PRP

Aesthetics

Prp

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a biologic therapy that uses a patient's own blood to treat injuries and conditions:

How it works

PRP is created by spinning a patient's blood in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the other blood components. The resulting PRP is a concentrate of platelets, plasma, and growth factors that can stimulate healing and reduce inflammation.

Uses

PRP is often used to treat orthopedic injuries, such as tendon, ligament, muscle, and cartilage injuries. It can also be used to treat conditions like knee osteoarthritis, bursitis, and plantar fasciitis. PRP is sometimes used in combination with surgery to speed up recovery.

Benefits

PRP is generally safe and has a low risk of adverse reactions. It can strengthen structures in the body, unlike cortisone shots, which can weaken them.

Cost and insurance

A single PRP treatment typically costs between $500 and $2,500, and few insurance plans cover the cost.

Recovery time

It can take 6–8 weeks to assess the body's response to PRP, and 3–6 months for full recovery. Tendon injuries usually take longer to recover from.

Research

While PRP is becoming more popular, the available evidence on its use is conflicting. More research is needed to determine the best formulas and techniques.