MEDICAL AESTHETICS
PRP
PRP is an acronym that stands for “Platelet Rich Plasma” and stands for “platelet rich plasma”. It is a minimally invasive procedure commonly used in medical and aesthetic applications.
Platelet and platelet refer to the same cell, therefore PRP treatment is also referred to as “platelet-rich plasma”. PRP is a treatment method applied by injecting plasma obtained from the person’s own blood and rich in platelets into the area to be treated.
What are Platelets?
Platelets, also known as platelets, are blood cells that are normally present in the bloodstream in our body and have very important functions. They play a critical role in the blood clotting process. In cases of injury, they act quickly to stop bleeding and help repair damaged vessels. Platelets are produced in the bone marrow and released into the bloodstream, where they remain active for an average of 8-10 days. During this time they fulfill their duties. At the end of their life, they are broken down and destroyed in organs such as the spleen or liver. The bone marrow continues to produce new platelets and the cycle continues. This dynamic cycle of platelets ensures that the body’s coagulation system works efficiently and responds quickly to injuries. On average, a healthy person has between 150,000 and 450,000 platelets in 1 microliter of blood. Platelets contain growth factors and are involved in cell regeneration and tissue repair.
What is the Purpose of PRP Treatment?
PRP treatment aims to take advantage of these healing effects of platelets. It aims to accelerate tissue repair and healing thanks to the growth factors contained in platelets. It can be used in various fields such as medical aesthetics, orthopedics, physical therapy, sports injuries, dermatology, eye diseases, obstetrics and gynecological conditions or dentistry. The PRP procedure involves drawing blood, separating the plasma and then injecting it into a specific area. PRP treatment is used to accelerate the body’s natural healing process in many aesthetic and medical fields such as facial rejuvenation, hair loss treatment, wound healing, skin regeneration or joint treatments.
How is PRP Obtained?
Special tubes and a special centrifuge are required to obtain PRP. In the first stage of the application, about 10 ml of blood is taken from the person. The blood is placed in a centrifuge using special kits. The centrifuge separates the blood into its components by spinning it at high speed. During this process, the blood is separated into different layers: red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma and platelets. The layer where platelets condense and accumulate is carefully separated and a blood product called platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is formed. All of these steps must be done meticulously, paying close attention to sterility. The PRP obtained is injected into the area to be treated. This can be different places, such as skin, scalp, muscle, joint or tendon. This process reduces the risk of allergic reactions as the person’s own blood is used and is done to speed up the natural healing process.
How is PRP Different from Plasma?
The plasma used in PRP treatment is enriched in platelets. When PRP is prepared, the person’s blood is centrifuged and platelets and plasma are separated. This results in a much higher concentration of platelets than is found in the normal bloodstream. Typically, the amount of platelets contained in PRP can be between 3 to 5 times the normal blood level. So, one microliter of PRP can contain approximately 1,000,000 platelets. This high concentration of platelets plays an important role in accelerating the healing process in the treated area. This concentration of platelets is important for PRP treatment to be effective.
What is PRP Mechanism of Action?
The mechanism of action of PRP is that it promotes the healing and regeneration of tissues thanks to the growth factors and cellular components contained in platelets. The blood is processed in a special centrifuge to concentrate platelets and growth factors. This plasma is injected into the area that needs treatment. Injected platelets accelerate cell regeneration and the healing process in wounds or damaged tissues. Platelets contain growth factors (such as VEGF, IGF, PDGF). These factors enable cells to proliferate, repair and rebuild. The injected PRP promotes healing and regeneration of tissues through the action of cellular components and growth factors. This reduces pain, relieves inflammation and promotes faster healing.
What are the PRP Usage Areas in Medical Aesthetics?
In medical aesthetics, PRP can be used in several different areas. Skin rejuvenation, hair loss, wound healing, acne and scar treatment are some of them.
PRP treatment is used to accelerate collagen production and tissue repair. Increases collagen synthesis thanks to the growth factors contained in platelets. Some of these growth factors include fibrin degradation factor (FBF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). PRP treatment improves skin tone by increasing collagen production, accelerates wound healing and promotes tissue regeneration. In addition, PRP treatment provides skin rejuvenation by reducing fine lines and wrinkles on the skin. PRP enables the reconstruction of collagen in the skin, which decreases with aging. It is used for skin rejuvenation and regeneration. This reduces the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, improve skin tone. It can be done to achieve a more vibrant and radiant skin by balancing the skin tone.
PRP Treatment for Hair Loss: Since hair loss, which is one of the PRP applications in medical aesthetics, is a frequently asked topic, it would be appropriate to provide information under a separate heading.
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy is widely used in the treatment of hair loss. It has been found effective in reducing hair loss by stimulating hair follicles, stimulating hair growth and improving hair quality. The growth factors contained in platelets allow hair follicles to regenerate and strengthen. This method can be particularly effective in cases of hair loss in the early stages. In genetic and non-genetic hair loss, PRP treatment reduces hair loss by strengthening hair follicles and makes hair thicker and healthier.
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) treatment can usually be used alone or combined with other treatment methods to stimulate hair loss and hair growth.
PRP Alone: PRP treatment can be used alone to stimulate hair growth. It is applied by injection of the PRP product obtained as described into the scalp. The growth factors contained in platelets play a role in stimulating hair follicles and accelerating the growth process. PRP can be effective for repairing damaged hair follicles and can increase the thickness and density of hair. In short, PRP makes the hair healthier and more resilient, so it can partially prevent recurrence of hair loss.
Combination Treatments: PRP + other methods
- Hair Mesotherapy PRP can be used in combination with hair mesotherapy. Mesotherapy promotes hair health by injecting various vitamins, minerals and amino acids into the hair follicles.
- Minoxidil: PRP treatment can be used in combination with topically applied minoxidil. Minoxidil is a medicine that reduces hair loss and promotes hair growth.
- Finasteride: PRP treatment can be combined with finasteride taken orally. Finasteride is used to treat male pattern hair loss and helps protect hair follicles by reducing the hormone DHT.
- Hair Transplantation: PRP can be used before and after hair transplantation procedures. PRP can provide an effect to prepare the scalp for hair transplantation and to strengthen the transplanted hair, it can increase the effectiveness of the hair transplantation process by accelerating the healing process of the hair follicles and helping healthier hair growth. PRP treatment can be used before or after hair transplantation procedures. PRP PRP makes the transplanted hair follicles healthier and more durable.
As a result, PRP therapy can improve the results of hair transplantation procedures by reducing hair loss and stimulating hair growth. This method makes the hair healthier and thicker and prevents recurrence of hair loss.
PRP treatment is a minimally invasive procedure and the risk of allergic reactions is low. Therefore, the use of PRP during hair transplantation procedures can be an effective method to improve hair growth and quality.
PRP treatment usually requires several sessions and each individual’s response may be different.
- Wound Healing: PRP can be used to speed up the healing process after surgery or injury. Platelets contain growth factors that play an important role in the healing process.
- Acne and Scar Treatment: PRP treatments can be used to reduce the appearance of acne scars and other skin scars. This treatment can help regenerate the skin and restructure the tissue.
The effectiveness of PRP treatments can vary from person to person and may require several sessions for best results.
Who is not recommended for PRP?
PRP treatment is not recommended for cancer patients, people with bleeding disorders (patients with impaired platelet function or insufficient numbers or factor deficiencies such as hemophilia), patients taking anticoagulant drugs, people with chronic infectious diseases (such as HIV or hepatitis), people with severe liver disease, people with active autoimmune disease, pregnant or breastfeeding women.
What Should Be Considered After PRP Procedure?
The person can return to their daily life immediately. Since mesotherapy is applied to the skin with very fine needles, tiny needle marks can be seen. It is recommended to avoid contact with water for 24 hours after application.
It is recommended to avoid using non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g. aspirin, ibuprofen) for 1 week after injection. It may also be useful to avoid Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Ginko Biloba, garlic, flax oil, etc. for 2 weeks. It is appropriate to avoid heavy physical activity for 2-3 days after the injection. It is recommended not to apply excessive pressure to the injection site. It is good to avoid hot and humid environments such as saunas, thermal baths and swimming pools for the first 2 days. Avoid alcohol and coffee for 3 days after the injection. Smoking can also slow down the healing process.
Allergic Reactions: If you experience excessive pain, bleeding or an increase in temperature after the injection, consult a doctor immediately.
