Platelets Rich Plasma (PRP)

Platelets Rich Plasma (PRP)

Platelet Rich Plasma and The Popular Areas Treated

The Platelets Rich Plasma, called shortly as PRP, is actually blood plasma that has a content enriched with platelets, also known as thrombocytes. These thrombocytes are known for helping blood to clot, stopping the bleeding from an injury and helping the blood vessels regenerate. So the purpose of the PRP is the healing of bone and soft tissues, due to the growth factors in the platelets. Developed in the 1970s and used for the first time in 1987, during an open heart procedure, the PRP was used ever since for a wide diversity of conditions, starting with medical procedures to cosmetic applications.

The aspect that made PRP so prevalent in the medical world, regardless of type, is the fact that the platelets can move to the area in the body where they are needed. With other words, they can identify a wound or weakness in the tissue structure, whatever tissues it may be, and act locally, restoring the health of that tissue. Thus, they can repair cells, tissues and stimulate the production of collagen in the skin. They also promote cell growth and will also repair blood vessels and other structures in the body. The application of PRP, as mentioned earlier, is rather extensive, covering nerve and cardiac muscle injuries, osteoarthritis and bone regeneration, oral surgery and cosmetic surgery. In the cosmetic surgery, it is used for skin regeneration and rejuvenation, and also in treating alopecia.

Now, considering the fact that the platelets are a part of the human blood, you may wonder how you will get them. Don’t worry, as the procedure will not imply any blood transfusions. The platelets are extracted using a sample of the patient’s own blood. So once the PRP is produced, it will be used on the same patient, from where the sample was taken, and not on another patient in any case. So practically the technique enhances the body’s own defense and repair mechanism, by injecting a more concentrated dose of platelets exactly in the area where the patient needs it.

Anyone with an injured tendon, ligaments, muscles, joints, and other muscular-skeletal issues, who suffered from maxilo-facial and plastic surgery, plus much other health and cosmetic conditions can be treated with PRP. It is used in the cosmetic surgery because it enhances the production of collagen in the skin, which will promote a plumper, more radiant and young looking skin.

Still, before launching in the procedure, do talk with your physician about it. He will need to assess your general state of health and determine whether it will help you or not.

Also, you should be aware of the potential side-effects that can follow the procedure. For instance, the blood vessels can be damaged, a hematoma may appear, and you may be exposed to irritations and infections. Also, the nerves can suffer temporary or permanent damage, which manifests as pain or numbness in some body areas. Because the treatments assume injections, just like in the case of other treatments of this kind, there is always a slight risk of suffering from an infection later on. Call Beauty & Body located in Hillcrest and Solana Beach, San Diego today for a consultation.