What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?
PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. It is simply blood that has been treated to concentrate the platelets. This specially prepared platelet-rich plasma contains about 10 times the platelet concentration found in whole blood. Platelets are a gold mine of growth factors, stem cells, and cell-signaling molecules (cytokines) that support tissue healing and regeneration. Since PRP is an autologous therapy, using the patient’s own blood product, there is no risk of cross-reactivity, disease transmission, or immune reaction. PRP is used in many specialties, including orthopedics, dermatology, aesthetics, gynecology, and hair loss. Only recently has it been accepted as an excellent treatment for dry eyes, and it is used mostly in Europe and Canada. At Essence, we use PRP for aesthetic treatments, dry eye, and lash enhancement.
Platelet-Rich Plasma for Dry Eyes
PRP is used to treat ophthalmic conditions and to heal the delicate tissues of the eye. Rather than artificially suppressing inflammation or increasing tear production, as many other dry eye treatments do, PRP harnesses the body’s natural healing process to regenerate damaged cells in and around the eye.
Platelet-Rich Plasma for Aesthetic Procedures
PRP is used in Aesthetics to stimulate the regeneration of skin cells, improve skin quality, promote healing, and reduce inflammation. It can be used as a stand-alone injection around the mouth or under the eyes to improve skin quality. But more commonly, it is used as an adjunct to cosmetic procedures such as microneedling and CO2 laser treatments to enhance the aesthetic effect and decrease the downtime.
How Does It Work?
PRP stimulates the body’s innate healing cascade. When we experience an injury, our body responds by releasing a rush of platelets. When these platelets are activated, they release several types of growth factors, proteins, and cytokines that play a fundamental role in cell regeneration and tissue healing.
The PRP Process
To create a platelet-rich plasma preparation, the following steps are performed:
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A small (11 cc) blood sample is drawn from the patient and collected into the PRP tube.
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The platelets are then separated from the other blood components, and their concentration is increased using the PRP centrifuge.
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The entire process takes approximately one hour.
Under the supervision of Melinda C. O’Rourke, MD, Essence Laser and Wellness is a referral center for specialty dry eye therapy and a medical aesthetics practice, not a routine ophthalmology practice. We ask that you provide a copy of a recent eye exam prior to treatment when seeking IPL for Dry Eye and/or the PReye™ shot. No exam is necessary for PReye™ drops or PRP for aesthetic purposes.
