PRP is a product created from a small amount of blood that is drawn from you. The blood is then placed in a sterile tube and spun in a centrifuge to separate the components of the blood which include red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma, which is the clear fluid. The plasma in the tube contains lots of platelets, making it platelet-rich-plasma, or PRP. Platelets contain the extraordinary ability to help cells and tissue heal. PRP is injected into the desired areas to act as a catalyst for tissue to regenerate, which smoothens and rejuvenates the skin.
Platelet Rich Plasma is an autologous high concentration of platelets in a small volume of plasma. It is measured as 1 million platelets per mL, or at least 2 times the native concentration of whole blood. About 50% of blood is made up of plasma; it is relatively clear with yellow tint made up of water (92%), sugar, fat, protein and salt.
Utilized in a variety of surgical and non surgical applications:
- dentistry
- wound healing
- pain management
- dermatology
- plastic surgery
- hair restoration
- aesthetics
Platelets release growth factors which initiate the healing cascade:
- PDGF (Platelet Derived Growth Factor) promotes synthesis of extracellular matrix
- TGF (Transforming Growth Factor) synthesis of collagen
- EGF (Epidermal Growth Factor) proliferation and differentiation of epidermal cells
- VEGF (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor) stimulates angiogenesis
The initial response to tissue injury:
- Clotting/Hemostasis Fibrogen creates fibrin strands Activated Platelet membrane
- Inflammation (remove debris) Platelet signaling proteins WBC signaling proteins
- Tissue regeneration (new cell growth) Platelet Growth Factor (PDGF, TGF, EGF) WBC signaling proteins (VEGF) Plasma Growth Factors (IGF) Adhesion molecules (Fibronectin, SC Factor, Victronectin, Vascular Cell Adhesion Factor)