What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?

Platelet-rich plasma is the fraction of the blood obtained from the patient himself once it has been centrifuged.

Thanks to the centrifugation mechanism, the number of platelets in the blood can be concentrated in a small fraction of the plasma, obtaining a high number of platelets, for that reason it is called “Platelet Rich Plasma” when activated, they release growth factors. which when injected into the skin will stimulate cells called fibroblasts responsible for generating collagen and elastin, which will be responsible for improving the texture, thickness, smoothness and elasticity of the skin, ultimately making it more youthful and luminous.

The procedure consists of 3 steps

1. Blood collection: It is carried out like any other ambulatory blood collection for analytics, the difference is in the quantity and in the use of a specific closed tube kit for this purpose. The process begins with the adequate cleaning and disinfection of the area where the extraction is to be carried out. Preferably from the forearm. An elastic band is previously placed to restrict venous circulation and thus facilitate extraction. Once the sample is obtained, the elastic band is removed before the needle is withdrawn to restore circulation. Estimated time: 5-10 min
2. Centrifuge : Once the blood sample is obtained, it is centrifuged in a specific centrifuge for this procedure (not all centrifuges are valid for this procedure), so it is very important to carry out this procedure by a qualified doctor for it. After centrifugation, we have the sample ready for activation. Estimated time 8 min
3. PRP application: It is performed by intradermal infiltrations after cleaning the skin and topical anesthesia in the form of a cream if the patient so wishes, Estimated time 20-30 min

Where can the PRP be applied?

It can be applied in different areas of the body, the main medical-aesthetic indications are:

• Facial: On wrinkles with the aim of attenuating and blurring them and on folds marked by skin aging, to improve their appearance, repair and revitalize the skin.
• Body: On the body skin to improve flaccidity and elasticity of the skin on the inside of the arms, legs, areas of great sagging after pregnancy, weight loss, etc.
• Scars and stretch marks: To improve the appearance and eliminate them as much as possible.
• Capillary: Treats baldness, in addition to its effects on the quality of the scalp and the strengthening of the hair root, VEGF growth factors stimulate the walls of the vessels, promoting better microcirculation.
• Skin ulcers: Repairs, regenerates and revitalizes lesions that are difficult to heal, helping to close faster chronic ulcers, those of venous and arterial origin, and any type of wounds, in addition to improving the aesthetic appearance that they would leave if they were not treated with this technique.

Contraindications, adverse effects

There are some contraindications such as not extracting in people who suffer from skin cancer, or in people with bleeding disorders.

There are usually no adverse effects of the infiltrated plasma since, since it is the patient’s own blood, there are no risks of allergies or other skin reactions.

Side effects

Small bruises may appear in the area of the application that usually resolve in a few days as if it were any purple.

If it is performed by a doctor in aseptic conditions, and if the patient’s conditions are ideal, that is, they do not have low defenses, there should be no infections, for this reason it is important that the procedure be performed by a doctor who will assess the patient’s medical history before performing the treatment.