What are PRP Injections and How Can It Help You?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are becoming increasingly popular among people with various physical and cosmetic conditions. One of the most praised regenerative medical treatments available to the large public, the platelet-rich plasma injection promises to heal acute sports injuries, alleviate knee pain, rejuvenate skin, and treat erectile dysfunction. But how does the platelet-rich plasma treatment work, and can it really keep all its promises?

What are platelets, and what purpose do they serve?  

First things first: where do health care providers get the necessary plasma for the treatment, and what exactly are platelets? Plasma is the liquid part of our blood. It contains mainly water and protein and allows the red and white cells to flow through the bloodstream. Plasma also contains platelets, the blood cells that make your blood clot whenever your body needs to heal damaged tissue and promote cell growth.

The plasma necessary for a PRP injection gets collected from your own blood. The medical professional draws blood from your body and uses a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells and white blood cells from the platelet-rich plasma. They can then use various concentrations of platelets to heal certain injuries or rejuvenate certain parts of your skin.

The platelet-rich plasma obtained from your own blood gets injected back into your body, in the areas that need treatment. Due to the higher platelet concentration, the healing process is accelerated and the body's tissues heal faster. Since PRP injections deliver a higher concentration of growth factors to the treated area, they may contribute to soft tissue healing, reduce inflammation, stimulate collagen production, and promote skin rejuvenation.

How can PRP injections help you?

Initially, PRP therapy has been used to treat sports injuries of famous athletes and heal wounds after surgery. Medical professionals administer PRP injections to treat health conditions and cosmetic issues, such as:

Hair loss

An injection treatment with platelet-rich plasma may help prevent hair loss and promote hair growth. The injections are administered directly into the scalp and have been proved to be effective in treating androgenic alopecia.

Vaginal rejuvenation

The injection of growth factors that trigger the growth of healthy cells can also contribute to vaginal tissue regeneration and boost natural lubrication. The PRP injection for vaginal tissue rejuvenation, also known as the O-Shot is recommended especially for women who struggle with dryness and reduced overall sensitivity. The injection is administered in the clitoris and the inside of the vaginal walls and may increase sensitivity, lubrication, as well as the frequency and intensity of orgasms.

Erectile dysfunction

Also known as the ED Shot, the platelet-rich plasma injection destined to treat erectile dysfunction helps patients achieve and maintain firmer erections while boosting their sexual drive and improving penile curvature. The medical professional injects platelet-rich plasma from the patient's blood into the penis to help them combat premature ejaculation and improve their sexual satisfaction.

Are PRP injections safe?

PRP injections are safe as long as they are administered by a medical professional or a board-certified dermatologist. Dermatologists have experience in administering PRP injections as cosmetic procedures, and medical spa centers have the right experience and training to provide platelet-rich plasma treatments for skin rejuvenation, as well as shots for sexual wellness.

Discuss your medical history with your health care provider to assess your physical condition and see if you are a good candidate for PRP injections. The PRP injection is not recommended for patients suffering from hepatitis C, HIV or AIDS, blood cancer, or cardiovascular disease.

While a safe procedure, the injection comes with possible several side effects, such as pain at the injection site, tissue damage, and risk of infection. However, considering that the substance administered is created by your own body, the risk of an allergic reaction is zero.

Before the procedure, the medical professional applies either a numbing cream or a local anesthetic, depending on the purpose of the treatment and the treated area. For example, when used for hair growth, the specialist performing the procedure will apply a numbing lidocaine solution to the scalp. 

The greatest risk is associated with the way the blood is handled before the procedure. As long as you get your PRP shots in a doctor's office or medical spa that applies the same protocols as a transfusion center when it comes to the extraction and handling of the blood, you can rest assured you are in safe hands.

How long do the results last?

Following the procedure you may experience discomfort, bruising, or swelling at the injection site. These are normal side effects, and they usually tend to resolve on their own within a few days. The first results may appear within a few days or weeks, depending on the area treated and the effects expected.

When used to treat musculoskeletal conditions or soft tissue injuries, patients may notice an improvement in symptoms immediately after the injections. However, it may take a few weeks for the area to heal. If used to treat conditions that affect the hair or skin, patients may need to wait up to 6 months to enjoy the full effects.

If you use PRP injections for cosmetic purposes, chances are you'll need more than one treatment to achieve the desired results. For skin rejuvenation and hair growth, you usually need 3 or more PRP injections. However, when used for vaginal rejuvenation or erectile dysfunction, one shot usually does the trick, and the effects can last up to one year.

In general, the results may last as long as 18 months, but a follow-up treatment after a year from the procedure is usually recommended for most PRP injections.

PRP Injections in Tampa

Prime Aesthetica is the leading medical spa in Tampa Bay. Our med spa offers a variety of PRP injection treatments. During your consultation in our Tampa location, we'll review your medical history, your lifestyle, and most importantly your goals to determine the best treatment plan for you.  If you're interested in PRP injections come get your treatment from the best. Contact us today!