PRP is an advanced treatment physicians use to help repair damaged or injured tissues in your body. This minimally invasive procedure helps initiate your system’s regenerative process by utilizing the growth factors that platelets are known to contain. PRP therapy is autologous, meaning it is derived from the patient, therefore reducing the risk of rejection or allergic reaction. Many patients are opting for PRP instead of surgeries and medications because of its effectiveness in treatment of different problems such as hair loss, chronic tendon injuries, sprained knees, inflammatory conditions and skin rejuvenation.
What Is PRP?
A platelet rich plasma injection is a small amount of plasma that delivers a high concentration of platelets and growth factors, speeding up the healing process. Platelets contain growth factors which are essential for the natural healing process. Since platelet rich plasma contains up to 5-10 times the concentration of platelets found in normal blood, the growth factors concentrations are also higher. The higher concentrations of growth factors make it effective in management of different conditions by promoting the natural healing process.
Hair Restoration
Platelet Rich Plasma has proven effective in management of hair loss in both men and women. PRP can be used to stimulate and nourish follicles for hair growth. Highly concentrated blood plasma contains platelets that release growth factors. These growth factors have been shown to generate new hair and improve the density and health of existing hair. Since hair follicles survive on the nutrition they get from blood supply, the introduction of platelets by administering PRP in the area of damaged hair follicles will amplify the body’s naturally occurring wound healing mechanism. This leads to healthier hair follicles or hair roots, resulting in improved hair restoration.
Skin Rejuvenation and Aesthetics
Platelet Rich Plasma is highly beneficial for increasing collagen formation, skin tightening, connective tissue regeneration, and skin thickness rejuvenation. It can be ideal for any wrinkling or sagging in the forehead, eye, chin, cheek, neck, or chest areas, and for the hands. PRP’s growth factors activate cells in the body to prepare for the healing and generation of new capillaries and collagen in the skin. In addition, the platelets initiate hemostasis (the stopping of bleeding) and balance the inflammatory response which is necessary during the healing process. Growth factors target specific cells to stimulate healing activities, which is why this treatment can effectively be applied to centralized areas.
Orthopedic Pain
By utilizing the healing properties of platelets, PRP is applied in joints, muscles, tendons and surgical sites to initiate remodeling of the tissue and regeneration of tendon and cartilage, promoting effective management of orthopedic pain and injuries. Some studies have also shown that platelet rich plasma has anti-inflammatory and reparative effects on the cartilages, tendons and ligaments. The concentrated platelets found in PRP contain huge reservoirs of bioactive proteins, including growth factors and signaling proteins that are vital to initiate and accelerate tissue repair and continued regeneration. These bioactive proteins initiate connective tissue healing in tissues such as meniscus (knee) and rotator cuff, bone and articular cartilage regeneration and repair and promotes development of new blood vessels.
Sexual Wellness For Both Males & Females
Naturally, cytokines and growth factors promote the optimal functioning of the body cells and tissues. When platelet rich plasma is used for sexual wellness in men and women, it boosts libido, heightens sexual pleasure, gives greater sexual stamina, gives a more youthful feel and reduces the incidences of urinary incontinence and pain during sex. This is possible because of the cytokines and growth factors delivered by platelet rich plasma. In women, the injection is given around the pelvic area while in men it is given in different areas of the penis using an anesthetic cream to avoid possible discomforts.
The Procedure
A few steps are involved in preparation of platelet rich plasma. In the first step, a sample of your blood is drawn using a syringe with the amount being determined by the site it will be injected. The blood is then placed in centrifuge which separates the components within 15 minutes. The separated plasma is then collected prepared for injection. Using the appropriate imaging technology, a doctor will pinpoint the specific area for injection then inject the appropriate amount. The whole process takes less than one hour. There are no surgeries or medications in this procedure. The cytokines and growth factors delivered promote natural healing and target inflammation.
Expected Results
After treatment with PRP, a patient will be put on rest. Physical therapy follows for orthopedic disorders. After 6 to 12 weeks, a re-evaluation is carried out to determine the progress. A majority of the patients are able to return to their normal activities within three months. In some cases, more than one treatment may be needed for effectiveness to be realized.
Benefits
There are numerous benefits associated with platelet rich plasma treatment. The downtime is minimal because the procedure takes less than one hour and recovery is within three months. Unlike in an allograft, no tissue is obtained from another person hence contraindications and side effects are minimal.
Our team at Southlake Physical Medicine will be glad to assist you with in any PRP procedures. To schedule an appointment, contact us at 817-898-7400 today.