Q1: What is PRP?
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) by definition is autologous (obtained from one’s own blood) plasma that has a platelet concentration more than normal. Platelets are blood cells that have the ability to supply and release essential growth factors that promote tissue repair and induce collagen synthesis.
Approximately 10mls of blood is drawn from the arm of a patient and collected in specialised tubes. This is spun in a centrifuge machine and the various layers of the blood cells are separated. The amber coloured platelet rich plasma is
drawn in syringes and re-injected in the desired area of treatment.
Q2: What are the uses of PRP in Cosmetic medicine?
PRP has been used for many years in multiple medical and surgical disciplines. In Cosmetic medicine, PRP has been used successfully with evidence in treating superficial wrinkles, fine lines, deep wrinkles, dark circles, improving skin thinning and crepiness, hair loss, alopecia, acne scar treatment, surgical scar healing, stretch marks improvement and
keloid scar reduction.
PRP is also a great tool to combine with Laser treatments, micro-needling and Chemical peel treatments to increase their efficacy.
One of the most popular use aof PRP in our clinic is the under-eye area rejuvenation and the combination of PRP with
fractionated laser resurfacing.
Q3: What are the risks related to PRP?
Being a medical procedure PRP may carry the following risks
a) Hematoma Formation
b) Infection
c) Nerve Damage
d) Vasovagal reaction – fainting
e) Bleeding
f) Pain at blood sample site
Q4: Are there any Contraindications to the PRP treatment?
Absolute Contraindications:
- Blood disorders
- Severe metabolic disorders
- Septicaemia or acute infection
Relative Contraindications
- Malignancy
- Autoimmune Disease
- Blood thinning agents
- Recent fever or illness
- Anaemia
Q5: What are the advantages of PRP?
Because PRP is prepared from one’s own blood, it represents an inherently lower risk option for healing tissue by eliminating the risk of immune reactions or transmission of infectious disease. It is readily available with no introduction of a foreign material into the body.
Q6: How many treatments are required?
It depends upon the kind of treatment and what we are trying to achieve with the treatment. Mostly it is three sessions of PRP spaced at 3 weeks apart. A maintenance or booster treatment may be needed every 6 months based on the outcome and treatment goals.
Q7: Why does PRP have variable effect in different individuals?
As PRP is one’s own blood product, so the quality of PRP is dependent on the quality of individual’s blood. People who are generally healthy and consume a balanced diet with a maintenance of a healthier lifestyle, would benefit more from the treatment. On the other hand, PRP may not be as beneficial in people who may have an underlying medical
condition, take certain medication or do not maintain a healthy lifestyle.
Factors like age, illness, tobacco smoking, recreational drug use, excess alcohol intake, consumption of processed food and sedentary lifestyle may contribute to non-beneficial treatments with PRP.
Q8: Can I do anything to improve the quality of my PRP before treatment?
As discussed earlier, leading a healthy lifestyle, maintaining a balanced diet and avoiding any intoxicants or inflammation causing modalities, may improve the quality of PRP and help in the desirable outcome of the treatment.
Q9: Is it a painful procedure and is there any downtime associated with the treatment?
All possible measures are taken to reduce the discomfort and make it more tolerable. These may include the application of topical numbing, nerve block or the happy gas.
Depending on the treatment, the swelling can last for 2-4 days. Similarly, being an injectable procedure, bruising, redness at the injection site and pain is a possibility that spontaneously disappears after a few days.
Q10: What is the price of PRP treatment for skin rejuvenation or hair loss treatment?
All prices are mentioned on our website. Please visit the pricing section for a detailed pricing on PRP and other treatments.