Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment is a treatment system applied by injecting the plasma obtained from the patient’s own blood with a special centrifugation process to the patient with different targets. The aim of the treatment is to give the growth factors to the applied area much more than can be reached via the veins. It is used in dermatology for skin rejuvenation, acne scars, reduction of fine wrinkles, treatment of spots and prevention and treatment of hair loss. In addition to its use for cosmetic purposes, PRP is also used in chronic skin ulcers, dentistry and joint problems due to its accelerating and enhancing effects on wound healing.
In the first stage of PRP application, the blood taken from the patient intravenously is taken into special tubes containing anticoagulant and centrifuged. Since the serum obtained after the process will be injected back into the patient, the tubes from which blood is drawn must be closed system, sterile and approved for this use. The use of blood collection tubes used for laboratory tests is not suitable. After centrifugation, the blood is divided into 3 parts, approximately 10-25% of the blood taken from the patient is obtained as PRP. This part, which is stronger than platelets and growth factors, is drawn into special injectors and injected with fine-tipped injector needles into the areas where the application is planned.
In use for skin rejuvenation, it acts by stimulating the production of collagen thanks to its high growth factors, and at the same time increases skin elasticity by accelerating the formation of hyaluronic acid. Although the frequency and number of applications may vary according to the need of the person, it is usually applied as 3 sessions every 2 weeks. It can be used alone or combined with chemical peeling, roller, laser or radiofrequency.
It has been shown that PRP treatment for hair loss reduces hair loss, prolongs the life span of new hair and increases hair thickness. Applications are made at intervals of 2-4 weeks, in the form of 3-8 sessions depending on the type and severity of hair loss. A time period of 2-4 weeks should pass for obvious clinical improvement. If the need is felt after the treatment with systematic sessions, the applications can be continued at intervals to ensure the continuity of the effect.
Since the patient’s own blood is used in the PRP process, the risk of side effects is quite low. It is extremely reliable in terms of infectious diseases and does not carry the risk of allergies. The side effects that may occur are redness or bruising, which can last for a few hours or days due to serial injections after the application. It should not be applied to those with low platelet count, pregnant women and people with autoimmune diseases.