PLATELET RICH PLASMA

PLATELET RICH PLASMA *educational info*

ANTI AGEING

Anti ageing has always been a premium and a privilege. With advances in medical science, we have seen newer, safer and more effective techniques. No doubt, regenerative medicine and anti ageing medicine are still in their infancy and are presently not HSA approved. Yet no one can disagree that the results have been both exciting and promising. An effective treatment for hair loss, scars and wounds and anti- ageing is an enormous thing. Staying young and natural never goes out of trend. On the subject of regenerative and anti ageing medicine, in part 1 today, we will discuss PRP.

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What is PRP? 

Platelet rich plasma (PRP), is plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF), platelet concentrate (PC). It is an increased concentration of your body’s own platelets derived after centrifugation. It is rich in growth factors essential for skin recovery and healing.

Who can benefit from PRP?

Indications

  1. Burns – First and second degree
  2. Superficial injuries, cuts, and surgical wounds, ulcers and scars
  3. Hair loss disorders – PRP wakes up dormant hair follicles and stimulates new hair growth
  4. Anti ageing, rejuvenation – PRP injections can treat fine lines, photodamage and pigmentation, giving you a healthier, brighter glow
  5. Acute musculo-skeletal injuries
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Is PRP safe?

PRP is derived from your own body and poses no danger of allergy, hypersensitivity or foreign-body reactions. Complications are rare and may include infection.

Who is unsuitable for PRP?

Contraindications

  1. Coagulation disorders – Low platelet count ,Hypofibrinogenaemia or using anticoagulation therapy  (warfarin, dabigatran, heparin)
  2. Sepsis (infection)
  3. Chronic liver disease

Whats the clinical evidence to support PRP use in regenerative medicine?

Available data are based on multiple case studies conducted in numerous countries. These studies have demonstrated:

  1. Improvement in skin texture, tone and tightness within 21 days with ongoing growth
  2. Areas commonly treated using the PRP for rejuvenation include face and post-pregnancy stretch marks.
  3. We await randomised controlled trials to prove the efficacy of this treatment.

The future of regenerative and antiageing medicine continues to be promising. Stay tuned for subsequent articles on this rapidly growing field.

PRP

  1. PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. PRP is blood plasma that has been enriched with platelets. PRP contains several different growth factors and other cytokines that stimulate healing of tissue, as well as hair growth.
  2. Human blood contains mesenchymal stem cells, and autologous blood products that contain essential and specific growth factors that assist in tissue regeneration and healing.
  3. PRP was developed in the 1970′s and first used in Italy in 1987 in an open heart surgery procedure.

What is the evidence for PRP in hair loss treatment?

  1. Medical literature worldwide confirms the safety and use of PRP therapy in medicine. In the past 20 years, 
  2. PRP has been widely used in skin and wound healing, and is now being extensively used in cosmetic surgery, dentistry, sports medicine and pain management.
  3. In the field of hair loss treatment, evidence supports PRP therapy  to promote hair growth. Studies have shown that growth factors released from platelets may act on stem cells in the bulge area of the hair follicles, stimulating the development of new follicles and promoting neo-vascularization. ( Journal of Aesthetic Cutaneous Surgery, 2014).

Can PRP replace medication for hair loss?

However, PRP is in the early stages of scientific research for hair loss therapy,  hence PRP is not meant to replace current FDA approved therapies such as DHT blockers and Minoxidil.

How is PRP Hair Loss Therapy performed?

  1. Your blood is drawn and then spun in a sterile centrifuge system
  2. A topical anesthesia is applied to your scalp to reduce any discomfort during the PRP treatment.
  3. The highly concentrated platelet rich plasma is then injected into your scalp
  4. Your hair will then be washed and you may return to your daily routine. You are able to drive after the procedure.

How many sessions are needed?

Studies for hair loss indicate an average of 3 treatments scheduled 6 weeks apart. This may vary depending on the severity of hair loss and desired result. 

Thats all from me. I wish you a hair raising experience.

Dr Daniel Chang

References:

Pietro Gentile, Simone Garcovich, Alessandra Bielli, Maria Giovanna Scioli, Augusto Orlandi, Valerio Cervelli (2015). “The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Regrowth: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial” (PDF). STEM CELLS TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE.

 

To learn more about:

ALL Aesthetic treatments, do click here Ultimate Guide to Korean Medical Aesthetics.

Threadlifts, pls click here Facelift, V-Lift.

Dermal fillers, pls click here ABCs to Dermal Fillers. 

Pigments and pigmentation in skin.  Please click here PIGMENTS

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