Platelet rich plasma, or PRP, is a naturally derived substance that is gaining notoriety in medical and aesthetic circles today. And for good reason! PRP isolates powerful healing compounds in the blood and uses them to regenerate new tissue.
What is PRP Treatment?
PRP is produced from a small sample of the patient’s whole blood, taken right in the office. A centrifuge machine is then used to spin the vials of blood at thousands of rotations per minute.
After about 15 minutes, the whole blood is separated into several different layers. These layers are based on the weight of each of the blood components. Red blood cells, the heaviest component, sink to the bottom of the vial. The upper portion of the sample will yield a golden yellow fluid, which contains the plasma and platelets.
Platelet rich plasma is highly prized for its contents: clotting factors, proteins, and stem cells that initiate the body’s healing process. When an injury occurs in the skin or soft tissue, PRP can be used to repair it. It can either be administered on top of broken skin or injected into the areas needing treatment.
Medical Uses for PRP
Many of our patients ask, “What is PRP treatment and can it help me?” Great question! Medically speaking, it is now being used to treat a number of conditions including muscle tears, tendon and ligament injuries, and osteoarthritis in the knees.
Some orthopedic surgeons and neurologists are also using platelet rich plasma for back pain (nerve pain) and chronic pain due to the breakdown of certain joints. This amazing blood-derived substance is also gaining traction as a post-operative treatment to help speed healing.
Aesthetic Uses for PRP
PRP is used to help the where it is needed. As we age, collagen production decreases, and existing collagen breaks down. PRP can be injected into the skin or brushed over it to help ramp up production of collagen.
PRP facials, for example, use platelet rich plasma on the skin after a microneedling procedure has been performed. First, micro-sized needles are used to puncture deep into the skin’s collagen layer. This opens up “canals” so that the PRP can then penetrate into the skin once it is brushed on. Once it is in the skin, it works inside of the skin’s micro-injuries to boost collagen production and give clients a more youthful appearance.
PRP is also used to help regrow hair in follicles that have stopped functioning. This can occur in men (hormone-related “male pattern baldness”) or women (usually also due to hormonal changes).
As an injection, PRP can be used as a dermal filler to reduce the appearance of deep lines and creases in the face. It can also be used to boost collagen under the skin in areas that have lost volume.
PRP Treatment in San Diego at Beatitude Aesthetic Medicine
Dr. Aeria Chang prides herself in offering leading edge aesthetic treatments, such as PRP treatment. Her experience and knowledge as an MD offer clients safety, expertise, and stunning results.
Call Beatitude today to learn more about what PRP can do for you: (619) 280-1609.