PRP is an effective treatment that is right for nearly everyone. PRP injections are used for various conditions, from cosmetic procedures to musculoskeletal injuries and orthopaedic conditions. PRP injections are included in treatment regimens for chronic tendon injuries and knee osteoarthritis pain and stiffness (mild to moderate osteoarthritis) as they aid in bone healing. PRP injections were first used to accelerate tissue healing after jaw or plastic surgery. Post-surgical PRP injections now assist in the recovery of muscles, tendons, ligaments, and knee joint replacement surgeries since procedures on these tissues tend to take a long time to heal. It is also possible to treat male pattern baldness with PRP injections to prevent hair loss and promote new hair growth. In addition, hair growth can also be stimulated by PRP after a hair transplant.
As the therapy uses blood from your own body, there’s no risk of an allergic reaction or that your body will reject it as a foreign substance. If you have any of the following, you may be a good candidate for a facial PRP treatment:
Although PRP is generally considered safe, it shouldn’t be used by people with any of the following medical conditions:
It is best to schedule a consultation with Ellen Stirling Dental to determine your health condition and suitability for PRP treatment.
The four main components of our blood are red blood cells, white cells, plasma, and platelets. Plasma is the liquid component of blood, while red cells, white cells, and platelets are the solid components. In a PRP treatment, all four components of your blood are segregated by density to achieve concentrated quantities of platelets in the plasma. The platelets are then put into the plasma while the red and white blood cells are removed. During treatment, platelet-rich plasma is either injected into your skin at specified depths based on your cosmetic needs or the blood is dispersed on top of your face. Your skin eventually absorbs the PRP. This reduces the time it takes to recuperate from microneedling and speeds up the collagen manufacturing process. Collagen acts as a scaffold that provides strength and structure to the face, so a PRP treatment helps tighten and smooth skin and improve skin tone.
First, the target area will be cleansed, and then a topical anaesthetic will be applied. About 30 minutes will be spent on microneedling, depending on the area to be treated. A microneedling procedure involves creating a series of tiny, superficial punctures with sterile needles. Your dentist will use a microneedling tool to prick the skin during this procedure, creating tiny punctures on the surface.
Then, a small amount of blood (about ten ccs of blood) will be drawn, usually from your arm, just like when blood is drawn for a normal blood test. The blood will then be placed in a centrifuge, separating the plasma (liquid portion) and the platelets (a type of blood cell that has a vital role in healing) from the other blood components. Occasionally, a second spin is performed to increase the platelet concentration in the plasma. Plasma and platelets contain proteins that help the blood to clot and support cell growth. The platelet-rich portion will then be massaged or injected into the treatment area. During the microneedling procedure, small controlled micropunctures are made in the skin, which allow the PRP to penetrate.
Growth factors and cytokines are present in the PRP. They help skin tissues repair themselves. Both PRP and microneedling promote collagen growth, and they work best when combined.
A platelet-rich plasma injection is a low-risk technique that seldom results in serious side effects. Because the treatment involves a blood draw, you should stay hydrated and eat before the procedure to avoid feeling lightheaded. The most common potential side effects are bruises and inflammation at the injection site, including swelling and redness. They usually emerge right after the treatment and disappear in four to six days.
Since PRP is made from your own blood, there is a minimal risk of an allergic reaction or infection. The most significant risk is from the handling of your blood. The blood removed from your body must be kept sterile. If not, major side effects, such as infection, could occur.
Rare potential risks include:
PRP treatment has a short recovery period. You can return to your normal activities the next day. Some redness and irritation may still occur, but you should avoid applying too many products to your skin. You may use a cold compress to alleviate the pain, and pain medications may be prescribed as needed.
During the recovery period, stay away from alcohol-based products and exfoliants. It’s also crucial to protect yourself from the sun. Avoid strenuous activities that may cause excessive sweating and heat production until your skin has completely healed, like running and strenuous workouts. Sweating can irritate the skin even more, and strenuous activities can increase the risk of swelling and bruising. It’s best to avoid this for at least 72 hours after your treatment.
After an initial series of three platelet-rich therapies, results tend to appear between three and four weeks after the treatment, but they typically last between 12 and 18 months.
Book Online
Book Online