PLATELET RICH PLASMA THERAPY

PRP injections

We were the first to use PRP injections cosmetically to increase collagen production, reduce pores and tighten the skin. However, when Dr Pitsilis researched it further, she found that it has been used for many years to help in orthopedics, plastic surgery and dentistry.

We also use PRP injections in the clinic for large joint arthritis and joint and tissue repair.

Some PRP injections are performed by Dr Pitsilis who works with an Ultrasonographer to enable accurate placement under ultrasound control.

We can also use PRP injections for:

• Tennis elbow, wrist and shoulder tendonitis
• Musculoskeletal Injuries
• Non healing wounds
• Osteoarthritis of the knee and hip
• Shoulder joint inflammation and pain
• Achilles tendonitis or partial tears
• Wound healing
• Cosmetic uses include stretch marks, scars, acne, skin tightening, collagen production

What is Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment?

PRP stands for Platelet Rich Plasma. This is the plasma section of the blood that is composed mainly of your own platelets. After obtaining a sample of blood from you, it is centrifuged or spun so that the individual components are separated, leaving the remaining fluid or plasma rich in platelets.

What is significant about Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?

Platelets are the cells in our blood that help in the healing process. When we injure a part of the body, the platelets automatically migrate to the site of injury, initiating a healing response by releasing numerous growth factors and other proteins which promote healing.

The Platelet Rich Plasma treatment (PRP injections) delivers a significant number of platelets into an injured site. It enhances the body's natural healing capacity, leading to a more efficient and thorough restoration of the tissue to a healthy state.

Platelet Rich Plasma

What are the results?

Responses to PRP injections are individual and depend on the severity of the problem and well as the general health of the individual and the health of the tissues.

Who should not have Platelet Rich Plasma treatment?

• Any allergy to the treatment or any of its components eg antiseptic
• Any problems with bleeding, ability to clot your own blood, or any platelet problems
• If on blood thinning medicines or herbs of any sort Anticoagulants drugs, Warfarin, Aspirin, Pradaxa® (Dabigatran) omega 3, ginko biloba, Vitamin E, Ginger (please circle) or anything else that may cause bleeding
• Chronic Liver Problems
• Taking Steroids
• Infection at treatment site
• Pregnant of Breastfeeding
• Keloids or hypertrophic scarring - in some patients
• HIV/AIDS, Hepatitis C, or any immunosuppression drugs

What does the Platelet Rich Plasma treatment entail?

• Blood is taken from you and placed in centrifuge to separate plasma rich with platelets.
• PRP is collected into a sterile syringe
• The skin is prepared using an antiseptic agent
• The PRP filled syringe (PRP injections) is then guided into the relevant body site with or without the aid of ultrasound
• Several joints or injured tissues can be injected in one visit

How many treatments should I have?

• Current expert advice on PRP injections for large joints is to give 3 treatments approximately 1-4 weeks apart each and then to repeat the treatment yearly or earlier
• For tissue sprains like tennis elbow, one or more as needed
• Cosmetic - 3 treatments then one yearly for maintenance

Combination Therapy

Some conditions can be helped by a combination of our Regenerative Medicine treatments

Depending on the situation, a medical consultation will first be needed to decide on management. This may either be a detailed medical consultation - see consulting with Dr Pitsilis Or a brief consultation with Dr Pitsilis depending on your problems.

If you are uncertain, you can use this link to ask which type of appointment you need.

 

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