or alternative approaches.
Who Cannot Receive PRP Treatment?
- People with blood diseases,
- People with a platelet count of less than 250,000,
- Pregnant women and nursing mothers,
- Cancer patients are not suitable for PRP procedure.
- If there are no such exceptional cases; anyone who wants to look younger, get rid of skin blemishes, prevent hair loss and eliminate wrinkle problems can have PRP procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions About PRP
The duration of a PRP procedure can vary depending on the specific treatment area and the complexity of the condition. The procedure can usually take between 30 minutes and several hours.
It is recommended to apply at least 3 sessions and each session, which is applied at 3-week intervals, lasts approximately 1 hour. The number of sessions required may vary individually depending on the patient’s complaints and condition.
Most patients experience minimal discomfort during the PRP procedure. However, local anesthesia can be used to numb the area if necessary.
Patients may be advised to avoid strenuous activities, excessive sun exposure and the use of certain medications or supplements immediately after PRP treatment. It is very important that you follow the post-treatment instructions provided by your healthcare professional.
PRP treatment can also be combined with dermapen and mesotherapy methods.
It cannot be administered to cancer patients and people with a platelet count of more than 250,000.
2023 PRP Treatment Prices
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