Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

In My Concierge MD clinic, we offer (PRP) Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy for a variety of conditions, including PRP therapy of the face and facial rejuvenation, PRP knee treatment, PRP joint treatment, and PRP injections for hair loss and hair regrowth.

The use of this technique has gained media exposure in recent months and has been featured on various television channels and printed media sources.

Platelet-rich plasma contains growth factors and plays a role in monocyte-mediated pro-inflammatory cytokine and chemokine release. It is thought that it plays a role in limiting inflammation through the cytokine pathways and growth factors that promote tissue regeneration and healing.

What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a treatment that uses a patient’s own blood cells to accelerate healing in a specific area such as muscle, tendon, or ligaments. It is done to increase the concentration of bioproteins or hormones (growth factors) to speed up the healing process.

Platelet-rich plasma consists of plasma (the liquid component of blood) and platelets (small and colorless fragments of cells that promote healing). Platelets are known for their clotting abilities while healing an injury. They also contain growth factors that can trigger cell reproduction and stimulate tissue regeneration or facilitate the healing process.

How is PRP prepared?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is prepared through a multi-step process:

• Sample Collection: A blood sample is taken from the patient.
• Centrifugation: The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge, a device that spins the sample at high speeds. This spinning separates the blood into its various components: red and white blood cells, plasma, and platelets.
• Platelet Concentration: The platelets are collected and concentrated to anywhere from 2 to 8 times their normal number. This creates the platelet-rich plasma.
• Preparation for Injection: The concentrated platelets are mixed into a blood plasma liquid base. This PRP solution is now ready for injection into the target area.
• Injection: The PRP solution is injected directly into the area of injury. Ultrasound imaging is sometimes used to guide the injection.

Is PRP FDA-approved?

As of now, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is not officially approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for most uses. The FDA has only approved the use of PRP in bone graft treatments.

Functions of PRP Therapy

PRP Joint Injections

PRP has been shown and is currently being used to treat joint injuries, ligament and tendon injuries, tendonitis, muscle injuries, and a variety of joint issues. Patients with knee pain have found effective pain relief and function after platelet-rich plasma injections to the problem area.

PRP Treatment for face

PRP face treatment with micro-needling has been successful in creating a more youthful and rejuvenated appearance. This procedure has been shown to promote collagen production, aid in skin tightening, treat skin blemishes, acne scars, stretch marks, and more. Patients who have had the PRP therapy facelift state that their skin feels smoother and has a certain glow about it.

PRP injections for hair growth

PRP injection in the scalp is an exciting and new non-surgical option for patients who desire hair growth for various hair loss conditions.  PRP contains many growth factors that stimulate the hair follicles, blood vessel growth, cell replication, and, ultimately, hair growth. Patients who have had this procedure performed on the scalp have seen significant regrowth of hair as well as improvement in their hair strength and quality.

What conditions can be treated with PRP therapy?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy can be used to treat a variety of conditions such as:

Hair loss:

PRP injections can help promote hair growth and prevent further hair loss. A study has concluded that PRP therapy is a simple and affordable treatment option for androgenic alopecia with a higher patient satisfaction result [1].

Musculoskeletal Pain and Injuries:

Tendon injuries are slow to heal thus, PRP injections are used to treat them. It’s reported that PRP treatments can help treat chronic tendon problems like tennis elbow and shoulder muscle and tendon issues [2].

A 2020 study stated that injecting high concentrations of platelets can encourage new tissue growth and heal cells in damaged tissues [3].

Spine Pain:

PRP injections are a less invasive treatment option used to treat spine pain caused by damaged intervertebral discs. They are also known as intradiscal platelet-rich plasma injections.

Cosmetic Procedures:

PRP therapy can also be used in cosmetic procedures, such as hair restoration and skin rejuvenation, such as fighting against wrinkles, fine lines, etc.

Knee Osteoarthritis:

A 2015 non-placebo-controlled randomized clinical trial with 160 patients with knee osteoarthritis revealed that PRP injections are superior to hyaluronic acid injections for osteoarthritis treatment [4].

How long does a PRP therapy session take?

A Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy session typically takes less than 15 minutes. This includes the time for drawing the patient’s blood, processing it in a centrifuge to separate and concentrate the platelets, and then injecting the PRP into the target area. However, the exact duration can vary depending on the specific procedure and the individual patient’s characteristics.

Are there any side effects of PRP therapy?

Yes, there can be potential side effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy:

• Pain: Some people may experience pain or soreness in the spot of the injection.
• Infection: While precautions are taken when injecting a patient with a PRP serum, sometimes an infection can break out in the injured area.
• Allergic Reaction: Some patients’ bodies may reject their own serum and react negatively to the treatment.
• Blood Clot: Because a PRP injection uses a needle, there is a chance that an artery or vein could be damaged, leading to a blood clot.

How many PRP sessions are needed?

For hair loss treatment, most patients need at least 3 sessions for optimal results, with each session scheduled a month apart. After the initial rounds of treatment, patients need to attend additional follow-up sessions once every 4-6 months to ensure a successful outcome.

For hair growth, most PRP protocols involve receiving 3-6 initial treatment sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions every 6-12 months.

For facial treatments, on average, most individuals benefit from a series of 3 to 4 PRP sessions, spaced approximately 4 to 6 weeks apart.

Is PRP therapy painful?

PRP therapy is generally not considered painful, but the level of discomfort can vary depending on the individual and the area being treated. The injection itself might cause some discomfort. However, a local anesthetic is often used to minimize this.

It’s fairly common to experience some soreness and pain at the treated site for at least a week after the injections. This is a normal inflammatory reaction and can be a sign of the healing process. The pain will likely go away on its own, although it can also be managed with pain relievers such as acetaminophen to reduce the discomfort.

Cost of PRP therapy

According to an article published in Medical News Today the cost of a single PRP therapy ranges from $500– $2,500.

Is PRP therapy covered by insurance?

Typically, insurance companies do cover PRP injections for certain medical conditions. The most common condition for which PRP injections are covered is rheumatoid arthritis. However, PRP treatments for cosmetic procedures, such as hair loss, are often not covered by insurance, as these are considered elective procedures. It’s also important to note that PRP therapy is not approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), and many insurance plans do not reimburse these treatments.

Does PRP regrow hair permanently?

PRP is not a permanent solution for hair regrowth, but it can help to slow down the progression of hair loss and promote new growth in areas where there was previously none. While PRP treatments may not be able to fully restore all lost hair, they can still offer significant improvements in hair thickness and density.

Who should avoid PRP?

Here are some conditions where PRP might not be recommended:

• Pregnant women
• Suffering advanced-stage osteoarthritis
• Suffering from severe anemia or leukemia.
• Having a personal history of active cancer
• Receiving anticoagulation therapy
• Active smokers

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

My Concierge offers the best Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy near me in Beverly Hills but can also come to your home or office throughout the Los Angeles area. We serve patients near Beverly Hills, Bel Air, West Hollywood, Santa Monica, West Los Angeles, Culver City, Hollywood, Venice, Marina del Rey, Malibu, Manhattan Beach, Redondo Beach, Downtown Los Angeles, Encino, Woodland Hills, Sherman Oaks, Calabasas, Burbank, Glendale, Hidden Hills, Agoura Hills, Northridge, North Hollywood, Topanga, Canoga Park, Reseda, Valley Glen, Chatsworth, West Hills, Winnetka, Universal City, Silverlake, Echo Park, and many more.

References:

1. Khatu SS, More YE, Gokhale NR, Chavhan DC, Bendsure N. Platelet-rich plasma in androgenic alopecia: myth or an effective tool. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2014;7(2):107-110. doi:10.4103/0974-2077.138352
2. Chen X, Jones IA, Park C, Vangsness CT Jr. The Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Tendon and Ligament Healing: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis With Bias Assessment. Am J Sports Med. 2018;46(8):2020-2032. doi:10.1177/0363546517743746
3. Everts P, Onishi K, Jayaram P, Lana JF, Mautner K. Platelet-Rich Plasma: New Performance Understandings and Therapeutic Considerations in 2020. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(20):7794. Published 2020 Oct 21. doi:10.3390/ijms21207794
4. Raeissadat SA, Rayegani SM, Hassanabadi H, et al. Knee Osteoarthritis Injection Choices: Platelet- Rich Plasma (PRP) Versus Hyaluronic Acid (A one-year randomized clinical trial). Clin Med Insights Arthritis Musculoskelet Disord. 2015;8:1-8. Published 2015 Jan 7. doi:10.4137/CMAMD.S17894