PRP: what does plasma from your own blood do?

How does a PRP treatment with plasma from your own blood work, for the skin or the scalp, and what can and cannot you expect? Explained by the doctors of ACLINIC.

PRP stands for platelet rich plasma, or plasma that is rich in platelets. It is made from a small amount of your own blood. A PRP treatment is mostly used for the skin of the face and for the scalp. In this article you will read what PRP is, how a treatment proceeds and what you may reasonably expect from it.

What platelets do

Platelets are small cells in the blood. They are mainly known for helping to close a wound. They also contain growth factors, proteins that set tissue repair in motion and stimulate the production of collagen and elastin.

In a PRP treatment those platelets are concentrated in a small volume of plasma. That plasma is injected into the skin, where the growth factors support the natural repair of the skin.

For whom

A PRP treatment of the face comes up for discussion with skin that is less firm or less even than before, for example with fine lines or a dull complexion. It is sometimes combined with microneedling, a technique with very fine needles that make small channels in the skin, so that the plasma is absorbed better.

PRP is also used for early hair loss or thinning hair. The growth factors then act on the hair follicles in the scalp. Whether that is useful depends on the cause of the hair loss. That is why the doctor first asks about your medical history.

A PRP treatment is not suitable for everyone. In case of certain blood diseases, an active infection, cancer or the use of blood thinners, the doctor will discuss whether the treatment is possible. During pregnancy it is also postponed.

How a treatment proceeds

A PRP treatment in four steps

1

The analysis

The doctor looks at your skin or scalp, asks about your general health and medication and draws up a treatment plan.
2

The blood sample

A nurse takes a small amount of blood from the arm.
3

The plasma

The blood is centrifuged. In this way the plasma with the platelets separates from the red and white blood cells.
4

The injections

After a numbing ointment, and where necessary a local anaesthetic, the doctor injects the plasma into the skin or the scalp. The treatment takes about thirty minutes.

The plasma comes from your own blood, no foreign material is injected. It does remain a medical treatment in which injections are used.

After the treatment

The skin may be slightly red and swollen. In the majority of people this subsides within a day, in others it takes longer. A small bruise may appear at the injection sites. When you resume your usual activities is something you discuss with the doctor.

If the scalp was treated, it is better not to colour your hair during the first week. Washing your hair is usually possible the next day, with a mild shampoo.

What you may expect

PRP supports a process that the skin carries out itself. The effect is therefore gradual and differs from person to person. It depends among other things on your age, the condition of your skin, smoking and sun exposure.

Usually the treatment is repeated three times, with four to six weeks in between. After that, one session a year can be discussed. Whether that is useful depends on your skin. With hair loss it may take several months before you notice a difference.

PRP does not replace a procedure. Pronounced sagging of the skin or deep folds require a different approach. Your doctor will also tell you when a PRP treatment will contribute little.

Risks to be aware of

Possible side effects are redness, swelling, sensitive skin and bruises at the injection sites. Rarely an infection occurs. If you use blood thinners or anti-inflammatory drugs, please report this beforehand, because they influence the action of the platelets and the chance of bruising.

PRP alongside other treatments

PRP is sometimes combined with a laser treatment or with fillers. A laser works on the skin layers, a filler adds volume and PRP supports the repair of the skin. Which combination is useful is discussed during the consultation.

Before the treatment

A few days before the treatment it is best to avoid anti-inflammatory drugs such as ibuprofen, because they influence the action of the platelets. Drink enough water, that makes the blood sample easier. If you come wearing make-up, it will be removed before the treatment.

After the treatment you wait a few hours before using make-up. Avoid the sauna, swimming pool and intensive sports during the first days, so that the small puncture sites can heal quietly.

Questions you can ask

Is my skin or my hair loss suitable for PRP? How many sessions are likely to be needed, and when will I notice something? Is a combination with microneedling useful in my case? Which medication should I best stop beforehand, and in consultation with whom? What do I do if the swelling does not decrease after two days?

Making an appointment

Whether this treatment suits your situation can only be assessed by a doctor after an examination. Want to know more about your situation? Make an appointment for a consultation.

Call us: 050 97 79 30

Gruuthuselaan 7, 8020 Oostkamp

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This information is general in nature and does not replace a personal consultation.