Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Treatments in Greater Phoenix, AZ

Platelets are small cell fragments in your blood which are much smaller than any other blood cells in size. They play an important role in blood clotting pathways. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a blood-derived product that contains high concentrations of platelets and growth factors.
PRP has been used to accelerate wound healing and tissue regeneration in various medical procedures over the last several years. It has become popular to be used in skin rejuvenation and other cosmetic procedures recently (1).

PRP is a blood-derived product that contains platelet concentrations at least two to three times above the normal level and also includes platelet-related growth factors and clotting factors (2). PRP contains the plasma (fluid) part of the blood and PRP typically does not have any other blood cells other than platelets. Other names used for PRP include platelet-rich growth factor, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), and platelet concentrations (PCs).

PRP is rich in growth factors that can help to change the local environment it gets administered into. These growth factors can increase cell proliferation, differentiation, migration, new blood vessel formation, and collagen deposition. That is why PRP can be used to help with tissue repair, rejuvenating the skin, and accelerating wound healing. As some of these growth factors in PRP can stimulate the hair follicles and regulate hair growth, PRP can also be used to restore hair growth.

A typical PRP injection procedure has 3-steps:

1. Blood is collected (typically from the arm).
2. Blood is placed in a special machine (centrifuge) to separate the PRP.
3. Isolated PRP is injected into the area of treatment.

PRP can be useful in the treatment of multiple health conditions including:

• Skin rejuvenation
• Hair loss
• Post-surgical healing
• Chronic wounds
• Osteoarthritis
• Tennis elbow
• Sports injuries (muscle tear, joint sprains, and ligament tears)

Studies have shown that PRP can increase type I collagen synthesis and deposition (3). Therefore PRP can also be used to rejuvenate your skin and to get rid of wrinkles and fine lines resulting in a younger looking skin.

As PRP is an outpatient, minimally invasive procedure, it is a better choice over invasive rejuvenating surgeries such as facelifts. Down time from PRP procedure is minimal and typically it is few hours to days. As you are using your own blood for the procedure, if conducted in a proper way, it is a safe procedure with minimum side effects.

If you are interested in getting PRP procedures, we provide the following services at Saguaro Dermatology Ahwatukee and Mesa offices:

• PRP for hair loss – PRP injections can be effective in treating male pattern baldness, both in preventing hair loss and promoting new hair growth. Platelets contain growth factors that can help stimulate the activity of hair follicles, promoting hair growth, and improving hair density. PRP can also be used to stimulate hair growth following hair transplants.
• Microneedling with PRP (aka vampire facials) – PRP can be used to rejuvenate your skin to reduce the aging process (4). Microneedling combined with PRP application is known as “vampire facials”. Microneedling helps with new collagen formation. Combination of PRP and microneedling will enhance the new collagen formation and deposition to reduce fine lines and wrinkles to give a younger looking skin.
• PRP to treat acne – Multiple research studies have shown that PRP can be used to reduce the severity of acne scars (5). It is typically more effective if the PRP is combined with microneedling procedure to treat the acne scars (6).

Individual results can vary. But it is estimated that the average results of skin rejuvenation could last up to 18 months. Effectiveness of PRP treatment on hair loss can vary from person to person and multiple sessions may be needed to achieve desired results. No two PRP preparations are the same, typically when we perform them on two different days. This variation limits our understanding of when and how these therapies may succeed or fail. It could be possible that one treatment would last longer than the other.

The staff at Saguaro Dermatology are dedicated to providing you with the highest quality of care, innovative practices, helpful resources, and the state-of-the-art technology to prevent and treat a multitude of skin disorders for patients in the Ahwatukee, and Mesa area. Our dermatologists are experienced in new technologies and procedures such as PRP treatments and are ready to help you.

PRP is a blood-derived product that can be used in multiple cosmetic procedures such as skin rejuvenation and hair restoration. There are limited safety concerns associated with PRP treatment as your own blood is used in the procedure. Only the providers with proper training should perform this procedure to maximize the effectiveness and minimize any side effects. Not every individual will qualify to participate in this procedure. Contact one of our offices to have a consultation session with one of the board certified dermatologists to see if PRP treatment is the right choice for you.