PRP is increasingly used in cosmetic surgery and in plastic surgery for its regenerative qualities.
the PRP, abbreviation of Platelet rich plasma, is a product obtained by centrifugation of a small quantity of its own blood taken from the bend of the elbow. This blood extract is a concentrate of platelets; the latter have regenerative and healing properties.
What are the indications for this treatment?
SKIN REJUVENATION
Skin aging leads to a decrease in the quantity and quality of the proteins that structure the skin. These proteins are secreted by the fibroblasts and are essentially represented by the collagen responsible for the thickness and the solidity of the skin and the elastin which ensures the flexibility of this one. Animal and fibroblast culture studies show that PRP significantly improves dermis quality and collagen secretion (1, 2,3).
Injection under the skin by micro-injection in the form of mesotherapy or by microcannulas corrects the signs of aging, improves skin texture and smoothes skin fine lines. The result is obtained after 2 or 3 sessions.
1. Can Platelet-rich Plasma Be Used for Skin Rejuvenation? Evaluation of Effects of Platelet-rich Plasma on Human Dermal Fibroblast. Ann Dermatol. 2011 Nov; 23 (4): 424-31
2. Platelet-rich plasma induces increased expression of G1 cell cycle regulators, type I collagen, and matrix metalloproteinase-1 in human skin fibroblasts. Int J Mol Med. 2012 Jan; 29 (1): 32-6
3. Effect of platelet-rich plasma on ultraviolet b-induced skin wrinkles in nude mice. J Plast Reconstr Aesthet Surg. 2011 Feb; 64 (2): e31-9.
THE TREATMENT OF ALOPECIA
PRP has long been used to prevent hair loss or to promote regrowth after alopecia. These treatments were based on some animal studies showing hair regrowth (4). However, even if these treatments seemed effective, no study allowed to affirm a real benefit. The British Journal of Dermatology recently published a randomized clinical trial using PRP injections against a placebo. This study of great scientific value shows a significant advantage of PRP injections for the treatment of certain alopecia (5).
It is recommended to perform 3 injection sessions 15 days apart to obtain an improvement in scalp densification.
4. Autologous platelet-rich plasma: a potential therapeutic tool for promoting hair growth. Dermatol Surg. 2012 Jul; 38 (7 Pt 1): 1040-6
5. A randomized, double-blind, placebo and active-controlled, half-head study to evaluate the effects of platelet rich plasma on alopecia areata. Br J Dermatol. 2013 Apr 22. doi: 10.1111 / bjd.12397