What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?:
PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma and it is obtained through a simple blood draw.
After the blood is drawn it is spun in a centrifuge to separate the plasma and platelets from the red blood cells so that that the PRP can be injected or applied topically. Plasma is simply the liquid part of blood. Platelets are well known for their clotting capabilities, but also are full of growth factors that can trigger cell reproduction, stimulate tissue regeneration and healing. Studies have shown that PRP has around 578 different types of proteins like platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ). These proteins and growth factors can stimulate stem cells and improve cellular proliferation, differentiation, and regeneration, hence, leading to skin rejuvenation and hyaluronic acid production.
How Can PRP be used in Aesthetics?
PRP has been used as a treatment modality in skin rejuvenation for the last decade. It can be used as monotherapy for skin rejuvenation, acne scars, periorbital rejuvenation, hair restoration, and in combination therapy such as microneedling and laser resurfacing. Platelets become the logical choice for replacement and renewal of cells, tissues, or organs due to low invasiveness/high healing, easy availability, and abundance in growth factors. PRP is a growth factor cocktail, which promotes wound healing, angiogenesis, and tissue remodeling.
What happens when skin ages?
Genetic and environmental factors lead to alterations in dermal extracellular matrix proteins (ECMP), degeneration of connective tissue, and decrease in the hyaluronic acid polymers. At a microscopic level, there is flattening of dermal-epidermal junction, dermal atrophy, and decrease in number of fibroblasts. Activation of dermal fibroblasts and remodeling of the extracellular matrix are essential for rejuvenation of aged skin. PRP can regulate the secretion of biological factors and the proliferation and differentiation of many kinds of cells. PRP promotes collagen regeneration and angiogenesis, reduces pigment secretion, and further promotes facial rejuvenation.
Which patients are not candidates for PRP?
PRP is contraindicated in patients with platelet dysfunction syndrome, critical thrombocytopenia, hemodynamic instability, septicemia, and patients with unrealistic expectations. Relative contraindications include heavy smokers, drug or alcohol users, patients with chronic liver pathology, severe metabolic or systemic disorders, patients with cancer especially liver cancer, patients having low hemoglobin (<10 g/ml) or platelet count (<1 lakh/microL), and patients having a history of recent fever or other illnesses. PRP should also be avoided in patients who regularly use of NSAIDS, omnacortil more than 20 mg per day, and those on anticoagulant therapy.
Does age affect the results of PRP treatments?
Studies have shown that as the age of the patient increases, the ability for tissue regeneration gradually declines, the expression of growth factor receptors decreases, and the ability of fibroblasts to produce collagen is reduced. Young fibroblasts respond well to PRP treatment. Furthermore, as age increases, the tissue regeneration ability is poor and the expression of the cell growth factor receptor is reduced, resulting in decreased PRP action comparatively. At present, there are few reports of age-related changes in the response to PRP in facial rejuvenation. However, young fibroblasts respond well to PRP treatment, which may imply that the regenerative ability of PRP will decline with age. Hence, PRP might be a better modality in younger patients.
Madison McGown, APRN, FNP-C is a board-certified nurse practioner that specializes in facial cosmetic injections and rejuvenation at the Facial Plastic Surgery Institute. Please contact us if you are interested in a consultation with Madison.
