What Is Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP)

Although blood is mainly a liquid (called plasma), it also contains small solid components (red cells, white cells, and platelets.) The platelets are best known for their importance in clotting blood. However, platelets also contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors which are very important in the healing of injuries. PRP is plasma with many more platelets than what is typically found in blood. The concentration of platelets — and, thereby, the concentration of growth factors — can be 5 to 10 times greater (or richer) than usual. To develop a PRP preparation, blood must first be drawn from a patient. The platelets are separated from other blood cells and their concentration is increased during a process called centrifugation. Then the increased concentration of platelets is combined with the remaining blood.

How Does PRP Work?

Although it is not exactly clear how PRP works, laboratory studies have shown that the increased concentration of growth factors in PRP can potentially speed up the healing process. To speed healing, the injury site is treated with the PRP preparation.

Benefits

The limited blood supply and poor healing properties of ligaments, cartilage and tendons make treatment necessary after injury. Unlike physical therapy or medications that don’t treat the underlying cause of pain, PRP can accelerate the healing process – eliminating the cause of pain.

PRP Injection for Facial Rejuvenation

PRP is a natural alternative to synthetic fillers without the concern for allergic reactions. Platelets contain several growth factors that increase rebuilding of tissues over several months.* When injected into the face, the growth factors in PRP stimulate new collagen and blood vessel formation.

• New blood vessel formation improves the color and tone of the skin.
• New collagen formation in the dermis lifts the face back to a more youthful shape.
• The epidermis (outer most layers of your skin) appears smoother as the growth factors work to build up the dermis.

PRP Facial

The PRP facial involves topical application of the PRP combined with aeration of the skin with Micro Needling or fractionated laser. The platelet-derived growth factors stimulate a healing response that reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles while improving the skin’s tone and texture.

PRP naturally improves all aspects of skin health:

• Reduces fine lines and wrinkles
• Improves skin’s texture and tone
• Naturally increases collagen production
• Pore refinement
• Creates a natural glow
• Reduces acne scars

Skin rejuvenation with PRP can be done on the neck, Decollete, and back of hands as well. PRP with fractionated laser , PRP with Micro Needling or targeted injection therapy can address a multitude of skin imperfections including hard-to-treat stretch marks and scars the

Areas commonly treated:

• Facial acne scars
• Abdomen
• Thighs
• Buttocks
• Upper arms
• Any area of concern

PRP Hair Restoration

PRP Hair Restoration is a non-surgical solution for hair loss in both men and women. Platelet Rich Plasma contains growth factors that naturally stimulate the development of new hair follicles while improving the health of existing hair follicles.

Our blood is made of two main components, red blood cells, and plasma. The plasma contains white blood cells and platelets, which are rich in growth factors.

Growth factors, in a sense, play the role of messengers, signaling skin cells to function. These growth factors can help stimulate the activity of the hair follicles and promote new hair growth.
Dr. Lupkas and his team uses a unique process when using PRP for hair regrowth. There is first a with a standard blood draw from the patient’s arm. After being spun down in a centrifuge, the red blood cells are separated from the plasma. The plasma, rich in platelets, is then injected directly into the scalp at the level of the hair follicles.

Typically, the entire procedure takes less than a half hour; injections beginning across the scalp, approximately at every half inch over the area of thinning hair.

PRP is best used for patients with hair thinning that typically occurs along the top of the head. In women, this might look like a widening part with normal hair thickness at the back of the head.
Consistency is key. Treatments are typically performed once a month for the first three to four months, and then every three to six months thereafter, depending on the individual patient’s response and results. Following this protocol, anticipated results can first be seen within two to three months. Initially patients see a decrease in shedding and the general consensus is receiving treatments every three to six months is optimal for regrowth and stopping hair from falling out.

What to Expect

First, a blood sample is obtained and processed to extract the Platelet Rich Plasma. A topical anesthetic is applied to numb the area being treated. The PRP is then administered with a fine needle in a series of injections on the scalp.

Mild swelling and redness can be expected 1-2 days following the treatment. It is recommended to avoid vigorous activity until the swelling has subsided. There is no other downtime following the procedure. New hair growth can be seen as early as 2 months, but is typically evident between 5-8 months and will continue to improve up to a year after treatment.* For best results, a series of 4 sessions is typically recommended