prp
‍‍‍‍tualatin, OR

Plasma is a substance that plays a vital role in the healing of damaged tissues and stimulates the growth of new, healthy cells. Plasma is made up of water and protein. Platelets are a type of blood cell which helps to clot the blood.

How is the Platelet-rich plasma produced?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is produced by isolating plasma from blood and concentrating it. The concentrated plasma is then injected into the body to treat damaged tissues and expedite the healing process. Doctors are known to use platelet-rich plasma to treat sports injuries like damaged tendons, ligaments, muscle joints, and skin.

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How is the Platelet-rich plasma produced?

Platelet-rich plasma injections are being used to treat an assortment of health conditions:

• PRP injections are being used to treat serious sports injuries like pulled hamstring muscles or sprain in the knees.
• It is increasingly being used in treating androgenic alopecia, also known as male baldness. The doctors inject the scalp with platelet-rich plasma to prevent hair loss and regenerate hair growth.
• Doctors have used PRP to treated people afflicted with osteoarthritis. Patients suffering from this condition are injected with PRP, which has proved to be useful and beneficial for them.
• It is also used for post-surgical repair. PRP injections are used by doctors after surgery to repair a torn tendon or ligaments.

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What is the procedure for PRP treatment?

The doctor should prepare the patient by giving instructions regarding medications that will prolong bleeding, such as aspirin or blood thinners. In case the patient is taking these medicines, it should be stopped before undergoing this procedure.

When PRP is used to treat hair loss, it has to be ensured that the patient washes their hair and does not use any hair products. Once the procedure is over, the treated area should be covered with a hat. Since the PRP treatment involves drawing blood, the patient should have their food before the procedure to avoid dizziness.

As the first step of this PRP treatment, blood is drawn from the patient's arm. The platelet-rich plasma is then separated from the rest of the blood components. The area to be treated is injected with lidocaine to numb it. The platelet breaks down and releases its growth factors, which trigger the natural process of cell multiplication and tissue renewal. The procedure lasts for about 30 minutes, and normal daily activities can be resumed after the routine. The treated area will be sore for two to three days.

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How long do the PRP injections last?

The PRP injections for joint, bone, scalp, or muscles are noticeable in about three months, and the full effect reflects in about six to nine months. The injections should be repeated to maintain the improvements in hair growth and texture. Since PRP therapy impersonates the body's natural healing process, it may work slowly repairing tissues, creating new blood vessels, regenerating nerves and tendons. The effects of the injection will vary from person to person. The patient's general health and the way their body responds to the procedure will also be the deciding factor in the effectiveness of the treatment.