NEED TO KNOW
Frequently Asked Questions
The efficacy of certain growth factors in healing various injuries and the concentrations of these growth factors found within PRP are the theoretical basis for the use of PRP in tissue repair.[1] The platelets collected in PRP are activated by the addition of thrombin and calcium chloride, which induces the release of the mentioned factors from alpha granules. The growth factors and other cytokines present in PRP include:
- platelet-derived growth factor
- transforming growth factor beta
- fibroblast growth factor
- insulin-like growth factor 1
- insulin-like growth factor 2
- vascular endothelial growth factor
- epidermal growth factor
- Interleukin 8
- keratinocyte growth factor
- connective tissue growth factor
There is accumulating evidence that PRP can help in the following skin conditions:
- Venous and arterial leg ulcers
- Diabetic foot ulcers
- Pressure ulcers (bedsores)
- Skin graft donor sites
- First and second degree thermal burns
- Superficial injuries, cuts, abrasions and surgical wounds
- Hair loss disorders – PRP has been shown to reinvigorate dormant hair follicles and stimulate new hair growth
- Facial rejuvenation – PRP injections can treat wrinkles, photodamage and discoloration in conjunction together with other treatment modalities
- Post-traumatic scars – PRP combined with centrifuged fat tissue and fractional laser resurfacing improve cosmetic appearance of scars.
PRP is prepared either manually or by the use of automated devices, in a day care setting just prior to the procedure. The process must be carried out under strict aseptic conditions as well as optimum temperature regulations i.e., 20-22°C. In order to inhibit platelet aggregation, it is prepared with an anticoagulant, commonly using anticoagulant citrate dextrose solution formula A (ACD-A) or sodium citrate. The platelets need to be sequestered in high concentrations, enough for achieving therapeutic benefit and in a viable state at the same time, so that they can actively secrete their GFs.