Platelet-rich plasma has multiple uses in dermatology: androgenic alopecia, scar revision, skin rejuvenation, stretch marks, wrinkles, dyspigmentation and melasma, and wound healing. Platelet-rich plasma is made from taking a small sample of your blood and spinning it in a centrifuge. This concentrates platelets from the blood. The platelets release key growth factors that initiate signaling proteins responsible for production of collagen, hyaluronic acid, dermal matrix proteoglycans, and blood vessels in the skin. These factors are responsible for repair and regeneration of our skin. Since PRP is prepared from an autologous (self- blood sample), potential concerns for allergic reactions and disease transmission are unlikely.
You may be a candidate for hair follicle injections with autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP), depending on the cause of your hair loss (androgenetic alopecia). PRP contains over 20 different signaling growth factors that stimulate stem cells in the hair follicles to grow new hair. PRP helps reverse the shrinking of hair follicles and jump-start dormant hair follicles back into the growth phase.
PRP is not a cure for baldness. However, there is evidence that regular treatments can significantly slow down the effects of androgenetic alopecia. PRP increases blood supply to the follicle, increases hair thickness, triggers and prolongs growth phase, thus decreasing hair loss. Typically, 4-5 treatments are needed initially to « wake up » the stem cells in the hair bulge part of the follicle. Maintenance treatments are recommended 2-4 times a year to preserve and continue hair growth.
PRP can be injected into the skin to improve skin firmness, wrinkling, and texture. Areas that can be treated include forehead lines, cheeks, crows' feet, and neck lines. If you are hesitant to have dermal fillers injected, PRP offers you a nice alternative. It is the most natural tissue filler of all.
Combining microneedling with PRP application can help improve acne scarring and skin texture. In general, multiple treatments are needed for best correction. PRP combined with microneedling results in faster healing and more collagen formation. PRP is applied to the skin during microneedling. Micro-openings created by the needles allows growth factors to enter the deeper layers of skin. PRP can be used as an adjunctive therapy for wounds that are resistant to standard wound care. It may also be used for enhancing acute traumatic wound healing.