PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma, which is sometimes also referred to as Plasma Rich in Growth Factors (PRGF), platelet gel, and Platelet Concentrate (PC) is an escalated concentration of platelets suspended in meager amounts of plasma. Simply put, PRP is blood plasma which is rich in platelets.
Being a concentrated source of autologous platelets, implying that the blood comes from patient’s own body, PRP is known to contain growth factors and cytokines that are capable of stimulating the healing of soft tissue (a tissue which supports, surrounds, or connects other organs and structures within a body).
Our blood mainly comprises of red blood cells (93%), white blood cells (1%) and platelets (6%), all of them suspended in plasma. During a PRP treatment, the red blood cell count is lowered to 5%, while the platelets are increased to a staggering 94%, and the white blood cell count remains the same.
Essentially, PRP has been used extensively in certain specialties of dentistry and dermatology.
PRP Collection
- Blood is withdrawn from the patient’s body through a syringe
- Centrifugation using a diligently defined protocol (it segregates the red and white blood cells from platelets)
- Plasma that’s rich in platelets is drawn off
- An activating agent is added to the plasma, rendering it suitable to use
PRP for Acne Scars
Acne Scars are a common skin condition among millions of people throughout. Acne scars are a form of hyper-pigmentation that’s left over the acne lesions and are difficult to get rid of, if treated traditionally.
Acne scars are generally caused by the following reasons:
- Inflammation
- Destruction of Elastin and Collagen
- Excessive Collagen buildup
PRP treatment procedure leverages body’s blood rich is platelets to heal and treat injuries affecting the soft tissues. Regenerating and rejuvenating the soft tissues, PRP treatment for acne scars stimulate scar healing. What’s surprising is the fact that during the entire procedure, no foreign substance is used.
Not only does it induce growth and enrichment of platelets, it also regenerates soft tissues and stimulates the growth of new capillaries and blood vessels, thereby improving the texture and vitality of the skin.
Apparently, PRP treatment also stimulates fibroblasts and keratinocytes, helping in the generation of new skin in place of the scarred remains.
For deeper, pigmented acne scars, a PRP procedure should be ideally followed by a Micro Needling treatment. This helps to reduce the scar depth.
PRP, as an alternative to laser treatments and surgeries, is safe, natural and minimally invasive. It’s a procedure entirely free from risks.
For the best results, discuss your treatment plan with your dermatologist.
