Coursing through our blood vessels is our very own rejuvenating serum. PRP stands for platelet rich plasma.
Blood tubes in two layers divided by centrifuge after. cosmetic manipulation
Blood consists of a variety of cell types. Red blood cells are the nurturers of the body. They provide oxygen and nutrients to every living cell in the body. White blood cells serve as our immune 
system. They police our body protecting against foreign invaders such as bacteria and viruses. They also perform surveillance to detect and destroy occult cancer cells. Platelets are our healers and help the blood to clot. They are the first responders to a wound site. They flood an injured area and release a myriad of growth factors to initiate the healing cascade. The growth factors include epidermal growth factor, transforming growth factor and vascular endothelial growth factor, fibroblast growth factor, platelet-derived growth factor, collagen stimulating factor, and keratinocyte growth factor. These proteins released by platelets work together to promote tissue repair, blood vessel proliferation, collagen production, and keratinocyte (skin cell) production.
The healing benefits of platelets have been used in multiple medical specialties. Dentistry was the first to harvest platelet healing power to reduce bleeding and promote soft tissue healing and bone regeneration. Orthopedic and sports medicine specialties use PRP to treat joint injuries, arthritis, and help promote healing from surgical procedures. In aesthetic medicine, PRP is used to rejuvenate skin and hair. PRP has been used to treat fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, acne, acne scars, and traumatic scars by inducing skin collagen production.
PRP promotes hair regrowth by surrounding the hair follicles in an environment concentrated with growth factors. It is effective with treating the most commonCropped shot of a beautiful young woman posing with her eyes closed in the studiohttp://195.154.178.81/DATA/istock_collage/a13/shoots/785346.jpg form of hair loss, androgenetic alopecia. Fifty-60% of men and 40% of women experience androgenetic alopecia. As the name implies, this type of hair loss is genetic. Current treatments include topical minoxidil (Rogaine), Propecia, and hair transplantation, and low level laser light. PRP has also been used for telogen effluvium. This type of hair loss is triggered by medication, hormonal changes, severe acute stress, chronic stress, major surgery, connective tissue disorders, thyroid disorders, nutritional disorders, depression and anxiety. In most cases, if the underlying disorder is corrected, telogen effluvium corrects itself and regrowth occurs. Studies have shown that PRP is effective in treating alopecia areata which is hair loss triggered by immune cells attacking the hair follicle. Alopecia areata has been associated with vitamin D deficiency, stress, and may have a genetic component. Scarring hair loss, namely central centrifugal scarring alopecia and traction induced hair loss, is now an epidemic in African American women. All treatment options in this form of hair loss must be used with caution. If the scalp scar tissue has been longstanding and too severe where the hair follicles have been obliterated, PRP is not a good option. Those with early scarring hair loss may benefit. These patients benefit from combination medical therapy with minoxidil and kenalog injections to help reduce inflammation and scarring. If regrowth is noted with medical therapy, then PRP may be an additive option.
The process of PRP involves drawing your blood. The specimen is processed and then the platelet rich plasma is collected. For skin rejuvenation, acne, scar, and stretch mark treatment, PRP is combined with microneedling. Microneedling involves using a device that is studded with tiny needles that create microscopic channels into the skin. The PRP is then infused into these channels. The growth factors rejuvenate the skin by promoting collagen production. For hair rejuvenation, PRP is injected into the scalp. On average, 3 sessions are needed 4-8 weeks apart. Maintenance sessions may be needed about every 6 months.
For skin rejuvenation, improvement of the skin texture and acne is noticed within 48 hours after treatment. The quality of acne scars, traumatic scars, improve over months. Stretch marks respond slower, are difficult to treat, and require at least 6 sessions. Hair regrowth may be noticed as early as 3 months after treatment. About 80% of treated patients notice improvement in hair thickness and decrease in hair shedding. Because PRP is using your own growth factors, the risk of an allergic reaction or side effects is minimal.
Our blood serves to nurture, protect, and to heal. Here’s to GOOD SKIN…AND HAIR!
