What are PRP Injections?
PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma. It is a treatment that involves extracting a small amount of a patient’s blood. The blood is processed to concentrate the platelets, and then it is injected back into the body. The platelets contain growth factors that can aid in tissue healing and regeneration.
This property make PRP injections popular in various medical and cosmetic procedures, including orthopedic injuries, hair restoration, and skin changes.
What does the Procedure involve?
The PRP procedure involves following steps:
Blood Extraction: A small amount of blood (typically 30-60 milliliters) is taken from the patient's arm. This is similar to a regular blood test.
Centrifugation: The collected blood is then placed in a centrifuge. Centrifuge is machine that spins rapidly to separate its components. This process separates the platelet-rich plasma from other blood components.
Platelet Concentration: After centrifugation, the platelet-rich plasma is collected and concentrated. Now it is the part of the blood that is rich in platelets, growth factors with other healing components.
Injection: The concentrated PRP is then injected into the specific area of the body. It may be a joint, scalp for hair restoration, or may be a skin for cosmetic purposes.
Whether the Procedure is New or Experimental?
PRP is a new procedure, but it is used for many years for a variety of purposes like hair restoration etc.
What are the possible Outcomes of the Procedure in the Short and Long Term?
- Short Term:
Reduced Pain and Inflammation: In some cases due to the anti-inflammatory properties of platelets, patients may experience immediate relief from pain and inflammation
Improved Healing Response: PRP can increase the natural healing process of the body, potentially leading to fast recovery times.
Temporary Discomfort: Some patients can experience some discomfort, swelling, or bruising at the injection site. This usually vanished within a few days.
- Long Term:
Tissue Regeneration: PRP’s growth factors can helps in the regeneration of tissues, which may lead to sustained improvement.
Chronic Conditions: In some chronic conditions, such as in osteoarthritis, patients may experience prolonged relief, which lasting several months to a year.
Hair Restoration: In cases of hair loss, patients may experience gradual improvements in hair thickness and hair growth over months.
Cosmetic Applications: In aesthetic procedures, such as skin rejuvenation, it may improve texture, tone, and volume, which can last for an long time period.
What are the Risks and possible Complications associated with the Procedure?
Risks and Complications
- Infection: there is a small risk of infection at the injection site.
- Pain or Discomfort: Some patients may experience temporary mild pain, discomfort, or bruising at the injection site.
- Allergic Reaction: some patient may have an allergic reaction to components of the PRP.
- Nerve or Blood Vessel Damage: there is a chance of injury to blood vessels during procedure.
- No Improvement: patients may not experience the desired level of improvement.
What are the Contraindications?
Contraindications:
- Systemic Diseases: PRP may not be recommended in patient who have active infections, such as autoimmune conditions, or blood disorders.
- Cancer or Blood Disorders: PRP may not be suitable for individuals with certain types of cancer, blood disorders, or platelet abnormalities.
- Pregnancy and Breastfeeding: It should be avoided in pregnancy.
- Anticoagulant Medications: patient should be careful who are using blood thinning medication.
- Local Skin Infections or Lesions: PRP should not be administered if there is any local skin infection.
- Unrealistic Expectations: Patients should have realistic expectations about the outcomes of the procedure.
What is the Cost of the Procedure?
The cost of Dr Shuai Wang using Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy injections varies depending on the purpose, and the area injected. Please see an example of the cost below;
Cosmetic
Facial micro-needling / dermal needling from $450
Muscular skeletal injuries
Tennis elbow per side from $150
Hair restoration, from $450 per session
What can the Results Look-like?
Outcomes:
- Orthopedic Injuries: Patients may experience reduction in joints pain, and enhanced tissue healing, leading to better quality of life.
- Hair Restoration: it may increases hair thickness and growth, potentially leading to a more voluminous appearance of hairs.
- Skin Rejuvenation: Cosmetic applications can lead to better skin texture, tone, and elasticity, which results in a more good and refreshed look.
- Chronic Conditions: In osteoarthritis, patients may have prolonged relief from pain and have improved joint function.
- Wound Healing: This procedure can enhance wound healing, potentially enhance recovery times and reduced scarring.
Aftercare of the Procedure?
- Follow Provider’s Instructions
- Rest and Avoid Strenuous Activities
- Ice and elevate the treated area to reduce swelling and discomfort.
- Avoid Blood-Thinning Medications
- Keep the Injection Site Clean and Dry
- Monitor for Signs of Infection or Adverse Reactions
- Stay Hydrated and Maintain a Healthy Diet
- Avoid Smoking and Excessive Alcohol
- Attend Follow-Up Appointments
- Communicate with Your Provider