Pain Relief with PRP Therapy
In recent years, doctors have learned that the body has the ability to heal itself. And now, regenerative medicine is becoming more and more popular every day. Even athletes like Tiger Woods, Hines Ward, Alex Rodriguez, Maria Sharapova, and more have made headlines for getting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections to help heal an injury. Some doctors are even using the shots to target signs of aging on the face. The idea is that injecting PRP into damaged tissues will stimulate your body to grow new, healthy cells and promote healing. While these treatments have not been definitely proven, regenerative therapy continues to see big developments in the medical field.
What’s in a PRP Injection?
A PRP shot is made up of platelet-rich plasma. Plasma is the liquid part of your blood that is mostly made from water and protein. Plasma allows red and white blood cells to move through your bloodstream. Platelets are cells that make your blood clot and also play a role in healing.
In order to create this injection, a doctor will need to draw a few tubes of your own blood. The tubes are put in a machine to separate the platelet-rich plasma from the rest of the blood. Then, the activated platelets are injected into the area of your body that is being treated.
What are PRP Injections Used For?
Doctors are trying out PRP injections for several reasons. The injections are used to treat torn tendons, muscle injuries, and arthritis-related pain. PRP injections are even becoming more common for cosmetic procedures too. Keep in mind, PRP therapy has not been proven to provide results. But doctors have found success in several areas:
• PRP Therapy for Hair Loss
Doctors have injected PRP into the scalp to promote hair growth and prevent hair loss. Studies found the injections helped treating male pattern baldness. Doctors think this works by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle and increasing the thickness of the hair shaft. Sometimes the injections are combined with other hair loss procedures or medications.
• Tendon Injuries
Doctors have used PRP therapy to treat chronic tendon problems like tennis elbow, Achilles tendonitis of the ankle, and jumper’s knee.
• Acute Injuries
These injections have been used to treat acute sports injuries like a pulled hamstring or knee sprain.
• Postsurgical Repair
PRP therapy can be used after surgery to repair a torn tendon or ligament.
• Osteoarthritis
Doctors have been using PRP treatment for knee osteoarthritis. Doctors believe that PRP could help reverse existing tissue damage.
• Cosmetic Procedures
PRP treatments can be given to the face. The platelet-rich plasma is injected into spots on the face that contain damaged tissue. The treatments help stimulate the growth of new, healthy cells for a refreshed appearance. These treatments are used in the “vampire facial.”
Preparing for PRP Injections
There are several ways a PRP shot can be injected. If you are having the therapy done at a doctor’s office, then they may want to apply a topical numbing solution. Your doctor may ask you to arrive a little early, so this can be applied, and the numbing can kick in before the procedure. If you’re getting a PRP injection during surgery, you may have to come in before the surgery to get your blood drawn so the shot will be ready in time.
What Happens During the PRP Therapy Process?
The entire PRP therapy process will probably take about an hour. Here’s what you can expect to happen:
- The doctor will draw a sample of blood. The amount that is drawn will depend on where it is going to be injected to.
- The blood will be put into a centrifuge. This is a machine that will separate the blood components.
- The injection will be prepared.
- A doctor will inject the PRP treatment into the area it is needed. Sometimes an ultrasound may be used to help the doctor pinpoint the exact spot.
Like any other type of procedure, there could be possible side effects. Common side effects include mild nausea, passing out, and dizziness.
PRP Therapy Cost
PRP injection costs vary depending on the demand, location, facilities, and the expertise of the doctor that is performing the treatment. Typical costs for a hair loss PRP treatments and other PRP treatments range from $500 to $2500. Often, a person will have multiple injections given two to three months apart.
Keep in mind, most insurance companies consider these treatments experimental. So, you will want to prepare for having to pay out of pocket for most, if not all, of the procedure.
PRP Therapy with Winston Salem Dermatology
With the help of Winston Salem Dermatology, you can use your own blood to speed up healing a wound, improve your skin, and even treat alopecia. If you are interested in this minimally invasive option, give us a call. We are a group of skilled dermatologists who are dedicated to providing you with the best skin care possible. We will help you find the treatment option that you need. No matter your age or your problem, we have a solution just for you. Our dermatologists will go over the cost, options, and recovery time of PRP treatments with you. If you would like to know about this cosmetic dermal filler or other services we offer, give us a call at (336) 774-8636 or visit us at our main office in Winston Salem.