Everything You Need to Know About Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy: Regenerate Your Cells Where YOU Need It Most!

PLATELET-RICH PLASMA (PRP) IS A SAFE, NATURAL AND POWERFUL TREATMENT USED TO TREAT A VARIETY OF COSMETIC, ORTHOPEDIC, AND SEXUAL HEALTH CONCERNS.

In this post we will explain what PRP actually is, the various PRP treatments available from Dr. S, the range of physical ailments and conditions PRP can be used to treat, and answer the following questions:

• What is Platelet-Rich Plasma?
  • How exactly does PRP work?
  • What do platelets do?
  • What are growth factors?
  • How is PRP prepared?
  • What questions should I ask when vetting a PRP specialist?
  • Who is a good candidate for PRP?
• What are the 3 categories of PRP Treatments available from Dr. S?
  • How quickly will I see improvements in my skin with PRP?
  • How many PRP treatments should I get for skin and hair?
  • What kind of bespoke PRP treatments to skin and scalp does Dr. S offer?
  • What is the difference between PRP, microneedling, Vampire Facial, and stem cells?
  • What’s the difference between SkinPen and Dermapen?
  • What are the 3 types of Prolotherapy?
  • What are the sexual health benefits of PRP treatments for men?
  • What are the sexual health benefits of PRP treatments for women?

Pin This Image:

Be sure to download your free e-book that you can use as a reference in your research to see if PRP is right for you: Everything You Need to Know About Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy: Regenerate Your Cells Where YOU Need It Most!

 WHAT IS PLATELET-RICH PLASMA?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a concentrated preparation of platelets and the associated growth factors (we’ll explain growth factors below) in a small volume of plasma, all collected from one individual.

PRP is a portion of the patient’s blood with the highest concentration of platelets. This procedure has limited side effects because we use the patient’s own blood.

PRP injections have been used since the early 90’s in plastic and orthopedic surgery as well as in maxillo-facial surgery.

Platelets play an important role in soft tissue and wound healing. PRP therapy uses this rich platelet portion of your blood to promote healing of ligaments, tendons, joints, muscles, skin and more.

Dr. S holds a vial of concentrated PRP just after centrifugation. Because platelets (monocytes and growth factors) are sticky, they get stuck to the bottom of the vial. We use a swirling technique to reconstitute them in the plasma, which is the yellow fluid surrounding the platelets. Those of us aligned with regenerative medicine often call this “liquid gold.”

HOW EXACTLY DOES PRP WORK?

• Platelet-Rich Plasma, known as “PRP” is an injection treatment made of the patient’s own blood.
• Blood contains red cells, white cells, platelets and plasma. Platelets are very small cells in your blood that are involved in the clotting process. We obtain PRP by separating the plasma and platelets.
• These separated platelets release a number of enzymes or growth factors which promote healing when they are activated and reinjected into the area to be treated. This process also attracts stem cells in order to repair tissues. As a result, new collagen begins to develop.
• As the collagen matures it begins to shrink, causing the tightening and strengthening of the tissue.
• PRP promotes remodeling of the tissue to a healthier and younger state when treating injured or sun- and time- damaged tissue.

WHAT DO PLATELETS DO?

Platelets release growth factors which regulate the healing cascade by signaling to surrounding cells to repair damaged tissue and regenerate new tissue.

WHAT ARE GROWTH FACTORS?

Growth factors initiate various types of wound healing such as chemotaxis, migration, mitosis, and synthesis of extracellular matrix. The factors may also be synthesized wound cells during later stages of healing and act locally to regulate healing.

• Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)
  • PDGF attracts mesenchymal cells, or cells that develop into connective tissue, blood vessels, and lymphatic tissue and stimulates new blood vessel formation. (NCBI)
• Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)
  • EGF stimulates the growth, new vessel formation, and collagen synthesis of endothelial cells, or cells that line the interior surface of blood vessels and lymphatic vessels. EGF also stimulates epithelial and mesenchymal cell replication.
• Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)
  • TGF stimulates the growth of mesenchymal, endothelial, and fibroblast (which produces collagen) and osteoblast (which produces bone) cells. TGF also regulates collagen synthesis and collagenase secretion.
• Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)
  • VEGF increases new blood vessel formation and vessel permeability, and also stimulates endothelial cell replication.
• Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF)
  • FGF promotes the growth and differentiation of chondrocytes (which produces cartilage) and osteoblasts. FGF also serves as a mitogenic for mesenchymal cells, chondrocytes and osteoblasts
• Keratinocyte Growth Factor (KGF)
  • KGF acts predominantly on epithelial cells (which line the surfaces of your body, including skin and internal organs) to trigger proliferation, migration and morphogenesis. (NCBI)

HOW IS PRP PREPARED?

PRP is prepared in 3 steps:

1. A 30mL, 60mL or 120mL blood draw is performed in office, depending on the size and area being treated.
2. The blood drawn is centrifuged in an EMCYTE centrifuge and prepared in a sterile closed system.
3. Once the plasma is prepared, it is activated with calcium chloride just prior to injection for optimal results.

PRP development via centrifugation can be used in the office setting as well as the operating room.

However, the centrifuge process must be sterile and precisely suited to platelet separation from red blood cells and their sequestration in high concentrations. 

Therefore, not all currently marketed PRP devices are equal. Some do not concentrate viably active platelets in numbers high enough to produce a healing enhancement. This disparity in PRP quality explains most of the criticisms regarding the efficacy of PRP.

Always educate yourself prior to receiving any treatment: ask what devices the doctor is using and ask about FDA-approval.

WHAT QUESTIONS SHOULD I ASK WHEN VETTING A PRP SPECIALIST?

• WHAT CENTRIFUGE IS BEING USED?

  • Emcyte and Harvest are the well-known centrifuges that have the ability to concentrate platelets to 5-7 times, which is necessary for new blood vessel formation and orthopedic treatments.
  • The equipment that only uses 1 spin or is done in a gel will not provide the quality of product that is effectively platelet rich plasma

• WHAT MICRONEEDLING DEVICE IS BEING USED (WHEN HAVING A PRP FACIAL OR HAIR RESTORATION PROCEDURE)?

  • SkinPen is the only FDA-approved device that has been tested to eliminate the chance of cross contamination. The SkinPen has validated research proven to extensively reduce acne scarring.

• IS THE PRP ACTIVATED?

  • Activated PRP is activated with calcium chloride prior to injection. During injury, calcium is what signals for collagen synthesis.
  • When the body produces a healing cascade and signals for platelet aggregation, calcium migrates to the area to activate the platelets to release growth factors and aggregate.

WHAT ARE SOME CONTRAINDICATIONS?

A medical history of metastatic conditions like cancer or disease is one of the most important PRP injection contraindications. Patients with these conditions might have blood that is infected with cancer cells. This factor is especially true for patients that have hematopoietic cancer or cancer of the bone marrow. For this reason, their blood cannot be used for PRP therapy. 

OTHER CONTRAINDICATIONS TO PRP INCLUDE:

• Low Platelet count: The blood must have a platelet count of at least 105/ul.
• Insufficient Hemoglobin or Low HGB count: The patient must not be anemic, and the blood must have at least 10 g/dl of hemoglobin.
• Low Fibrinogen count: Fibrinogen is a part of the platelets in the blood and acts as a  key component of the PRP serum. Patients must have a normal count of 200–400 mg/deciliter of fibrinogen in the plasma. If the levels are lower than this minimum range, the blood cannot clot normally.

WHO IS A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR PRP?

1. Patients with a sufficient amount of platelets:
   • If questionable, a simple blood test can be done prior to therapy to assess blood and platelet count.
   • A lesser concentration of PRP is required to achieve results aesthetically, so blood and platelet count is more of a concern orthopedically.
2. Patients who prefer less invasive alternatives to surgery, medication, and synthetics.
3. Patients who have sensitivities/reactions to synthetic fillers and Botox (in aesthetic medicine).
4. Patients who are willing to comply with lifestyle shift recommendations and really take their health seriously.

If we feel a patient is not a good candidate, we will make other recommendations or work with them to change their circumstances to become a good candidate via lifestyle, diet and nutrient supplementation.

There are no quick fixes! In chronic illness, if we don’t also focus on healing what initially created the injury or trauma, there is a higher rate of symptom return with less favorable results.

Total lifestyle changes are less necessary in cases of using PRP therapy to heal acute injury.

Everything requires a support system and having proper protocols, preparation, and post-care in place for the best possible outcome.

WHAT ARE THE 3 CATEGORIES OF PRP TREATMENTS AVAILABLE FROM DR. S?

Dr. S offers PRP treatments in conjunction with skincare services, orthopedic treatments, and sexual health treatments:

PRP FOR SKINCARE / AESTHETICS / ANTI-AGING

The first category of services offered by Dr. S is Skincare. We utilize safe, proven, cutting-edge PRP treatments to improve your skin’s health, vitality, and general appearance.

HOW QUICKLY WILL I SEE IMPROVEMENTS IN MY SKIN WITH PRP?

You will see immediate improvements to skin texture, color consistency and overall vibrancy. Over time, results increase as new tissue collagen synthesis begins to take place.

HOW MANY PRP TREATMENTS SHOULD I GET FOR SKIN AND HAIR?

For skincare treatments, we usually recommend 1-3 treatments  depending on the age, quality of skin and other determining factors, and annual maintenance following the protocol.

For hair restoration – hair loss, thinning hair, alopecia, and balding – we recommend at least 3 treatments, depending on severity.

Before & after of platelet-rich plasma therapy treatment for women’s hair loss: Post 3 PRP treatments at 3 months (1 treatment per month)

WHAT KIND OF BESPOKE PRP TREATMENTS TO SKIN AND SCALP DOES DR. S OFFER?

• Skin rejuvenation for fine lines, wrinkles, and other signs of aging
• Heal acne, rosacea, scarring, and pitting
• Repair sun damage
• Facial treatments
• Non-surgical face lift
• Hand rejuvenation
• Minimize scars and stretch marks
• Non-surgical breast lift
• Décolleté skin rejuvenation
• PRP hair restoration for males and females

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRP, MICRONEEDLING, VAMPIRE FACIAL, AND STEM CELLS? DOES DR. S OFFER THESE SERVICES?

PRP is a medical treatment used to heal a variety of health concerns from skin aging to joint pain. Microneedling is a cosmetic procedure that Dr. S combines with PRP to compound the benefits of both. The Vampire Facial is a Canadian brand of trademarked PRP facial. Dr. S does not currently offer stem cell treatments.

PRP

PRP is a medical treatment that can be used for skin and hair issues, inflammatory joint conditions, and sexual health issues. Dr. S offers PRP in conjunction with microneedling. Platelet-rich plasma is used in addition to microneedling to create more fine injury for strengthening collagen.

MICRONEEDLING

Microneedling is a skincare procedure involving “superficial and controlled puncturing of the skin by rolling with miniature fine needles” (NCBI). According to Bellous Medical, the creator of our preferred microneedling device SkinPen, microneedling causes “controlled micro-injuries that stimulate your body’s natural wound healing process, while minimizing cellular damage. The result is effective remodeling of scar tissue, while keeping the overall structure of the skin intact.”

STEM CELL TREATMENTS

Dr. S currently does not offer stem cell services but will once the quality of standard is better established.

Stem cell therapy is the use of stem cells to treat or prevent a variety of illnesses and conditions. Stem cells are controversial as many clinics allegedly source their stem cells from labs that do not supply viable products.

WHAT’S THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN SKINPEN AND DERMAPEN?

SkinPen and Derma-pen are both microneedling devices.

Dr. S uses SkinPen. Here’s why:

At the time of this writing (June 2019) SkinPen is the first and ONLY microneedling device that is FDA-approved specifically for protection against cross-contamination.

There have been reports of contamination from other microneedling systems, meaning backsplash of blood and/or blood parts were getting into devices and being transferred to different patients. SkinPen is currently the only one that has been tested and proven to prevent cross-contamination.

There is also no scientific evidence anywhere backing the DermaPen, meaning they haven’t done any studies or tested in any way. If you go to the SkinPen website there is immense research and data, and all has been approved by the FDA.

FDA-approval aside, another reason Dr. S uses SkinPen is its needles are of surgical quality. When you look at other devices under a microscope, the needles are uneven. Jagged needles would create a less precise incision that would not heal as completely.

SKIN PEN MICRONEEDLING BEFORE & AFTER PICTURES 

PRP FOR ORTHOPEDICS

The second category of PRP treatments offered by Dr. S is Orthopedic PRP treatments.

These treatments are highly effective for chronic inflammatory conditions such as arthritis. The number of treatments varies between individuals. Most people experience reduction of pain and symptoms within 1 to 5 treatments, and ongoing treatment can lead to total remission when used along with a healthy lifestyle.

PRP is just one type of prolotherapy (proliferation therapy). Prolotherapy is a nonsurgical treatment which stimulates targeted healing. It is known as nonsurgical ligament and tendon reconstruction or regenerative injection therapy. This treatment works by stimulating the body’s own healing mechanisms to repair injured musculoskeletal tissues.

WHAT ARE THE 3 TYPES OF PROLOTHERAPY?

1. 1. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) Prolotherapy: See above
   2. Ozone Prolotherapy: Ozone injections may help to reduce inflammation and increase quality of life in patients. While the exact mechanism of action has not been established, the prevailing theory is that when O3 is injected into the body, a molecule of O2 breaks and releases O-. This creates an oxygenated environment in which most harmful microorganism cannot survive. The O- molecule scavenges free radicals, removing them from the body through detoxification. (Science Daily) (NCBI)
   3. Dextrose Prolotherapy: Dextrose injections stimulate what is called Arachidonic Acid (AA) pathway inflammation. Post injury/trauma, the body utilizes the AA pathway to predominantly repair the damaged tissue. In prolotherapy the damage isn’t traumatic, meaning the fibers aren’t ripped, stretched or torn, which weakens and loosens the fibers. The needle injury is still repaired and the tissue fibers are able to heal stronger, closer to original tensile strength.

Each therapy may be used alone or in combination when appropriate. Proper screening of patients to see if they are a good candidate is essential, and we often start with the less expensive less specific prolotherapy treatments such as dextrose and ozone prolotherapy.

WHAT ARE THE SCREENING SPECIFICATIONS TO DECIDE WHICH TYPE OF PROLOTHERAPY TO USE?

1. Orthopedic testing
2. Prior diagnosis
3. Pain point analysis
4. Possibly ultrasound

PRP INJECTION THERAPY IS USEFUL FOR THE FOLLOWING ORTHOPEDIC CONDITIONS:

• Tendonitis
• Arthritis
• Osteoarthritis
• Ligament damage
• Sciatica
• Sciatic nerve pain
• Herniated disc
• Sacroiliac problems
• Chronic pain
• Carpal tunnel syndrome

MORE SPECIFICALLY, ORTHOPEDIC PRP INJECTIONS CAN BE ADMINISTERED TO THE FOLLOWING PARTS OF THE BODY:

• Knees: Arthritis, Ligament Tears/Instability, Peripheral Meniscus Tears, Pes Anserine, Tendonosis
• Ankles/Feet: Arthritis, Instability, Chronic Sprains, Achilles Tendonosis, Plantar Fasciitis, Retrocalcaneal Bursitis, Morton’s Neuroma
• Wrists/Hands: Arthritis, Instability, Carpal Tunnel Syndrome, Trigger Finger
• Elbows: Arthritis, Instability, Tennis Elbow (Lateral Epicondylitis), Golfer’s Elbow (Medial Epicondylitis)
• Shoulders: Arthritis, Recurrent Subluxations, Frozen Shoulder Syndrome, Impingement Syndrome, SLAP Injuries (Labral Tears)
• Hips/Pelvis: Arthritis, Instability, Chronic IT Band Syndrome
• SI Joints: Arthritis, Instability, Sacroiliitis
• Lumbar Spines: Arthritis, Instability, Disc Disease
• Thoracic Spines: Arthritis, Instability, Rib Dysfunction
• Cervical Spines: Arthritis, Instability, Disc Disease

PRP FOR SEXUAL HEALTH

The 3rd and final category of PRP treatments offered by Dr. S is for Sexual Health. Sexual health PRP treatments work for any gender and can improve sexual health, performance, discomfort, appearance, and even treat reproductive organ diseases and dysfunction.

HOW IS THE MEN’S PRP TREATMENT ACTUALLY ADMINISTERED?

The procedure for injection begins the same with the preparation of PRP as above.

1. The men’s PRP treatment involves first having the patient apply lidocaine to the shaft of the penis.
2. Once numb, the lidocaine is washed off, then we apply a penis tourniquet so the PRP remains in the penis for a duration of time.
3. Then 4 injections, 2 on each side of the shaft and 1 near the tip, the patient must be non-erect at the time of injection.
4. The patient then will sit for 15 mins before removing the tourniquet.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PRP TREATMENTS FOR MEN?

• Erectile dysfunction (ED) and improved erection
• Enhanced appearance and girth (including treatment of circumcision scars)
• Improved sexual stamina/capabilities
• Improved sensation and pleasure
• Diminished prostate discomfort
• Treatment of Peyronie’s Disease

WHAT ARE THE SEXUAL HEALTH BENEFITS OF PRP TREATMENTS FOR WOMEN?

Age, childbirth, and menopause can decrease sensitivity and sexual confidence. Enhance your sexual life with our female sexual wellness injection for non-surgical vaginal rejuvenation.  Patients report the following benefits:

• Improved desire and arousal
• Treatment of urinary incontinence
• Younger, smoother labia
• Decreased pain/dyspareunia
• Stronger, more frequent orgasms
• Treatment of incontinence, interstitial cystitis, Lichen Sclerosis

The female sexual wellness injection is a natural, non-invasive and effective treatment that rejuvenates vaginal and clitoral function, drastically improving sensitivity for optimal sexual response.

PRP leads to new cellular and vascular growth of tissues in the area. The tissues of the bladder base and the urethral sphincter muscles can also be strengthened. This is because the tissue planes under the upper vaginal wall allow for free flow of the PRP around the urethra and around the base of the bladder.

The female sexual wellness injection also helps decrease urinary incontinence and increases natural lubrication.

This in-office procedure uses platelet-rich plasma from your own blood and is then re-injected into the clitoris and upper vagina.

HOW IS THE WOMEN’S PRP TREATMENT ACTUALLY ADMINISTERED?

The procedure for injection begins the same with the preparation of PRP as above.

1. First, we have the patient apply lidocaine to area once numb we wash off and clean for injection.
2. Approximately 0.5 – 1.0 cc is injected on each side of the clitorus within the cavernous area.
3. Approximately 0.5 – 1.0 cc is injected on each side of the urethra in the cavernous area.

WHO IS AN IDEAL CANDIDATE FOR THE FEMALE SEXUAL WELLNESS SHOT?

Any female over 21 who experiences urinary incontinence or decreased sensitivity during intercourse.

WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS OF PRP INJECTIONS FOR SEXUAL HEALTH?

There are no adverse reactions since this procedure uses your own blood.

Immediately following the procedure, the most commonly reported temporary side effects are:

• Redness
• Swelling
• Bruising
• Tenderness
• Tingling or numbness
• Lumpiness
• Pressure or fullness at the injection sites and/or in the treated area(s).

Cold gel packs/ice may be gently applied immediately after treatment to reduce swelling.

We hope this has been a helpful overview of PRP treatment benefits.

If you’re interested in including PRP treatments in your quest for better health, whether that be for skincare, orthopedic, or sexual concerns, please download our free reference e-book, Everything You Need to Know About Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy: Regenerate Your Cells Where YOU Need It Most!

If you’re in the Glendale, California, area and wish to book a consultation with Dr. S, please contact us here.

Otherwise, please sign up for our newsletter for occasional updates about educational articles and special promotions. If you enjoyed this post, please share with your friends and family using the social buttons below, and thank you for reading!

• Dr. S, ND