PRP Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) is the gold standard in skin and hair rejuvenation and healing for a variety of conditions.
PRP is a type of therapy that leverages the body’s own regenerative resources in order to heal a range of physical problems.
Your blood consists of several components. One component of your blood is called plasma, which is the liquid part of uncoagulated blood. The role of plasma is to conduct platelets and red and white blood cells throughout the body. Plasma is highly valued as a source of healing.
Platelets are another key component of blood. Platelets are a type of blood cell responsible for blood clotting as well as helping the body to heal.
PRP therapy takes advantage of both of these powerful blood components — platelets and plasma — and uses them to aid with healing parts of the body that need it.
The dermatologists at Dallas Associated Dermatologists utilize PRP therapy to aid in skin healing and hair rejuvenation.
What is PRP Therapy Used For?
In dermatology, PRP therapy can be used to treat a variety of skin conditions and to rejuvenate areas of the skin that are problematic.
Some of the conditions that PRP therapy can be used for are:
- Alopecia
- Skin ulcers
- Acne
- Burns
- Hyperpigmentation
- Melasma
- Hair loss
PRP therapy is a non-surgical treatment that is performed in our office. Your dermatologist uses a fine needle to inject platelets and plasma (separated from your own blood) into your skin or scalp. The procedure causes mild discomfort. You may feel a slight pinch as the needle pierces your skin.
Results from PRP therapy may take a while to be noticeable, although improvement will begin to take place almost immediately and continue for about three months. Multiple treatment sessions are usually needed to achieve the desired effects. Effects can be expected to last up to a year or more.
Types of PRP Therapy
Different types of PRP therapy are determined based on the number of growth factors detected in the blood sample (after it is processed).
Four types of PRP therapy exist:
- Pure PRP
- Leukocyte-rich PRP
- Pure platelet-rich fibrin (PRF)
- Leukocyte-rich PRF
Am I a Candidate for PRP Therapy?
You may be a candidate for PRP if you suffer from any of the conditions known to respond favorably to PRP therapy. You and your dermatologist at Dallas Associated Dermatologists can discuss your suitability for this type of treatment.
The qualities of a good candidate are:
- Overall good health with no underlying conditions
- Other treatment options have not worked
- Comfortable with giving blood samples for the therapy
- Skin condition is in the early-to-mid-stages
There are many reasons to consider PRP therapy. Not only is PRP therapy considered to be very effective, but the results can also be transformative.