Platelet Rich Plasma: What is it, the benefits, aftercare & more.
There are many wonderful cosmetic treatments out there for your skin that transform it in a way that traditional skincare products do not. Platelet Rich Plasma or PRP is a treatment that has become extremely popular because of its wide range of benefits, and its ability to harness our bodies natural healing and growth factors.
Should you seek PRP treatment? What are the benefits of PRP and PRF? In this guide, we’ll share all of that and more so that you can make an informed decision on whether or not this is a treatment that’s worthwhile for your skincare needs.
1. What is PRP?
Firstly, let’s explain the science behind PRP. The cells in your blood are called platelets and these cells help deliver nutrients to the body, as well as growth factors that promote new cell growth.
With platelet-rich plasma therapy, the treatment harvests the platelets from your body and uses them to help encourage the healing of new cells in the areas that are needed.
PRP involves a specialist drawing a small amount of blood. That blood is then spun in a special machine called a centrifuge, which separates the platelet rich plasma from the rest of your blood. This concentrated solution is then injected into the desired areas, typically on the face to rejuvenate the skin, and the scalp for hair restoration.
The platelet rich plasma contains a high level of growth factors which stimulate the body’s natural healing process to repair and restore tissue, and aid in producing collagen and elastin. PRP tubes used for blood collection are often created with anticoagulants, and occasionally additional substances such as biotin are added, which when mixed with the plasma can boost results.
2. What is PRF?
Platelet-rich fibrin or PRF for short, is a second generation of PRP. It’s also become widely popular for use on both the skin and hair for regeneration.
Similarly to PRP, PRF injections are used to rejuvenate the skin and encourage regrowth in the hair. It’s collected the same way as PRP, however it's spun at a lower speed in the centrifuge which means some of the white blood cells and stem cells stay within the plasma giving PRF added wound healing and anti-inflammatory properties.
Unlike PRP, PRF tubes have no anticoagulants or other substances added, so is a good option for someone looking for a more natural treatment option. Due to the absence of anticoagulants, PRF is also said to have a slower release of growth factors for stronger, longer-lasting results.
Which treatments get the best results, PRP or PRF?
As a new and advanced form of PRP, PRF has a unique composition that releases growth factors over a longer period of time, offering a more sustained benefit for skin regeneration and repair. However, both treatments are very effective, and which one you go for will depend on your individual concern.
3. What are the benefits of PRP and PRF?
Why get PRP or PRF? What are the benefits of choosing either of these two treatments? Here are just a few reasons why you should look into PRP and PRF as an effective solution for ageing skin and hair loss.
Utilises your body's natural wound-healing properties
Stimulates collagen and cell regeneration
Skin rejuvenation (improves texture, tone, signs of ageing, etc)
Reduces hair shedding & strengthens hair follicles to restore hair
Minimally invasive
Customisable & versatile (can be adapted depending on concern, can be used almost anywhere on the body, can be combined with other treatments i.e microneedling)
Being able to make use of the body’s natural wound-healing properties is something that PRP and PRF thrive off. Not only is it a natural solution but it makes use of your own blood cells instead of having to use any synthetic materials.
With skin rejuvenation, you can take years off your appearance, which is always a great confidence booster. Hair restoration makes a big difference in one’s appearance, especially where hair loss has occurred through ageing.
As a minimally invasive treatment, it’s appealing to many of those who’d rather not go under the knife or take extreme steps to help fight the signs of ageing. With it being customisable, you can choose where to inject it into the body, rather than it just typically being injected into the face.
4. PRP for hair restoration
As mentioned above, PRP isn’t just a one-trick pony. It can also be used for hair restoration. Hair loss can happen due to a variety of factors, particularly in old age. Other hereditary conditions can cause hair loss, as well as a change in hormones, i.e. pregnancy or menopause, to medication and stress.
With a lot of these, you can’t control them and thus hair loss is inevitable. With PRP, hair restoration is a great confidence booster and is useful for those who are struggling to grow their hair back in certain areas or in general.
PRP therapy is a similar process when injecting it into the face. The platelet-rich plasma cells are injected into the area of the scalp affected. The plasma promotes growth, rejuvenation, and healing by reducing hair shedding, strengthening the hair follicle and stimulating dormant follicles.
There have been many studies done on this treatment, whereby they’ve found a higher platelet concentration in PRP has more pronounced effects on hair density, terminal hair density, and hair follicle diameter.
With these injections done regularly, PRP for hair loss can prevent the loss of hair, while also promoting new hair growth. It can also be used to aid the stimulation of hair growth after clients have had hair transplants.
Talking of hair transplants, is PRP more effective? PRP is certainly more affordable and is a less invasive option. It also has less downtime meaning you’ll be able to get back to your normal routine sooner than a hair transplant. However, depending on the severity of the hair loss, a hair transplant may be more suitable.
It’s worth weighing up the options and knowing how much of the affected area will need treatment in order to determine if PRP or a hair transplant is the best.
5. What is the procedure for PRP therapy?
PRP therapy offers a procedure that is less invasive than other treatments. It’s also a less costly expense if you’re only targeting a few areas at a time.
To be fully prepared for PRP, it’s good to know what the procedure is and whether it’s the right fit for you.
As mentioned, the blood is obtained by the client and typically drawn from the arm, much like any blood is drawn when getting medical treatment. The blood is then spun in the centrifuge at high speeds, the heavier red blood cells get pulled to the bottom of the tube leaving the lighter plasma in a layer at the top which can be easily collected with a syringe. PRP is re-administered via injection or microneedling.
6. Is there anyone who can’t have PRP treatments?
As with any treatment, it’s important to check if you’re eligible for this procedure. Some clients might not be the best fit for PRP treatments due to medical concerns.
Aside from usual contraindications, PRP shouldn’t be given to those with the following:
Undergoing cancer treatment
Low blood volume
Low platelet count
Bleeding disorders
Those taking anticoagulant medication
Clients should be aware that as this treatment relies on the quality of your body's own platelets, things like smoking and alcohol consumption could negatively affect results. Maintaining a healthy, varied diet and staying hydrated will boost the efficacy of the treatment.
How do I check if I’m eligible for platelet rich plasma treatment?
The best thing to do prior to getting the treatment is to consult with your practitioner to discuss your medical history, main concerns and desired result. They’ll be able to advise you on whether they think it’s best for you or not.
7. What to expect after a PRP treatment?
For those seeking cosmetic treatments, it’s always good to know what the downtime is with a treatment like PRP and what you can expect after the treatment has been administered.
As with any injectable, the patient is likely to experience some swelling, bruising, and tenderness. This is common and is nothing to be concerned about, providing it disappears over the course of a few days.
If this treatment is combined with microneedling, you’re likely going to see a redness in your skin that looks and feels like sunburn. This typically lasts between 24-48 hours.
With PRP, the results will take a little time to show. Between four to six weeks is usually the time it takes to see the first results of the treatment. The more sessions you have, the more the results will evolve.
One treatment every month for 3-4 months is a good starting point for this treatment. Maintenance treatments every year are also useful to maintain the results for the long term.
9. Conclusion
PRP or PRF is a transformative treatment to help encourage the body’s natural ability of producing collagen and elasticity in the skin. For hair loss, it can be a great method of encouraging regrowth in areas that need it.
If you’re looking for a treatment that impacts your confidence and appearance in a positive way, then this is a treatment worth getting. Not only is it affordable but it’s minimally invasive and can prove more effective than other costly and invasive treatments on the market.
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