Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a controversial treatment that uses a concentrated form of a person’s platelets to promote healing and regeneration in various tissues.
PRP is becoming increasingly popular in sports science and dermatology. While clinical studies have shown promise for this therapy, its effectiveness varies depending on the condition that doctors are treating, the preparation of the PRP, and the individual factors of the person receiving treatment.
More robust research is necessary to standardize its use and determine its long-term efficacy.
PRP therapy is a medical treatment that utilizes a concentrated form of a person’s platelets to promote healing and regeneration in various tissues. It has uses in fields such as orthopedics, dermatology, sports medicine, and aesthetics.
To date, the
Some doctors are now using PRP therapy to
Other medical professionals oppose the use of PRP outside its approved medicinal uses. For example, the American College of Rheumatology (ACR) and the Arthritis Foundation (AF)
Platelets are blood cells that play an important role in wound healing. They help form clots to stop bleeding and can support cell growth.
To prepare a PRP injection, a doctor will take a sample of a person’s blood. They will seal this sample in a container and place it in a centrifuge.
This device spins at such a high speed that the blood sample separates into component parts, one of which is PRP.
The healthcare professional will then extract this plasma and prepare it for administration.
For instance, doctors
Some examples of treatment areas where doctors use PRP include:
Hair growth
Injecting PRP into the scalp may help reduce inflammation that can lead to hair loss.
For example, a
Another 2022 review suggested that this technique is a promising and safe treatment option for various types of hair loss, including:
- androgenetic alopecia
- female pattern hair loss
- alopecia areata
- cicatricial alopecia
However, the review highlights the need for further research to standardize PRP preparation, dosage, injection techniques, and treatment schedules for optimal results.
Tissue healing
Doctors may use PRP injections to help promote tissue healing.
A
Moreover, PRP therapies may aid in bone healing. However, studies in this area are inconclusive on the benefits of these treatments.
A 2021 review suggests that the lack of standardization in preparing and using PRP could be a factor in these inconclusive reports.
Inflammation reduction
Doctors
However, the use of PRP to treat forms of arthritis is controversial. Both the ACR and the AF
Additionally, because PRP injections are a newer therapy and generally do not have approval for any particular treatment, insurance does not cover them.
The cost of PRP therapy can vary widely depending on factors such as the treatment area, the number of sessions necessary, and the provider’s location.
In 2018, the cost of a single PRP treatment was typically between $500 and $2,500. A 2023 investigation stated that most PRP treatments cost around
Costs can vary depending on location, facilities, and the doctor’s expertise performing the treatment. Additionally, few insurance plans cover the cost of PRP treatment.
Doctors generally consider PRP therapy safe because it uses a person’s own blood, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or immune responses.
However, as with any medical procedure, there are potential side effects. These are typically mild and temporary but can vary depending on the treatment site and individual factors.
Possible side effects include mild pain or discomfort and minor bruising or bleeding at the injection site.
Less common side effects may include infection and the development of skin nodules at the injection site.
Other more general risks relate to the injection process. If a healthcare professional performs an injection incorrectly, it can cause tissue damage, nerve injury, or vascular occlusion. The latter refers to when the contents of the injection block a blood vessel.
Furthermore, there have been reports of PRP causing permanent blindness when people inject it into the face and nasal area near the eyes. This is rare but can occur if a vascular occlusion develops in an artery that supplies blood to the eyes.
While platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has shown potential promise in some clinical studies, its effectiveness varies depending on the condition, preparation, and individual patient factors.
PRP may be effective in wound healing, hair growth, and dermatology. However, more robust research is necessary to standardize its use and determine its long-term efficacy.
Usually, medical insurance does not cover PRP injections, which can become expensive if repeat treatments are necessary.
