Everything you need to know about PRP Injections
PRP is a natural injection product that has been known for a very long time in the treatment of osteoarthritis, tendonitis or in the case of ligament rupture. Its virtues are now increasingly used in anti-aging medicine.
It rejuvenates and beautifies the skin of the face, neck, décolleté and hands or treats certain skin imperfections.
What is platelet rich plasma?
Blood plasma contains platelets and growth factors that promote the activation of natural tissue repair mechanisms in general.
Plasma also contains nutrients, vitamins, hormones, minerals and proteins, which are essential for cell survival.
Platelets are cells without a nucleus with mitochondria, microtubules and alpha granules. A platelet contains between fifty and eighty alpha granules and synthesises around thirty bioactive proteins which are growth factors. There are a dozen different growth factors that stimulate stem cells in the area where the PRP is injected.
It is prepared from the patient's own blood. It is therefore an autologous product, 100% biocompatible and without any risk of rejection or allergy.
Indications: Reboosting stem cells
PRP regenerates the skin by acting deep in the dermis and stimulating stem cells.
The "Vampire Lift": Preventing skin ageing
Platelet-rich plasma preserves the natural hydration of the skin and protects it from all external aggressions (tobacco, pollution, etc.). Ideal from the age of 25 to obtain an immediate radiance boost effect and delay the appearance of the first wrinkles. The "Vampire Lift" has received worldwide media coverage by Kim Kardashian and Bar Refaeli. It is also increasingly popular in France among reality TV stars, notably Manon Marsault and Jessica Thivenin. The term "Vampire Lift" refers to the use of plasma as a blood derivative.
Facial rejuvenation
From the forties onwards, wrinkles are well established and the skin of the face and décolleté begins to wrinkle, especially if you have abused the sun. PRP injections will boost the production of collagen.
Treatment of skin imperfections
PRP is also suitable for reducing coloured dark circles, improving the appearance of all scars (acne scars, accidental scars or scars following surgery) and treating stretch marks.
Capillary stimulation
PRP also slows hair loss and stimulates regrowth.
How the PRP session works
A nurse takes a blood sample from the arm. It is not necessary to fast.
The blood is then centrifuged. This process separates the plasma and platelets from the red and white blood cells. The growth factors and proteins contained in PRP "boost" the skin stem cells that produce collagen and elastin.
The doctor then injects small amounts of PRP into the dermis using a fine needle over the treated area.
Depending on the indication to be treated, a complete PRP treatment consists of three to six sessions. Each session is spaced four to six weeks apart.
After the injections
Erythema, oedema, itching or temporary sensitivity of the skin and possibility of bruising for a few days. Resumption of activities is instantaneous.
The results are as follows
Immediately after the session, a clear improvement in the skin's radiance and tone is already visible. After one month, the skin becomes more supple, less wrinkled and wrinkled on the surface and skin imperfections are reduced.
PRP injections must be renewed every year to maintain the result permanently.
The treatment must be renewed every six months.
PRP injections can be combined with the LED laser to optimise the results.
Of course, these results depend on the quality of the PRP and in particular the number of platelets injected. Some processes can produce up to 5 times more platelets than others.
PRP injections to treat osteoarthritis
PRP injections can slow the progression of the disease, reduce pain and inflammation and improve mobility and function.
Unlike treatments with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or intra-articular corticosteroid injections, it is free of side effects.
Recent studies have shown that PRP injections are more effective than hyaluronic acid injections in knee osteoarthritis.
PRP is an effective treatment, particularly in the early stages of osteoarthritis (grade 2 or 3). Results can be improved and maintained by repeating injections annually.
PRP promotes the proliferation of stem cells that specialize in cartilage and bone tissue. The procedure can be combined with arthroscopic surgery to prepare the joint and allow the stem cells to proliferate within the affected area.
Other studies have also shown that PRP increases the natural production of hyaluronic acid within the arthrosic joint.
An injection of PRP can only stimulate tissues that are still present: in more serious cases (grade 4 osteoarthritis) where the bone is exposed following the disappearance of cartilage, the injection of PRP is not effective.