Platelet Rich Plasma
WHAT IS PLATELET RICH PLASMA?
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) or platelet concentrate (PC) is an increased concentration of autologous platelets suspended in a small amount of plasma after appropriate centrifugation, used in the form of injections into the skin. Normally, blood consists of approximately 93% red blood cells, 1% white blood cells and 6% platelets, all suspended in plasma. In PRP the ratio is completely reversed – the concentrate is comprised of 94% platelets, thus 3-8 times more than in the former scenario. The studies have shown that both lower and higher concentration decrease or increase does not extert the same beneficial effects as PRP does.
HOW IS PLATELET RICH PLASMA COLLECTED?
As mentioned previously, the platelets in PRP are autologous, meaning they come from the patient’s own body. Accordingly, before the whole procedure gets started, the blood is drawn from the patient. Subsequently, it is placed in a centrifuge and spun correspondingly to a strict protocol. As a result to this process, various kinds of blood cells are effectively separated from each other. Next, blood plasma that is rich in platelets is drawn off and treated with an activating acent like calcium chrolate so that the thrombocytes get activated in order to trigger their therapeutic action.
WHY IS PLATELET RICH PLASMA EFFECTIVE?
Platelets contain small granules within themselves which possess diverse growth factors, extremely beneficial to skin healing. Some of these include: platelet – derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and fibroblast growth factor (FGF). All of them and more are crucial in regeneration of the skin as they help it regain its healthy architecture. They do so via various pathways: stimulating the production of structure – giving macromolecules like proteins, promoting new capillary growth (or new blood vessel formation), suppressing inflammation and triggering proper cell division.
PLATELET RICH PLASMA FOR HAIR LOSS AND SKIN REJUVENATION
Platelet rich plasma has found multiple applications in medicine, including dermatology. It has been proven extraordinarily effective in such conditions like hair loss due to various reasons as well as dull, aged skin needing rejuvenation. In both cases, the concentrate induces the restoration of the healthy skin and its elements at the site of injection. The hair growth is restored while the skin regains its firm, healthy structure. Pennsylvania Dermatology Specialists will come up with a personalized treatment plan optimized to your particular needs and goals.
"Look out for changes in the appearances of moles on your skin and call your dermatologist's attention to any changes (growth, bleeding, asymmetry, itching, pain)"
MICRONEEDLING IN SKIN REJUVENATION
Another efficacious technique which greatly promotes skin rejuvenation is microneedling. It is not interchangeably called collagen induction therapy for no reason. During the treatment, a minimally invasive tool, equipped with tiny needles, is used to stimulate and induce regeneration of the dermis. It does so by creating very small holes in stratum corneum with minimal damage to the epidermis. This sequentially leads to the generation of growth factors which subsequently promote the production of collagen, elastin and other structure – giving molecules. The therapy has been proven effective in the treatment of scarring, wrinkles and fine lines as well as in general skin rejuvenation. Pennsylvania Dermatology Specialists will assess if microneedling would be a beneficial option for you.
CONTRAINDICATIONS TO PLATELET RICH PLASMA TREATMENT
Even though PRP is immunologically neutral and carries no danger of allergy, hypersensitivity or any similar reaction, it does possess certain contraindications. It is best to rule them out with your doctor before undergoing the treatment. Among them can be found such conditions as:
- Critical thrombocytopenia (or low platelet count)
- Haemodynamic instability
- Sepsis
- Chronic liver disease
- Acute and chronic infections
- Anti - coagulation therapy (including warfarin, heparin and others).