AUTHOR

Abeer Iqbal

Microbiologist and Molecular Geneticist

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has developed tremendously in recent years. The success of PRP therapy promises to provide potential treatments for various chronic diseases and aging. Let’s learn how people use PRP for anti-aging effects and how it can help keep you looking and feeling younger.

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma?

Platelets are a crucial component of our defense. They are the cells active at the site of tissue damage that help heal the body by producing growth factors. Platelet-rich plasma is made by drawing a patient’s blood, centrifuging it down, and creating a plasma solution that has 5 times the concentration of platelets of normal plasma.

PRP has two main action mechanisms through which it aids healing. It does the following things:

1. Augments the reconstruction and regeneration of damaged and injured tissue.
2. Nurtures and facilitates other cells to undergo self-healing and regeneration.

PRP is a natural substance through which human tissues and organs can repair themselves from damage and injuries. This therapy has the benefit of being natural, safe and more easily available as compared to other methods used for regenerative medicine. There is also minimal risk of inflammatory reactions and allergic reactions in PRP therapy [R]. So, can PRP address what ails you? Let’s take a look at what conditions PRP has been shown to benefit.

How PRP Works

PRP is a natural reservoir of bioactive factors that have profound effects on the health of bone and tissue [R]. When PRP is injected into the body, it orchestrates a highly elaborate and efficient healing process [R]. PRP injections lead to an exponential amplification of the normal cellular response to wounds or injury.

PRP for Anti-Aging

There are many applications for PRP and in this article, we focus on the anti-aging and longevity advantages to pursuing this therapy.

Musculoskeletal Applications

PRP can assist in the regeneration of connective and skeletal tissues. PRP injections have shown benefits with non-healing chronic tendon injuries and degeneration of cartilage [R]. Growth factors produced by PRP help regenerate the musculoskeletal tissues by providing the necessary collagen and protein that has been lost. The treatment has become a favorite of professional athletes to address conditions ranging from tennis elbow to Achilles tendonitis.

Skin and Anti-Aging Applications

PRP therapy has several applications in dermatology. As we age, factors like pollution, smoking, and UV exposure start taking a toll on our skin, which causes it to lose its elasticity and glow. The topical application of PRP can lead to stimulation of the rejuvenation process in the aged facial skin through the secretion of collagen and other vital components of extracellular skin matrix [R]. PRP injections are used for the rejuvenation of photoaged skin in the lower eyelid area because it has proved to be an efficient, safe, pain-free and fast method to treat wrinkles and dark circles under the eye [R].

In aesthetic medicine, PRP therapy has been found to improve the overall appearance and health of the skin. According to the journal of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, various cosmetic facial procedures have been developed that exploit PRP therapy to achieve revitalization and rejuvenation of skin [R].

PRP therapy has also shown promising results in hair regrowth. The injection of PRP has been shown to stimulate hair growth in males with severe hair loss, which is a concern for many as they age, and is currently in use as an alternative to the various hair growth therapies available [R].

Risks of PRP

PRP does have some associated risks. In rare cases, individuals given PRP therapy can suffer from continuous bleeding issues. Therefore, it is recommended to get checked for the presence of any kind of underlying platelet function disorder or clotting disorders prior to undergoing PRP. Individuals with conditions like insulin-dependent diabetes, thrombocytopenia or anemia are not considered fit for PRP therapy [R].

Summary

Whether you are looking to regrow your hair, rejuvenate your skin, or regenerate tissue, bone, cartilage and more [R], PRP therapy may be the answer. To find out more, check our directory for a PRP therapy provider near you.

The information on this website has not been evaluated by the Food & Drug Administration or any other medical body. Information is provided for educational purposes. You should consult your doctor before acting on any content on this website.