Platelet-rich plasma therapy treatment originated in the 1970s and 1980s. It was originally used for surgical applications and later expanded to aesthetics and dermatology. This treatment uses the patient’s own blood to rejuvenate the skin.
The principle is simple. Blood is drawn from the patient and centrifuged to separate platelets from red blood cells. The concentrated platelets rich in growth factors are extracted and injected into targeted areas to rejuvenate and refresh. It is minimally invasive, and the effects are visible in several weeks.
This treatment has applications in hair loss, musculoskeletal injuries, and skin rejuvenation.
There is a lot of buzz about the benefits of this treatment after celebrities endorsed it on social media platforms. If you have been wondering if you are a good candidate for this treatment, read on.
Understanding PRP Treatment Before Deciding Eligibility
Understanding the science behind the treatment is important before assessing if it is for you. PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Blood contains four main components. They are plasma, the liquid part (water with nutrients, proteins, and waste), red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. These cells are suspended in the plasma.
The first step is extracting the platelet-rich plasma. A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient and centrifuged. The centrifuge spins the blood at high speeds to separate red blood cells, white cells, and plasma. The platelet-rich plasma is extracted. The PRP is then injected into the target area. PRP can be applied topically, but is usually combined with microneedling. Microneedling causes micro-tears in the skin, and the PRP is absorbed more effectively.
PRP contains concentrated platelets that release key growth factors such as Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), Transforming Growth Factor (TGF-β), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), and Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF). These factors accelerate tissue repair, angiogenesis, collagen synthesis, and cell proliferation.
The sessions are quick with minimal downtime. The procedure uses the patient’s own blood (autologous) and reduces the risk of infection.
People Experiencing Early Hair Thinning or Hair Loss
PRP treatment has applications for hair loss treatment. PRP is especially effective in the early stages of hair loss.
If you have noticed a slight thinning of hair in your hair partition or on your crown, this treatment can work for you. Men and women with signs of early hair thinning respond well to PRP treatment. This is because the hair follicles may still be weak at this stage, but they are alive. With rejuvenating treatment such as PRP, they are activated.
Men and women with receding hairlines in the early stages stand to benefit from the same reason. People with diffuse thinning across the scalp can see improvement after this treatment. PRP treatment does not create new follicles, but strengthens existing ones.
This treatment is for those who do not want to take the surgical route for hair restoration. It is also for those who are not ready for a hair transplant.
This treatment is for people who want thicker and healthier hair, rather than instant regrowth.
Individuals Seeking Skin Rejuvenation Without Surgery
PRP treatment for skin rejuvenation is our expertise at Colibri Laser and Beauty. People with early signs of aging, because of reduced collagen production, notice fine lines and loss of skin firmness. PRP treatment for skin rejuvenation can help improve skin firmness and reduce fine lines. PRP treatment stimulates collagen production and increases skin firmness and elasticity.
With a stressful lifestyle and improper eating habits, many people develop dull or tired-looking skin. This treatment can be beneficial for such people. The skin will look rejuvenated in a few weeks.
Acne scars can dent your confidence and make you invest in more cover-up cosmetic products. The growth factors in platelets accelerate tissue regeneration and help to heal acne scars.
People with uneven skin tone and enlarged pores will benefit from this treatment. A radiant glow is commonly reported due to increased cell turnover. It improves skin texture and enhances skin vibrancy.
PRP treatment is ideal for people who wish to avoid fillers and surgery.
Candidates with Realistic Expectations from Treatment
PRP treatment does not guarantee dramatic results. PRP improves existing conditions. The results are not visible overnight. They appear gradually over several weeks or months. It takes multiple sessions for the best results.
Even after the prescribed sessions are done, maintenance sessions are required to maintain the results.
The improvement is progressive, and results are enhanced over time. Candidates need to have patience and be consistent with their sessions for visible results. The treatment plan has to be followed diligently for the expected results.
Having unrealistic expectations can lead to unsatisfying results.
Healthy Individuals with Good Healing Ability
This treatment is based on tissue healing and regeneration. Candidates with good healing abilities will respond well to this treatment. People without significant chronic blood disorders are ideal candidates.
Smoking impairs the healing mechanism of the body. Non-smokers experience better healing than smokers. Nutrition is an important factor in healing. People with balanced nutrition show better results.
A good immune system will respond better to PRP treatment. People with an active lifestyle have better circulation and tissue recovery. The treatment will benefit such candidates.
People Looking for Natural, Low-Risk Treatment Options
PRP treatment uses the body’s own growth factors for cell regeneration and growth. Today, everything is about being natural. Most people want to avoid anything synthetic and unnatural. People who prefer to avoid chemical treatments will find this treatment appealing.
The risk of allergy is reduced with PRP treatment because it uses platelets derived from the patient’s own blood. With other procedures, synthetic substances are introduced into the body and often carry the risk of an allergic reaction.
It appeals to patients who prefer regenerative treatments and like to enhance their features naturally. It has proven to be safe for repeat treatments.
Who May Not Be an Ideal Candidate for PRP Treatment
People with severe or complete hair loss may not be a good fit for this treatment. If there are active infections on the scalp or skin, treatment results may be delayed. As this treatment is based on platelets, patients with platelet disorders may not qualify.
People on blood-thinning medication may not qualify for this treatment. This treatment is best advised not to be undertaken during pregnancy. Many severe chronic illnesses may render people ineligible for this treatment.
It is important to understand that this treatment does not deliver instant or dramatic results. With proper aftercare, the results will gradually show.
Last Shot
PRP treatment is undeniably among the best treatments for skin rejuvenation. The skin looks radiant and glows after a couple of weeks of the first session. At Colibri Laser and Beauty, during the first consultation, we evaluate the hair or skin condition. We collect information about medical history and current health before prescribing the procedure. This is important as the blood quality and platelet count can influence outcomes.
Specialists at Colibri Laser and Beauty create personalised plans for each client. In our consultation, we clarify all your queries. We discuss realistic expectations. We guide you on the preparation required for the procedure and the aftercare.
Visit us and keep glowing!