What is Platelet Rich Plasma and how does it work?

Platelet Rich Plasma is a treatment that has had a lot of recognition over the last several years since Kim Kardashian posted a picture of her blood-soaked skin to Instagram. But despite its rise in popularity, many are still unaware of the many rejuvenating benefits that the treatment has to offer. So, what are PRP injections? And are they worth investing in? Here we break down everything you need to know.

What is PRP?

Platelet Rich Plasma is an extract of concentrated platelets from your own blood. These platelets contain packets of growth factors and cytokines that increase the rebuilding of tissues to enhance healing. When PRP is injected into the skin, it restores blood flow, new cell growth, and tissue regeneration.

PRP has been used for decades for wound and soft tissue healing. However, more recently, there has been a vast amount of research and clinical evidence demonstrating its regenerative properties for the treatment of scars, large pores, fine lines and wrinkles, dark circles, loss of elasticity, and hair loss.

How does it work?

During treatment, your practitioner will take a vial of your blood, usually no more than the average blood test would require, and they’ll spin it in a centrifuge to create plasma rich in platelets. The PRP is then injected into the area to be treated using a very fine needle, stimulating tissue growth and producing collagen to naturally rejuvenate your skin.

When this process is used as a facial treatment, it is often combined with microneedling, which stimulates the skin and allows the Platelet Rich Plasma to be reintroduced into the body. The two treatments work in unison to encourage collagen production, increase cell turnover, and stimulate youthful, hydrated, and radiant skin. It can also be injected into specific areas to help plump the complexion, target acne scarring and reduce the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles. You can expect to notice these effects after just one session, but you may require several appointments to achieve optimum results.

PRP for hair loss

PRP has much more to offer than its collagen boosting and skin tightening benefits for the face. It also works to stimulate the production of new hair cells. When injected into the scalp, the plasma rich in platelets promotes growth as it contains white blood cells and platelets, which kickstart follicular activity and result in new hair growth. Platelets are also a key stimulator of anagen, the growth phase of our hair cycle. Not only has Platelet Rich Plasma been proven to improve the quantity of hair, but it also affects the quality of hair increasing the thickness of the hair fibre.

Hair loss is a common result of the natural ageing process, but for many, it can start prematurely, causing patchiness or a receding hairline, and it can sometimes be a result of certain illnesses, hormonal changes, or medical factors. PRP can be a very successful solution for the right candidate, resulting in a 60 per cent improvement on average.

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