PRP injections
What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) combines plasma, the liquid part of blood, with a high concentration of platelets, which contain growth factors that promote tissue healing and regeneration. It is obtained from a sample of the patient's own blood, which is processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets. Because it uses the patient's own tissue, PRP injections are safe and can be used alone or in conjunction with other treatments.
After creating platelet-rich plasma from the patient's blood sample, this solution is injected into the target area, such as an injured knee or tendon. In some cases, the practitioner may use ultrasound to guide the injection. The goal is to increase the concentration of specific growth factors in a given area to accelerate the healing process.
PRP injections are used for a variety of conditions*, from pain and musculoskeletal injuries to cosmetic procedures, including but not limited to:
• Injuries to tendons, ligaments, muscles and joints
• Post-surgical scarring
• Osteoarthritis
• Hair loss
• Skin rejuvenation
PRP injections can help treat various musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. For example, chronic tendon injuries, such as tennis elbow or jumper's knee, often take a long time to heal; therefore, adding PRP injections to a treatment plan can help stimulate healing, decrease pain, and allow for a faster return to activities.
Currently, PRP injections after surgery have expanded to help heal muscles, tendons, and ligaments, as procedures on these tissues often have prolonged recovery times.
Initial studies indicate that PRP injections may help treat the pain and stiffness of osteoarthritis by modulating the joint environment and reducing inflammation, although research is ongoing. They may also help support wound healing in cases of trauma and joint injury.
PRP injections can be effective in treating male pattern baldness, both to prevent hair loss and to promote new hair growth. PRP can also help stimulate hair growth after hair transplants.
Las inyecciones de PRP a veces se utilizan como tratamiento antienvejecimiento, aunque existe poca evidencia que demuestre que el PRP reduzca las arrugas y otros signos del envejecimiento.