PRP (PLETELET RICH PLASMA TREATMENT

Question 1.

Why do certain areas of the body heal more slowly, and how can PRP therapy assist?

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Certain areas of the body, such as joint surfaces, tendons, bones, muscles, and specific skin regions, heal at a slower pace due to a limited blood supply and reduced cell turnover. Unlike parts of the body that have a robust blood flow that swiftly delivers platelets to injuries, these areas struggle to repair themselves efficiently. This difference can delay the healing and regeneration of new tissue.

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How PRP Therapy Can Make a Difference

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Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy offers a solution by providing essential growth factors and cells directly to the injured areas. This process effectively jumpstarts the repair and regeneration around damaged tissues. Here's how PRP therapy works:

• Concentration of Healing Elements: PRP is derived from your own blood and is rich in platelets, which are crucial for tissue repair and cell regrowth.

• Targeted Application: By injecting PRP directly into the affected area, it enhances the body's natural healing response, ultimately speeding up recovery.

• Improved Tissue Regeneration: The therapy not only triggers quicker repair but also supports healthier tissue regeneration, addressing both immediate and long-term healing needs.

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With PRP therapy, areas of the body that typically heal slowly benefit from an expedited recovery process, helping reduce discomfort and improving function over time.

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Question 2.

What are the safety benefits of PRP injections compared to traditional surgery?

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PRP injections, or Platelet-Rich Plasma injections, offer a variety of safety benefits over traditional surgical procedures. One of the primary advantages is the reduced risk of complications. Since PRP involves using a patient's own blood, there's minimal chance of rejection or allergic reaction—a significant concern with surgeries that require foreign materials.

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Additionally, PRP injections pose a lower risk of infection compared to surgical incisions. This is because the procedure is minimally invasive, avoiding the need for large cuts that could introduce bacteria. The streamlined nature of PRP treatments also leads to considerably faster recovery times, allowing patients to return to their daily activities much sooner than after undergoing surgery.

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Finally, the inherent simplicity and nature of PRP injections mean less downtime, fewer adverse effects, and an overall enhanced safety profile when compared to conventional surgical interventions. This makes PRP an attractive option for those looking for effective medical treatments with fewer risks. Any cosmetic or medical treatment carries risks and these should be discussed with your health care professional before going ahead with any treatment. 

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Question 3.

Why is it important to discuss PRP therapy with a healthcare professional?

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When considering Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy, consulting a qualified healthcare professional is crucial. Here's why:

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1. Customised Medical Guidance
   A healthcare expert, such as your cosmetic nurse or doctor can offer personalised advice. They understand your unique medical history, conditions, and needs, ensuring the therapy aligns with your health goals.

2. Assessment of Suitability
   Not everyone is an ideal candidate for PRP therapy. A healthcare professional can evaluate whether this treatment is suitable for your particular case, considering factors like age, lifestyle, and any underlying medical issues.

3. Understanding Risks and Benefits
   Professionals can provide a comprehensive overview of PRP therapy's potential benefits and risks. This helps you make an informed decision, weighing the possible outcomes against any side effects or contraindications.

4. Coordination of Care
   Engaging a healthcare provider ensures that your PRP therapy is coordinated within a broader treatment plan, especially if you're addressing multiple health concerns. This holistic approach maximises the effectiveness of all therapies involved.

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Involving a healthcare professional in discussions about PRP therapy is a smart step toward making safe and informed choices about your health. Many clinics also have pre treatment recommendations they would like you to follow to get the most out of each and every treatment.  Following a low-fat diet for a few days before the treatment, limiting caffeine and alcohol consumption, being well hydrated, and avoiding corticosteroids, can impact the quality of platelets in your blood and therefore impact the treatment outcomes.  These are discussed during the consultation so the patient is well prepared and ready for their first treatment.

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Question 4.

What technological advancements have allowed PRP to be used in outpatient settings?

 

Recent advancements in technology have dramatically transformed the landscape of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) treatments, enabling their application within outpatient and cosmetic clinics. These innovations include:

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• Enhanced Centrifuge Machines: Modern centrifuge machines now offer more precise control, allowing for the efficient separation of platelets, which is crucial for effective PRP preparation.

• Improved Blood Collection Systems: Advanced vacuum systems streamline the blood collection process, making it quicker and more comfortable for patients.

• Portable Equipment: The development of compact and mobile PRP kits has made it feasible for these treatments to be conducted outside of hospital environments without sacrificing quality.

• Automated PRP Preparation Devices: Automation ensures consistency and reduces the margin for human error, enabling practitioners to deliver reliable results in a clinic setting.

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These technological strides have not only made PRP treatments more accessible but also more convenient for patients, broadening the scope of therapeutic applications across various fields.

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Question 5.

In what medical fields has PRP been historically used?

 

PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma, has been historically utilised across various medical fields. Initially, it found its application in cardiac surgery back in 1987. Over time, its use has expanded significantly. It's now employed in plastic surgery to aid healing and improve outcomes. In addition, PRP is used in chest surgery, providing enhanced recovery capabilities.

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Moreover, its benefits are recognised in implant surgery, where it helps in the integration process. PRP also plays a role in spinal fusion procedures, supporting the fusion of vertebrae and promoting tissue repair. These diverse applications underscore PRP's versatility in the medical community.

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Question 6.

How does PRP therapy stimulate the body's natural healing process?

 

By using your own blood cells to allow your body’s natural ability to heal, platelet-rich plasma can rejuvenate your skin from the inside out. The treatment can use a variety of injecting devices to tailor it specifically to the area being treated.

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PRP therapy works by harnessing the body's natural healing process. When tissue is injured, the body responds by sending specific 'super healer' cell types to the injury site. These 'super healers' are platelets, which play a critical role in the repair and regeneration of new tissue.

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Here's how it works:

• Platelets are extracted from your blood and concentrated in the PRP solution.

• Growth factors within these platelets are crucial in initiating and accelerating the repair of damaged cells.

• Injected The concentrated platelets are reintroduced to the targeted area, where they enhance the body's natural ability to repair itself.

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This innovative approach not only supports tissue regeneration but also boosts overall skin vitality, providing a natural, youthful glow.

 

What are growth factors and what role do they play?

 

Growth factors are proteins found in platelets that play a crucial role in healing. They help to initiate and accelerate the repair and regeneration of cells, making them vital for effective tissue recovery.

 

What is the body's natural response to tissue injury?

 

When tissue is injured, the body naturally responds by deploying specific cells to the site of injury. These cells, primarily platelets, begin the repair process and promote the growth of new tissue.

 

How does PRP therapy initiate the healing process?

 

PRP therapy triggers the healing process by utilising the growth factors found in platelets. These growth factors kick-start and enhance the repair and regeneration of damaged tissues.

 

What is the role of platelets in PRP therapy?

 

In PRP therapy, platelets act as key healing agents. They are crucial because they carry growth factors that are essential for initiating and speeding up the repair and formation of new cells.

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Question 7.

How long does the PRP treatment process take?

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The recommended treatment protocol is three sessions with 4-6 weeks in between each session. Each session typically takes about 90 minutes, allowing multiple areas to be treated efficiently. This can vary depending if PRP hair, PRP skin rejuvenation or PRP for joint repair is the treatment regime, and if multiple areas are being treated at once. For hair growth some patients will require more treatments than 3 sessions, and if scarring or a particular skin concern is being treated, patients may also need more than 3 treatments to achieve their desired results.

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Most clinics will use topical numbing cream that they apply to the area for 40 minutes to reduce patient discomfort. The first appointment typically takes a bit longer.  We normally allocate 2 hours to explain every step with the patient and to complete all the necessary patient photos and paperwork.  Subsequent treatments are then normally a little quicker as the patient is understanding of the process and the steps that are taken.

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Visible skin results from PRP skin rejuvenation vary from patient to patient, with improvements often seen anywhere from 6-12 weeks post-treatment. You can expect continued enhancements for up to one year, ensuring long-lasting benefits.

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This comprehensive approach not only optimises the treatment's effectiveness but also fits conveniently into your schedule, offering a balance between immediate and long-term results.

 

Can multiple areas be treated in a single session?

 

Yes, it's possible to treat multiple areas during one session.  Some patients will want to have they’re under eyes and neck lines treated at the same time or have their full face and decolletage treated.  Each treatment is tailored according to the individuals’ goals.

 

How long does each PRP treatment session take?

 

Each PRP treatment session typically lasts for approximately 90 minutes but we normally allocate 2 hours to ensure there is sufficient time for the topical numbing cream to take effect. The first treatment takes the longest as a consultation is required first to discuss patient suitability, review medical history, listen to treatment goals and to discuss the treatment.  Any alternative treatments, risks, costs and the procedure are discussed so the patient can make an informed decision if it is the right treatment for them. 

 

If you have any questions please send Lisa a message.​​