PRP separated from blood after being centrifugedPlatelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is an autologous concentrated preparation of platelets and the associated growth factors in a small volume of plasma. Platelets and other components in human blood migrate to the point of care as part of the body’s own healing ability. The PRP is introduced into the body via direct injection or through a process called micro-needling.
Platelets achieve healing and regeneration by releasing numerous growth factors that respond to tissue injury, stimulate stem cell production and initiate and promote the conditions for healing. Growth factors are very important in the healing of injuries, pain treatment, facial rejuvenation, tissue generation, sexual health and hair growth.
The Process of Extracting PRP
First we draw your blood into one or more special vials and then use a centrifuge to separate the Platelet Rich Plasma. This process is quick, painless and efficient, and we can retrieve up to 2.5 times more concentrated PRP because we use kits and equipment from Eclipse Aesthetics. Dr. Tiffany then injects the plasma into or around the specific areas of treatment, or she uses micro-needling on the skin and the PRP is applied topically. Our expert Practitioners can perform the procedure right in our office at Sunshine Health Care Center, and you can usually resume normal activities soon after. Best of all, it’s a completely natural therapy that’s derived from your own body’s innate ability to heal itself!
Platelets Release Growth Factors - The “Gold” in Your Plasma
Platelets release growth factors and other molecules upon activation. This promotes healing, collagen production and elastin production among other benefits. These growth factors are regeneration-promoting signaling molecules, such as Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), Transforming Growth Factor group (TGF), Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF) and others. These molecules are shown to regulate the healing cascade, including inflammation and cell proliferation.
- PDGF (Platelet derived growth factor): Cell growth, new generation and repair of blood vessels, collagen production
- VEGF (Vascular endothilial growth factor): Growth and new generation of vascular endothilial cells
- TGF-B (Transforming growth factor beta1): Growth of epithelial cells, endothelial cells, promotion of wound healing
- KGF (Keratinocyte growth factor): Growth and new generation of keratinocytes
- EGF (Epidermal growth factor): Promotion of epithelial cell growth, angiogenesis, promotion of wound healing
- FGF (Fibroblast growth factor): Tissue repair, cell growth, collagen production