Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP consists of blood plasma mixed with a concentrated amount of platelets. Platelets are normally found in your blood, where they stop bleeding and activate healing after an injury.

Platelets are rich sources of proteins called growth factors. Any time your skin or other tissues in your body are injured, platelets go to the area and release growth factors, which support healing by:

• Accelerating new tissue growth
• Regulating inflammation
• Recruiting stem cells to the area
• Protecting healthy cells
• Building a supportive matrix for new tissue growth

Growth factors in PRP and stem cells work together to rebuild all the tissues your body needs to heal, including fat, blood vessels, and skin, as well as muscles, ligaments, and tendons.

Dr. Creech uses the healing properties of PRP together with fat injections, which act just like dermal fillers. A fat injection, called autologous fat transplantation, is performed by taking fat from one area of your body, then injecting it under facial wrinkles or in your cheeks. The grafted fat plumps up and smooths away wrinkles and lifts your cheeks.

While fat makes a natural filler, some of the transferred fat cells may not survive because they need to establish a blood supply. Including PRP in the process improves cell survival by promoting new blood vessel growth and nurturing healing.

PRP also boosts the overall health of your skin in the targeted area. PRP can strengthen your skin and improve its texture, and may help eliminate sun damage.

Dr. Creech produces PRP in the office from your own blood, so you never need to worry about having an adverse reaction to the injection. A small sample of your blood is drawn and then processed in a centrifuge.

The centrifuge separates the platelets and plasma from other cellular components like red blood cells. The concentrated platelets and plasma — your PRP — are drawn into a needle and injected along with your autologous fat transplant.

The fat for your injection can come from any area of your body where you have excess fat. Dr. Creech performs liposuction to remove the fat, then simply transfers the fat to the targeted areas of your face.

To learn more about the benefits of PRP, call David Creech, MD, today.

After a PRP procedure, expect initial discomfort, possible bruising, and swelling at the injection site. Follow your healthcare provider's advice on activity restrictions, ice application, and any recommended medications. Gradual improvement in symptoms may take weeks to months, and regular follow-up appointments will help monitor progress.