Last month, facial plastic
surgeons gathered in Nashville, Tennessee for the American Academy of Facial
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery’s annual meeting. Zwivel’s Susan Hornik
spoke to participants about one of the most exciting new fields of research in
regenerative medicine: platelet-rich plasma injections.
Once considered a thing of
science fiction, regenerative medicine is now reality, and facial plastic
surgeons are leading the charge into this brave new world where the body’s own
cells induce and promote healing. One such technique, platelet-rich plasma
(PRP) therapy, shows promise in the fields of hair transplantation and
skin rejuvenation.
What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
injections are prepared using a few tubes of the patient’s own blood, which
after being centrifuged are injected into the treated areas, releasing growth
factors that increase the proliferation of reparative cells.
According to clinical studies
done by the New York Hospital for Special Surgery, “PRP injections have
improved function and decreased pain to various maladies, including – but not
limited to – elbow, wrist, shoulder, hip, knee, and ankle tendonosis. Early
work is also showing promise for osteoarthritis.”
The use of platelet-rich plasma
first began in sports medicine and dentistry. “In oral surgery and
dentistry, these substances have been considered to aid in the successful
grafting of bone into areas of the facial skeleton,” says Dr. Fred Fedok,
president of the American Academy of Facial Plastic and Reconstructive
Surgery. “In the field of sports medicine, there is widespread use of PRP
in the management of arthritis, joint injuries, and tendon repair.”
Although much of the science
behind PRP is still in its infancy, plastic surgeons are already showing keen
interest in the therapy’s potential. “Since platelet-rich plasma is derived
from the patient’s own blood, there are no issues with compatibility. It’s also
relatively simple to use, namely as a tool to promote growth and healing
in the face and scalp,” says Dr. Fedok.
Author: zwivel
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