How is PRP Performed?

Blood, which is a vital fluid for the human body, constantly circulates in the veins and corresponds to approximately 1/3 of the body weight. The liquid part of the blood that is outside the cellular elements is called “plasma”. It is the task of the plasma to transport amino acids, elements, carbohydrates and other important substances to the tissues. Platelets, one of the most important cells in the blood, stop bleeding and initiate healing when vascular integrity is impaired. Platelets contain many growth factors and cytokines. Thanks to their feature, platelets allow wounds to heal. The realization of these benefits of platelets is the main reason for their use in many different fields in the field of medicine. Platelets used to restore damaged tissues to normal have provided very beneficial results. For these reasons, the PRP method, in which platelets, that is, platelet-rich blood cells obtained from the person’s own blood, is used, is extremely advantageous.

In Which Situations Is PRP Used?

PRP is used in dentistry and for aesthetic purposes, as well as eliminating non-healing wounds, vascular problems, and orthopedic problems. 

Wrinkles, skin cracks, blemishes, acne, and scars are the most common areas where PRP is applied. After the application, the sagging and wrinkle marks on the skin begin to decrease. Applying PRP treatment together with procedures such as laser or peeling not only accelerates the treatment process, but also provides permanent results.

With the PRP procedure, a special part separated from the patient’s blood is applied to improve the skin, providing a rejuvenation, healing and repair effect on the face. The blood taken from the patient is centrifuged and the part rich in platelets and growth factors is separated. Plasma, which is the liquid part, allows the red and white blood cells of the blood to move through the bloodstream. It mainly consists of water and proteins. Protein content mainly contains growth factors that provide tissue regeneration, repair and increase blood flow.

Platelets are red blood cells that are needed for clotting and play a positive role in the healing process. Platelets and growth factors containing these factors are sent to the injury sites in the body to provide treatment for damage to tendons, muscles, skin, ligaments, or joints. PRP rich in platelets and growth factors is also used in cosmetic procedures for facial rejuvenation. The main chemical components in PRP have the ability to promote collagen growth.

PRP, which can be applied to all age groups and genders is not a method applied to cancer patients or patients with low platelet count. PRP is usually applied in 3 or 4 sessions at 2-week intervals. The frequency and number of applications should be determined for the patient.

The PRP method is a procedure that can also be applied to prevent hair loss and strengthen hair. PRP, which is prepared from the person’s own blood, is injected into the areas where there is a hair loss problem. Since it contains growth factors and proteins that provide tissue healing, it creates a cell regeneration effect in areas with hair loss.

How is PRP Applied to the Face?

During the PRP process on the face, blood is taken from the patient and centrifuged for separation. Then, local anesthesia is applied to the application area. Injection is performed painlessly with very thin and short needles to the application area. The treatment is completed in an average of 20-30 minutes.

The facial PRP procedure can be applied to male and female patients who want to improve facial skin quality and rejuvenate their facial skin. Thus, benefits such as increasing the skin quality of the face, renewing the facial skin, treating acne scars, reducing sun damage on the skin, tightening and reducing facial pores, reducing facial spots, treating under-eye bruises, revitalizing and tightening the facial skin, treating stretch marks and scars can be achieved.

After the PRP injection to the face, the facial repair mechanism starts to work, and first of all, vitality and brightness are noticed on the skin. As the increased collagen, elastin fibers and vascularization effect become evident in the period following the application, tightening of the skin and a decrease in fine lines occur.

Curiosities About PRP

PRP can be applied to the face, cheeks, neck, décolleté area, wrinkles around the eyes, mid-face area, chest, and hands. PRP treatment applied to the face provides blood circulation in the skin, the increase of collagen and elastin fibers in the dermis layer, filling fine wrinkles and lines, and moistening of deep lines on the face.

After the PRP application, the person does not face any interruption in their daily life. There is no negative outlook that will affect their social and business life. In some cases, small and temporary redness and bruises may be encountered in the application area resulting from the injection. Putting ice on the application area after the injection or using creams containing vitamin K can alleviate these side effects. 

Since PRP is obtained from the patient’s own blood, the application does not have any side effects. Since it is protected with special materials, it is not possible to contact with external factors. Therefore, the patient does not encounter an undesirable situation such as tissue rejection, infection or allergic reaction.

Although the effects of PRP injection begin to be noticed between 3 and 5 weeks, full recovery occurs and continues in approximately 4 to 7 weeks.