PRP is a hot topic right now, but it’s been around for nearly 50 years as a surgical enhancement to aid in recovery and healing. Since then, physicians have been finding innovative ways to use platelet-rich plasma to the benefit of their patients in a number of ways. Read on for a summary of the history and common benefits of PRP in dermatology, its current cosmetic uses and innovations on the horizon, as well as professional notes on its limitations.
A Quick Refresher
PRP uses your body’s own regenerative growth factors to speed up healing for a variety of procedures. PRP injections are prepared by taking anywhere from one to a few tubes of your own blood and running it through a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. These activated platelets are then injected directly into your injured or diseased body tissue. This releases growth factors that stimulate and increase the number of reparative cells your body produces.
In dermatology, specifically, PRP is commonly used to treat male and female pattern hair loss, wound healing and temporary facial rejuvenation (the memorably named “vampire facial” might ring a bell). You can find more information about what a PRP is like by clicking here.
The Future of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Dermatology
There are a number of ways experts are using PRP as a compliment to other treatments and procedures, including stimulating hair growth in eyebrow alopecia, under eye dark circles, in facial volume loss if a patient is not a candidate for fillers, after laser resurfacing to enhance results and improve wound healing, or in addition to other laser treatments for acne scarring.
Dr. Munavalli explains, “When we use this as an adjunct to other procedures, PRP can aid in the improvement of the skin texture and tone as well as boost collagen production when applied directly to the skin after a treatment or when injected. It doesn’t supply the volume that (for example) fillers do, but it gives skin textural and, in some cases, pigment improvement.”
Laser resurfacing and microneedling are other areas where PRP can benefit patients. By putting PRP on immediately after treatments, redness can resolve in a matter of days compared to a week or longer. Skin healing and regeneration happens faster with growth factors in place, as well. “PRP has become a standard part of our protocol for some procedures.”
What we’ve found is that patients are loving this safe, effective approach. “Patients like that PRP offers a natural medical alternative using their own blood concentration of growth factors. We feel confident that the right mix of medical management and cosmetic PRP injections can help many patients,” says Dr. Leight.
Dr. Munavalli adds, “Patients see that they are improving quicker, they have more of a glow, and notice greater improvement of texture and tone than they would have seen without PRP. It’s a very natural treatment, too, which patients like.”
The Big Takeaway
Platelet-Rich Plasma can truly help patients – DLVSC is on the cutting edge of combining this treatment with other things, but Dr. Munavalli warns “Patients must understand that PRP on its own isn’t going to make wrinkles look better or skin brighter, other than a temporary “wow” effect. There are lots of misconceptions around PRP – it’s not a one-shot deal or even a two-shot deal. It’s a multi-treatment option that will complement and enhance other procedures. If you really want more permanent help with skin texture, wrinkles or acne scars, it must be done alongside another treatment.”
As with any dermatological or cosmetic need, meet with a board-certified dermatologist to discuss the best custom treatment options for your specific goals.