PRP: How Platelet-Rich-Plasma Can Help
WHAT IS PRP, AKA PLATELET-RICH PLASMA?
Technically, Platelet Rich Plasma (AKA PRP) is an autologous (derived from self) concentration of platelets and growth factors derived from blood. PRP is generated by a blood draw from the patient which is then processed in a centrifuge to separate red blood cells, yielding a concentrated plasma containing platelets and growth factors at higher than baseline levels.
This cocktail of concentrated platelets contains platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF). PDGF is a family of growth factors that are released from platelets and can help to heal wounds, repair blood vessel walls (endothelium), encourage the growth of new vessels, and stimulate the immune system to repair tissue (i.e. tendons and ligamentous injuries).
PRP, once injected into the target tissue, has a stimulating effect on stem cells in the area which can help supercharge the body’s healing response. The primary goal of injecting PRP is to mobilize these powerful stem cells to work harder and faster.
PRP THERAPY - HOW IT WORKS
After a simple blood draw, the PRP is isolated using a special centrifuge. The PRP systems used in our clinic are EmCyte and Harvest. Both of these systems are FDA-cleared and use closed, sterile kits. In third-party studies, EmCyte and Harvest yielded 8-10 times more platelets than baseline blood. Many of the PRP systems on the market might only yield two times that of baseline blood.
The centrifuge separates the red blood cells from the plasma and platelets, yielding concentrated plasma densely filled with platelets and platelet-derived growth factors (PDGF) that are ready to apply to the target tissue.
Since PRP is a blood product derived from your own body, adverse reactions are rare.
PRP FOR SEXUAL HEALTH
PRP can be used to address a number of sexual health concerns. It can help primarily through its ability to improve vascular function and blood flow to tissue. You can read about PRP sexual function procedures below:
The P-Shot - sexual enhancement for men
The O-Shot - sexual enhancement for women
PRP FOR HAIR RESTORATION
PRP is also used to regenerate hair follicles. When it comes to hair loss, PRP injected into the scalp may stimulate a specialized stem cell called a dermal papillae cell. These cells play a pivotal role in hair formation, growth, and cycling. This study and this study suggest that PRP helps stimulate hair formation in certain kinds of hair loss.
You can read more about the treatments we offer below:
PRP FOR SKIN TREATMENT
PRP can be used to help regenerate skin as well. There are several growth factors secreted after platelets are injected or applied topically to a wound (i.e. microneedling) that work to enhance the process of collagen synthesis. Here’s an interesting clinical study addressing the use of PRP to aid in the formation of new collagen. Published peer-reviewed medical literature confirms the safety and efficacy of PRP therapy in Europe and the United States.
You can read about the treatment we offer below:
PRP FOR SPORTS MEDICINE
The first experimentation with PRP therapy began in the 1970s but studies using it for orthopedic purposes really piqued clinician’s interest in the early 2000s. Some of the first studies were used to treat lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow). PRP, while initially met with skepticism, is now widely and regularly used at medical institutions within their orthopedics departments. Today, PRP is used widely to treat:
tendon ligamentous injuries
mild osteoarthritis
plantar fasciitis
other joint injuries.
NOT ALL PRP IS CREATED EQUALLY
Our predominant goal is to provide the best possible care for our patients - so we spend a great deal of time researching the best solutions. The PRP systems we selected for the clinic are EmCyte and Harvest. These systems are FDA-cleared, closed systems (i.e. ,sterility is ensured), and both yield 8-10 times the platelets of baseline blood.
There are many PRP kits on the market. While some of these offers may be more cost-effective, they are likely less effective at providing results.
PLATELET-RICH PLASMA INJECTION
Platelet-rich plasma injections simply refer to the process of injecting PRP into a target area of concern. We discuss the above common uses of PRP injections including for aesthetics such as face and hair, orthopedic applications, and for sexual function. In general, PRP is prepared in the same way, regardless of where the PRP is being injected.
The goal of PRP injection into a target tissue is generally to stimulate an immune response or healing process. These processes include cell replication, vascular endothelial growth, myoblast proliferation, and insulin-like growth factor-1. Both muscular and skeletal structures are repaired in this way.
Injecting PRP can stimulate the following growth factors:
platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)
transforming growth factor β (TGF-β)
vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
epidermal growth factor (EGF)
insulin-like growth factor (IGF)
fibroblast growth factor (FGF)
These secreted growth factors stimulate a stem cell response and cell division that can increase the synthesis of collagen, neutrophils, macrophages, and even blood vessel formation. The result is that PRP can assist in healing damaged tissue, improving collagen and tissue health for aesthetics, and vascular health for sexual function.
THE PRP PROCEDURE EXPLAINED
Depending on what treatment you are receiving, different protocols can be recommended.
Before scheduling any procedures, patients undergo an initial consultation with a doctor or nurse. Depending on your concern, a treatment protocol will be recommended. Common treatment protocols are as follows:
Vampire Facial - 3-5 treatments spaced approximately 4-6 weeks apart.
Hair Restoration - 3-5 treatments spaced approximately 4-6 weeks apart with quarterly treatments thereafter if treatment has been effective. Hair restoration includes PRP injections with optional microneedling.
O-Shot (vaginal PRP) - 1-2 treatments spaced approximately 4-6 weeks apart.
P-Shot (penile PRP) - 1-4 treatments spaced approximately 4-6 weeks apart, depending on the patient’s specific concern.
Orthopedics/injuries (i.e. osteoarthritis or ligamentous or tendon injury) - 1-3 treatments, depending on the injury or concern.
SIDE EFFECTS OF PRP INJECTIONS
By and large, the risks associated with undergoing PRP treatment are quite minimal. Since the procedure involves re-injecting material from the patient’s own body, the possibility of infection or allergic reaction is negligible. Platelet-rich plasma doesn’t contain synthetic chemicals.
Mild side effects, however, may be noticed around the injection site. These typically go away within a few days, but you may want to prepare yourself. Icing the area is OK but you would want to avoid NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs such as Aleve and Ibuprofen - these types of drugs negatively impact the efficacy of PRP. Tylenol is OK to take if needed.).
Until the healing effects begin to take place, you may notice:
Swelling
Bruising
Headaches (for PRP hair injections)
Stiffness or pain (for orthopedic applications)
Allergic reaction signs (rare, but not impossible)
THE RESULTS OF PLATELET-RICH PLASMA INJECTIONS
As time goes on, the effects of your PRP treatment become more noticeable. Your skin cells and hair follicles are stimulated to enhance collagen production and new cell growth. As time passes, cellular development continues to progress.
The effects of PRP on different tissues, hair follicles, or joints may evolve over months. Measurable results can take 3-6 months depending on the type of treatment you are having done. Here are the timelines and results of common procedures:
PRP for sexual function - for the P Shot, we generally recommend 2-3 injections for improved erectile function. Patients generally note improved blood flow and nocturnal erections for several days after treatment. However, more meaningful changes in sexual function gradually improve over time and can evolve up to three months post-treatment. Similarly, with the O-Shot we recommend 2-3 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart, and improvement in sexual function can be observed up to three months post-treatment. Treatment results tend to last between 8-16 months.
Hair Restoration treatments can deliver new growth within the first month. It typically takes 3-6 months and 3-5 treatments for you to fully evaluate results.
PRP injections applied to injuries often only require one treatment. However, for some issues such as osteoarthritis, providers may suggest a series of treatments. Mild injuries or chronic pain cases typically can see some benefits within the first two weeks, however, benefits can continue to progress for three months. It’s important to note that PRP applied to injuries can sometimes result in an increased period of pain or aggravation to the area. This can last between 2-7 days. In other words - it gets worse before it gets better.
Topical application with microneedling for the skin (AKA Vampire Facials) for example, may show results faster. Some patients report improvements in skin tone or texture within 3-4 weeks. But like with other PRP procedures, a healing response and collagen production can persist up to three months after treatment.