What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)?
PRP stands for platelet rich plasma. It is simply blood that has been treated so that the platelets become highly concentrated. This specially prepared platelet-rich plasma contains about 10 times the concentration of platelets found in whole blood. Platelets are a gold mine of growth factors, stem cells, and cell signaling molecules (cytokines) responsible for 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, used mostly in Europe, and Canada. At Essence, we use PRP for Aesthetics, Dry Eyes, and Lash Enhancement.
Platelet-rich plasma for Dry Eyes:
Platelet-rich plasma for Dry Eyes:
PRP is used for ophthalmic conditions to heal the delicate tissues in the eyes. Rather than artificially suppressing inflammation or increasing tear production, as is the case with many other dry eye treatments, PRP uses the body’s own 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 regeneration of the skin cells, improving skin quality, and to promote healing and decrease 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 delivering a rush of platelet cells. 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:
- A small (11cc) sample of blood is drawn from the patient and collected into the PRP tube.
- The platelets are then separated from the other blood components and their concentration is increased using the PRP centrifuge.
- The resulting platelet-rich plasma is then used to create PReye™ Drops, PReye™ Shot, or PReye™ Lash, or used to enhance cosmetic procedures.
The entire process takes approximately one hour.
Essence Laser & Wellness, under the supervision of Melinda C ORourke, MD, is a referral center for specialty Dry Eye Therapy, and a Medical Aesthetics Practice, and is 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.