PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is specially prepared concentrate of your own blood that has high levels of platelets. Platelets are cells that when activated release key growth factors involved in healing and tissue regeneration. In the fields of stem cell research and regenerative medicine, PRP has emerged as an exciting treatment for a variety of aesthetic applications, such as the “PRP facial”, non-surgical hair restoration, and facial rejuvenation.
It is important to note that not all PRP is the same. At the Wise Center for Plastic Surgery, we are the only office-based center in New Jersey that utilizes the Magellan TruPRP System, which produces the highest concentration and purest, hospital-grade PRP.
There are new and exciting uses for PRP in the field of hair restoration. ACell, also referred to as MatriStem, is a product known to promote wound healing and tissue regeneration. Combined injection therapy of ACell and PRP has been demonstrated to stimulate hair follicles that are miniaturizing or those that are in the resting phase. This can be used as a stand-alone treatment, particularly in men and women with diffusely thinning hair. Combined injection therapy with PRP and ACell is almost universally used at the Wise Center with hair grafting procedures (FUE, NeoGraft). When used in combination with hair transplantation, PRP and ACell preserve existing hair and augment results of traditional grafting techniques. In short, it is used as a “fertilizer” for the hair.
The ability of PRP to induce tissue regeneration and form new collagen has led to its use in facial rejuvenation. The “PRP Facial” involves combining PRP and micro-needling of the skin to fill in lines and wrinkles and revitalize the skin’s elasticity in the dermal layer. The use of PRP in combination with facelifting, fat transfer, or laser-skin resurfacing has been shown to amplify results and decrease downtime.
Because it is derived from your own blood, PRP appeals to patients who do not desire foreign substances injected into their face, as in the case of commercially-prepared dermal fillers. Its development and large number of potential applications has been exciting in the fields of hair restoration, wound healing, and facial rejuvenation. During a consultation, Dr. Wise will be able determine if you are a candidate for any of the above procedures.
