What is PRP?

Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a component of our blood that contains growth factors that stimulate your body’s stem cells. This results in an increase in collagen production in our skin. While PRP does not have quantitative scientific research behind it, it has been shown in clinical practice to improve existing treatments and can be used as a treatment itself. PRP has amazing medical potential in so many ways.

For maximum results, Dr. Zenovia Gabriel recommends pairing PRP with Microneedling or after a laser procedure. Think of this treatment like fertilizer for your collagen. You can sprinkle fertilizer on cement and nothing happens. The cement does not get better, stronger, or improved. But sprinkle fertilizer on tilled earth turned over and scored to plant seeds into the soil, and there is growth. PRP on bare skin doesn’t do a whole lot, but inject it beneath the skin or spread it on a wound bed, such as the micro-injuries created by lasers or microneedling, and PRP will enhance skin renewal and boost results.

How is PRP Extracted?

PRP is extracted from your blood after a simple blood draw. Your blood is spun in a centrifuge and PRP is separated out from the other components of your blood. Once the plasma is separated, it can be applied to other areas of the body to facilitate healing, enhance the results of other effective procedures. PRP has significant regenerative properties.

Why is no one studying this more? Pharmaceutical and skincare companies need projected profits to fund studies, however, PRP comes from the patient’s blood and cannot be owned or trademarked. The majority of studies that evaluate the efficacy of PRP have to do with its preparation and the commercial interest of companies that make the tubes used for preparation or the type of concentrate in the blood drawtube. Therefore, the most supported PRP scientific studies are directly related to the financial interest of companies who want physicians to use their test tubes or centrifuge, not what PRP can do for your skin. In general, physicians see PRP research as ‘soft’ for these reasons, however many still believe PRP has tremendous benefits and rejuvenating properties.