Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?

Platelets are a component of your blood responsible for clotting and healing. They contain numerous growth factors that assist wound revision and cell turnover. 

Platelet-rich plasma comes from a sample of your own blood and features concentrated platelets. Your sample is spun down and treated to separate the platelets from red and white blood cells.

The ideal PRP solution is golden, like straw, without any hint of pink or red. This indicates a nearly pure platelet concentration. When applied for aesthetic procedures or in response to injury, platelets assist with regenerating tissue and healing. PRP can also stimulate the production of collagen, a protein in the skin that provides strength and elasticity.

Because PRP is derived from your own blood, it’s 100% natural. Your body won’t react negatively to PRP, because it's made from your cells.

How does platelet-rich plasma help improve my complexion?

As you age, your production of collagen decreases, leading to saggy, crepey-looking skin. Old cells lead to dullness, textural issues, and heaviness in your complexion. The application of PRP helps restore natural collagen levels and promote new skin cell growth to bring back your skin’s youthful tautness and glow.

At Westport MediSpa, Dr. Brownell administers PRP along with microneedling. Microneedling uses a device equipped with dozens of needles to create controlled injuries in the surface of your skin. These micro injuries aren’t visible to the eye, but your body starts the process of healing in response to the treatment.

When PRP is applied along with microneedling, your healing capacity accelerates. PRP microneedling may help:

• Diminish the appearance of lines and wrinkles
• Erase uneven skin pigmentation
• Improve acne scars and stretch marks
• Enhance tone and texture

Microneedling with PRP is an advanced way to boost the health and appearance of your skin. 

How does platelet-rich plasma (PRP) help with hair loss?

At Westport MediSpa, Dr. Brownell uses Selphyl® PRP for hair restoration. Selphyl PRP includes the addition of a precise amount of calcium chloride, which helps convert traditional PRP to platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM), an especially advanced form of PRP that releases multiple growth factors and contains stem cell activators.

When injected into your scalp, this specially treated PRP can promote:

• Thicker, more voluminous hair strands
• More hair strands from each hair follicle
• Hair follicles to produce hair for a longer period of time
• More voluminous growth in treated areas

PRFM protects platelets so that they’re able to release growth factors for a longer period of time, so you experience dramatic results in your hair quality. Selphyl PRP is simply the most advanced form of PRP available today.

How many platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments will I need to restore lost hair?

PRP for hair restoration usually involves three sessions, spaced about four to six weeks apart. You may begin to notice changes in your hair’s quality and thickness by the third treatment, but the best results show up after 6-12 months.

Dr. Brownell recommends a maintenance treatment every six months to maintain your thicker head of hair.

If you’re interested in learning more about the cosmetic applications of platelet-rich plasma, call Westport Medispa for an appointment.