What is PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)?

Platelets are blood cells with several roles to play in the body. PRP is a small volume of plasma that is processed to have a higher concentration of platelets. It represents relatively new biotechnology that is part of growing interest in tissue engineering and cellular therapy today

Why is PRP(Platelet Rich Plasma) beneficial?

Platelets contain many growth factors like

PDGF (platelet derived growth factor),
TGF (tranformin growth factor),
VEGF (Vasucular endothelial growth factor),
EGF (Epidermal growth factor)
IGF (Insulin like growth factor)
 HGF(hepatocyte growth factor)
 FGF(Fibroblast growth factor)
 TSP-1(Thrombospondin-1)

These factors can increase the rate of collagen deposition, angiogenesis, fibroblast  proliferation, extracellular matrix synthesis and soft-tissue regeneration.

What is the mechanism of action of PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)?

PRP is an organically a best therapy that enable healing through the use of one’s own natural growth factors. There is de-granulation of Growth Factors when platelets come in contact with coagulation factor. These Growth Factors through a cascade of complex events increase the collagen synthesis, angiogenesis, fibroblast proliferation, extracellular matrix synthesis etc relevant to tissue regeneration

What are the indications for PRP(Platelet Rich Plasma) treatment?

Hair loss/Hair thinning (Androgenetic alopecia)
Alopecia areata
Facial Skin rejuvenation (Vampire facial)
Acne  scar and contour defects
Wound ulcers
Stretch marks

What are the advantagesof  PRP(Platelet Rich Plasma)?

1.       It is autologous preparation and hence safe, non-allergic and free from concern over blood borne diseases such as HIV. Hepatitis B and C. Since it is bio compatible, it is also  well tolerated

2.       Devoid of any serious adverse effects.

3.       The inclusion of leucocytes in PRP has a potential benefit to combat infection and regulate immune functions. They also produce additional angiogenic factors

4.       Cost effective

5.       The objective clinical results are good.

 What are the disadvantages of PRP(Platelet Rich Plasma)?

Special apparatus is required to prepare it. It is time consuming and needs special training to prepare the PRP.
Local or topical anaesthesia is necessary

 What are the side-effects of PRP(Platelet Rich Plasma)?

It is a very safe treatment. Only possible side effects are transient bruises, swelling, redness and light pain or itching. Very rarely Infection can occur
 

How is  PRP(Platelet Rich Plasma) treatment done?

Small quantity of your blood is drawn. This blood is then processed in special equipments to produce plasma having 5-7 times concentration of platelets. This Platelet-rich plasma is then administered through injections into the target area