What is PRP?

We hear so much about PRP – What is PRP?

This three-letter name stands for "Platelet Rich Plasma."

How do we get PRP?

The process is very simple.  We draw off about 60-70 cc’s of the patients’ own blood.  We then spin it down for several minutes.  This gives us the red cells in the bottom of the centrifuge tube and the top half containing plasma, platelets, ie. the platelet rich plasma.  

We recently had a new development which allows us to get super concentrated platelet rich plasma.  After the initial spinning down – we draw off the plasma – minus the red cells.  We then spin it down a second time for several minutes giving us pure or more concentrated PRP which we then mix with the patients own fat and stem cells.  It is this combination that we inject into the patients face to augment it.  This would be in lieu of say Juvederm, Restylane or Sculptra.  The best part is it is cheaper – lasts longer and it is your own tissue.

What makes platelets so special?

Platelets are very special and have a very prominent role in healing wounds.  Part of their magic centers around them containing x-granules.  These are small packets contained within the platelets that have several growth factors, ie. protein with growth factors that are released when the platelets are activated.  These factors increase in growth of blood vessels, new collagen and a whole host of other cellular functions to heal and rejuvenate our skin.  The proteins contained in these granules influence many aspects of wound healing. 

What’s on the horizon?

More and more people want simple – easy – no downtime procedures to enhance their facial appearance.  That helps to explain the explosive growth in Botox and fillers.  Millions of these procedures are done every year and their popularity is growing.  People want something easy – quick with no downtime.

This may be the "miracle" they are hoping for.