Platelet-rich plasma – action, indications, course of the procedure, effects

Proven content

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is an innovative treatment that stimulates the body’s natural healing process and uses the patient’s own cells to accelerate the healing of certain diseases of the musculoskeletal system, sports injuries and joints. It works by supplying powerful growth factors that stimulate and improve the blood supply to the damaged area and the nutrients needed by cells to regenerate damaged tissue.

Platelet-rich plasma – structure and functions

Before defining platelet-rich plasma, it is important to understand what platelets and plasma are and their role in the body. Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are disk-shaped blood cells that circulate throughout the body and help blood clots to stop bleeding.

Platelets contain growth factors such as platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), platelet-derived growth factor (PDAF), and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β). They are released when platelets are activated.

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Platelets also release other substances important for healing, such as fibronectin (plays a role in adhesion, migration and growth), vitronectin (cell adhesion and spreading factor), sphingosine phosphate 1-phosphate (angiogenesis and immune responses). Plasma is the medium through which platelets, red and white blood cells move. The fluid portion of blood generally consists of water and proteins. Plasma and a high concentration of platelets are referred to as platelet-rich plasma (PRP).

Platelet-rich plasma is a preparation containing platelets suspended in plasma. Plasma is collected from the peripheral blood of the patient or donor. The blood is then centrifuged, thanks to which morphotic components are separated from it – as a result, the concentration of platelets is concentrated. In contrast to the plasma present in the blood, platelet-rich plasma contains a much higher concentration of platelets.

Platelet-rich plasma – history

Scientists discovered the regenerative potential of platelets in the 70s. One study found that platelets “play a complex role in stimulating tissue responses to trauma”And are responsible for increased collagen production, cell mitosis, blood vessel growth and migration to the site of injury.

However, at that time, platelet-rich plasma was not yet considered as a direct treatment for injuries. Platelet-rich plasma has been used to treat thrombocytopenia, a condition characterized by a low platelet count.

A few years later, doctors began using platelet-rich plasma in maxillofacial surgery, periodontal surgery, and plastic surgery to reduce blood loss during surgery. In the early 2000s, platelet-rich plasma expanded into orthopedics, proving that it accelerates fracture healing and bone regeneration.

As research continued, and the trials proved successful, Platelet Rich Plasma became a common treatment procedure for connective tissue repair in sports medicine. Platelet-rich plasma grew in popularity when professional golfer Tiger Woods confessed to undergoing platelet-rich plasma therapy shortly before his return in 2010. At that time, the public did not know much about the regeneration procedure.

Soon after, articles explaining what platelet-rich plasma was and how it works flooded the internet as more and more athletes announced they had taken treatment as well. Gaining popularity in sports, other people experiencing a variety of injuries, from arthritis of the knee to fractures, may be using platelet-rich plasma for treatment.

In 2019, scientists conducted a systematic review of 132 articles and 11 articles on plasma as a treatment for hair loss. The study found that most studies suggest that subcutaneous injection of platelet-rich plasma can reduce hair loss, increase hair diameter and density in patients with androgenetic alopecia. Currently, platelet-rich plasma therapy is used in many cosmetic and aesthetic procedures to restore youthful appearance.

Platelet-rich plasma – application

Platelet-rich plasma, as already mentioned, is gaining more and more application in modern medicine. Recent studies have shown that the use of platelet-rich plasma injections results in faster regeneration of damaged tendons. Moreover, a growing body of literature indicates a significant efficacy of platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of mild to moderate osteoarthritis of the knee. Factors that may influence the effectiveness of treatment with platelet-rich plasma include:

1. the area of ​​the body to be treated,
2. general health of the patient,
3. the type of injury, whether it is acute (e.g. after a fall) or chronic (an injury that develops over time).

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Platelet-rich plasma and chronic tendon injuries

According to currently published research, platelet-rich plasma therapy is effective in treating chronic tendon injuries, especially tennis elbow, a very common injury to the tendons on the outside of the elbow.

The use of platelet-rich plasma in other chronic tendon injuries – such as chronic Achilles tendinitis or patellar tendinitis in the knee (jumper’s knee) is promising.

Platelet-rich plasma and ligament and muscle injuries

Much of the publicity that platelet-rich plasma therapy has received has been in the treatment of acute sports injuries, such as ligament and muscle injuries. Platelet-rich plasma therapy is used to treat professional athletes with common sports injuries, such as strained hamstring muscles in thigh and knee sprains.

Platelet-rich plasma and inflammation of the knee joint

More and more literature indicates the effectiveness of low-leukocyte-rich plasma in the treatment of low to moderate OA of the knee.

Platelet-rich plasma, tendon injuries and rotator cuff tendinopathy

Orthopedic specialists and sports medicine practitioners use platelet-rich plasma injections to treat injuries to the kneecap, quadriceps, hamstrings, biceps, peroneal and Achilles. Scientists have systematically reviewed a large number of studies and found many beneficial effects of platelet-rich plasma therapy, including pain reduction, improved joint function and tissue repair.

Platelet-rich plasma – treatment

The purpose of the treatment is to administer plasma to the skin that requires regeneration. It takes about an hour and the cost ranges from PLN 900 to PLN 2500. It is carried out on the basis of mesotherapy or volumetry. When using the mesotherapy method, a small amount of the preparation is injected into the skin. In turn, during volumetry, the contours of the face are modeled by introducing the platelet-rich plasma preparation linearly along the wrinkles, also by means of injection.

The treatment consists of three stages. In the first one, an aesthetic medicine doctor or a dermatologist collects blood from the patient – when the patient is particularly sensitive, blood is donated in the supine position. In the second stage, the doctor obtains platelet-rich plasma – about 8 ml of blood are needed for the procedure. In the third stage, the doctor or dermatologist injects the patient with mesotherapy.

If you are taking corticosteroids or anti-inflammatory NSAIDs such as ibuprofen or naproxen, you will need to stop taking them up to one week before starting treatment and not restarting them right after treatment. These will interfere with therapy and are likely to invalidate any results obtained.

Treatment with platelet-rich plasma – course

There are four stages related to PRP therapy.

Step 1: Taking blood

15 to 50 milliliters of blood are required for the procedure. The withdrawal is virtually identical to a blood count for a complete blood count, with a collection needle inserted into a vein in the arm and blood drawn into a small vial.

Step 2: Centrifuging the blood

A centrifuge is a device that spins at high speed. This action physically separates the solid and liquid parts of the blood – red blood cells (erythrocytes), white blood cells (leukocytes), platelets (thrombocytes), and plasma (fluid).

Step 3: processing the blood

Normal blood contains about 200 platelets per milliliter, while platelet-rich plasma contains as much as five times that. The obtained three to seven milliliters of platelet-rich plasma will be collected in a syringe for immediate administration,

Step 4: Administer platelet-rich plasma

The final platelet-rich plasma syringe will contain approximately 1-2 teaspoons of fluid. The platelet-rich plasma will be guided to the right place using an ultrasound probe, depending on the nature of the injury being treated.

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How to prepare for the procedure?

Before the procedure, the patient should ensure proper hydration of the body – it is recommended that he drink not less than 1,5 liters of water. If you are afraid of the pain, you can take 1 or two paracetamol tablets. However, he should not take non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs both before and 7 days after the procedure. Doctors and dermatologists advise against using the sauna, playing sports and taking hot baths on the day of the treatment.

Platelet-rich plasma – effects

Platelet-rich therapy (PRP) uses the body’s natural properties to heal an injury. Patients can expect a significant improvement in symptoms while healing. This procedure can eliminate the need for further invasive procedures, such as surgery or long-term use of medications.

While other treatments, such as corticosteroid injections, can provide temporary relief and stop inflammation, PRP injections stimulate the injury healing process in a shorter period of time with fewer side effects. Patients usually report a gradual improvement in symptoms and a return to normal function. Many patients require two to three treatments for optimal results and may even experience radical recovery within 2-3 months.

PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood and is autologous, so there is little or no risk of it when it is administered by a trained professional. Since cells are autologous, there is no risk of an allergic or immune reaction. Side effects or complications from PRP are extremely rare.

Platelet-rich plasma – application in cosmetology

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a beauty treatment that has recently received a lot of attention in the media and is commonly referred to as “vampire facelift”. The process involves approximately 30-60 ml of the client’s blood which is collected, processed, and then the blood plasma containing the platelets is re-injected into the client’s skin (usually the face), hence the nickname “vampire face”.

PRP therapy can be an alternative to what may be considered more invasive, including surgery. PRP therapy can also be called facial plasma therapy, plasma needling, PRP lifting, or collagen induction therapy. It has gained popularity in anti-aging treatments for damaged, wrinkled or sagging skin, stimulating collagen production and reducing fine lines. Do you want to reduce their visibility? Reach for the specialized Indeed Snoxin II serum. You can also try Bakuchiol Reface.

Clients are informed that although the therapy improves both the color and texture of the skin, the effects of the therapy are progressive, not immediate. In order to obtain lasting results, cosmetologists usually recommend monthly treatments for a period of three to four months.

Platelet-rich plasma – treatments in cosmetology

The client will have a blood draw, usually from the arm. The client’s blood will then be centrifuged to separate the plasma and platelets from other blood components. Platelet-rich plasma is then reintroduced into the skin of the client by micro-puncture or injection with a syringe. Microneedling is promoted as a dual therapy in which the puncture acts as a catalyst for the skin while PRP introduces collagen and elastin to stimulate cell growth.

Who shouldn’t benefit from the platelet-rich plasma treatment?

People with blood diseases, cancer, pregnant women and nursing mothers cannot participate in the procedure. Contraindication to participation in the therapy is also taking medications such as aspirin, which prolong bleeding time. People with acute viral infections, skin inflammations and problems with blood clotting as well as people with autoimmune diseases should also not take part in the treatment.