Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
Treatments
What is Platelet Rich Plasma treatment?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are gaining popularity for a variety of conditions, from sports injuries to hair loss. The treatment uses a patient’s own blood cells to accelerate healing in a specific area.
How does Platelet Rich Plasma treatment work?
Platelet-rich plasma consists of two elements: plasma, or the liquid portion of blood, and platelets- a type of blood cell that plays an important role in healing throughout the body. Platelets are well known for their clotting abilities, but they also contain growth factors that can trigger cell reproduction and stimulate tissue regeneration or healing in the treated area. Platelet-rich plasma is simply blood that contains concentrated platelets and their growth factors.
To create platelet-rich plasma, we draw a blood sample from the patient and place it into a device called a centrifuge that rapidly spins the sample, separating out the other components of the blood from the platelets, and concentrating them within the plasma.
After creating platelet-rich plasma from a patient’s blood sample, that solution is injected into the target area, such as an injured knee or a tendon. In some cases, Dr. Krushel will use ultrasound to precisely guide the injection. The goal is to increase the concentration of specific bioproteins or hormones, called growth factors, in the specified treatment area to accelerate the healing process.
While the mechanism behind PRP injections is not completely understood, studies show that the increased concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma may stimulate or speed up the healing process, shortening healing time for injuries, decreasing pain, and even encouraging hair growth.
Because PRP uses a patient’s own tissues, PRP injections are relatively safe, and they can be administered alone, or they can be administered in conjunction with other procedures and agents.
What conditions does Platelet Rich Plasma treat?
Hair Loss
PRP injections can be effective in treating male pattern baldness, both in preventing hair loss and promoting new hair growth. PRP can also aid in the stimulation of hair growth after hair transplants.
Tendon, Ligament, Muscle and Joint Injuries
PRP injections may be able to treat a range of musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. For example, chronic tendon injuries such as tennis elbow or jumper’s knee can often take a long time to heal, and adding PRP treatments to the recovery regimen can help to stimulate the healing process, decrease pain, and enable a return to activities sooner.
Osteoarthritis
There is an accumulating body or research indicating that PRP injections may help treat osteoarthritis pain and stiffness by modulating the joint environment and reducing inflammation. To help ensure optimal placement, Dr. Krushel performs such injections under ultrasound guidance. Hyaluronic Acid and local anesthetic may also be administered in conjunction with PRP arthritis treatments.
Skin Rejuvenation (aka “Vampire Facial”)
PRP injections can be used as an anti-aging treatment, to reduces wrinkles and other signs of aging. PRP can be administered directly into the target areas of the face. Sometimes if is administered in combination with microneedling procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a Platelet Rich Plasma treatment take to work?
The benefits of PRP injections typically appear within a few weeks to months. Beyond this window, the platelet-rich plasma will continue to aid in further healing for up to nine months. Research has found that most patients get the best results with 3 or more treatments.
How long does a Platelet Rich Plasma treatment last?
PRP treatments do tend to last for a long time. For both face and hair treatments, as well as PRP for medical issues, the benefits of PRP treatments can last for 1 or 2 years.
Are there any side effects?
A PRP injection is a relatively low-risk procedure that rarely results in major side effects. After the procedure, you may experience some soreness and bruising at the injection site. Because PRP injections are made up of your own cells and plasma, the risk of an allergic reaction is very low.
Things To Know Before Your PRP Treatment
What to expect before treatment?
Prior to scheduling an appointment for musculoskeletal PRP treatments, Dr Krushel suggests that you consult with your medical doctor, chiropractor, or physiotherapist to determine whether the procedure is appropriate for you. Prior to scheduling an appointment for PRP, Dr. Krushel or his assistant will also review your circumstances. The base fee for the first treatment ranges from $600 to $1,000, while the cost of the initial three treatments typically ranges from $1,600–$2,800.
Pre Treament Instructions
The procedure involves a blood draw, so you should ensure you are well-hydrated and have eaten beforehand to prevent feeling lightheaded.
Post Treament Instructions
Generally, Dr. Krushel recommends that you do not apply ice or heat to the site for three days after your injection. Do not apply lotions, oils, or makeup to the injection site for six hours. Avoid strenuous activities and exercise of the area for three days after treatment.
Before & After Treatment
