The use of PRP in aesthetic dermatology

PRP - Platelet Rich Plasma in Dermatology

The platelet-rich plasma preparation obtained from the patient's own blood is an autologous, biocompatible product. Skin revitalization occurs thanks to autologous cell renewal, i.e. regeneration and biostimulation of skin cells as a result of the action of its own growth factors and mesenchymal stem cells.

The use of plasma rich in platelets - PRP (platelet rich plasma) was first described by Whitman in 1997. Currently, there is a lot of evidence of its use not only in aesthetic dermatology, but also in dentistry, orthopedics (implantation and bone grafting, tendon and muscle injuries). They are also used to heal chronic wounds, burns and scars. In aesthetic dermatology, it is used to rejuvenate the skin, restore its firmness, correct color, treat acne scars, stretch marks and alopecia.

Active ingredients of platelet-rich plasma

Platelets (thrombocytes), the morphotic blood elements responsible for clotting processes, contain granules rich in numerous growth factors. There are min. growth factors for fibroblasts, epidermal cells, stimulating the formation of new vessels and activating cells of the immune system. The effect of their action is the stimulation of tissue regeneration processes and the production of extracellular matrix, including collagen. In addition, plasma has an antibacterial and anti-inflammatory effect, associated with a significant reduction in postoperative pain and tissue swelling, which is especially important when it is used in orthopedic and dental procedures.

Preparation technique

The method of obtaining platelet-rich plasma is very important, so that the content of platelets and growth factors is as high as possible. On average, PRP contains 3-5 times more growth factors than in the peripheral blood. Therefore, during the collection and preparation of platelet-rich plasma, special attention should be paid to:

• • strict adherence to the treatment protocol,
• • use of a professional blood collection PRP,
• • use of vacuum PRP tubes with an appropriate anticoagulant,
• • blood separation using a medical tilt-angle prp centrifuge with strictly defined centrifugation parameters

(application of too high centrifugal force may damage the plates, defragment them, self-activate or disrupt their biological activity).

Procedure of the procedure

Treatments should be performed in series. Initially, they should be performed as monotherapy, with an interval of 2 weeks, and then in therapy combined with carboxytherapy, fractional laser, peeling, etc. The intervals between treatments are extended to 3-4 weeks. The full cycle usually lasts 3-4 months, after which a six-month break is recommended. This ensures high effectiveness and long-lasting effects.

The procedure with the use of autologous platelet-rich plasma is safe, without the risk of intolerance. However, coexisting autoimmune diseases in patients, especially autoimmune urticaria, should be considered as a risk of inducing a severe erythematous-edema reaction at the site of administration.

Usually, the side effects after the treatment are similar to those after mesotherapy: bruising, redness, pain or slight swelling, and are related to the injection itself. They are temporary and resolve on their own within a few days.

Indications:

Prevention and treatment of skin aging, photoaging - flabby, dry and lacking elastic skin, discoloration and wrinkles (the procedure described above).

The growth factors contained in the plaques trigger the formation of new blood vessels and stimulate the synthesis of collagen and components of the extracellular matrix, including hyaluronic acid. It is recommended to perform the procedure once every 4-6 months during 1 year, and then every year in maintenance therapy - scars and stretch marks.

Growth factors, in addition to stimulating collagen production, also participate in the reconstruction of connective tissue and the synthesis of new elastic fibers - alopecia.

The use of platelet-rich plasma extends the anagen phase, i.e. the hair's lifetime, thus reducing the amount of hair loss. It also stimulates the formation of new hair follicles. The evaluation of three treatments performed at monthly intervals showed an improvement in the form of an increase in the average hair density compared with the baseline values. - discoloration (melasma).

The effects of the treatment result from the influence of the factors contained in the plates on melanogenesis. This factor significantly inhibits melanin synthesis in a concentration dependent manner. In addition, the improvement in color may be associated with an increase in the volume of the skin - non-healing ulcers and wounds.

Platelet-rich plasma, as a source of large amounts of growth factors that stimulate the production of collagen and extracellular matrix, allows for the acceleration of healing processes. This method can be used to treat venous ulcers, on the basis of atherosclerosis and microangiopathy (e.g. diabetic foot), or burn wounds.

Contraindications

Although plasma treatment is very safe, there are some contraindications to its performance. These include: pregnancy, lactation, cancer, acute viral infections, HIV infection, chronic liver diseases, autoimmune diseases, use of immunosuppressants, blood clotting disorders and taking medications that prolong bleeding time (anticoagulants, aspirin).