Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) in Sandy Springs and Atlanta, GA
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a treatment incorporating the patient’s own processed blood to inject, microneedle, or topically apply to the face, hair, and skin. During this treatment, your blood is drawn and processed to separate and concentrate the platelets (tiny cells helpful in clotting and injury repair) within a small part of the blood’s plasma (or fluid bathing the blood cells). The nutrient- and growth-factor-rich PRP is then injected and/or microneedled into the face, scalp, and skin, rejuvenating the skin, improving hyperpigmentation and fine lines, and improving hair growth.
Benefits of PRP Treatment
- PRP treatment may help improve the appearance of fine lines and other skin texture concerns
- PRP may be used in patients who have had problems with previous dermal filler injections
- PRP may speed recovery after skin resurfacing procedures
History of PRP
The use of PRP is popular in the aesthetic industry for skin and hair rejuvenation as well as sexual health treatments. While PRP in aesthetics is relatively new, it has a long-standing history in Oral Surgery and Orthopedics, being used for wound healing and bone growth. In fact, the clinical use of PRP was first described in 1999 to improve the healing of dental implants after multiple specific individual growth factors important for wound healing were identified in PRP.
Frequently Asked Questions
Besides its cosmetic uses, PRP is used for a variety of medical indications, including in heart surgery, orthopedics, and oral and maxillofacial surgery. PRP has been studied for multiple years and has a well-tested safety record. Because it is your own tissue, there is a lowered risk of allergy or inflammation.
Most patients describe a mild-moderate stinging sensation immediately after the injection of PRP. To decrease the discomfort of PRP treatment, Dr. Fishman sometimes employs cold compresses, a topical numbing medication, a vibration distraction device, and ProNox (laughing gas) during treatments.
The most common side effects of PRP include temporary redness, swelling, and mild tenderness at the injection sites. Microneedling with PRP usually results in 1-3 days of redness and sometimes slight peeling of the treated sites. Very rare risks include skin irritation and infection.