Platelet-rich plasma therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that harnesses and amplifies the natural growth factors found in our blood cells to help heal damaged tissue and stimulate surrounding cells to produce collagen and elastin.  Plasma is the liquid portion of whole blood. It is composed largely of water and proteins, providing a medium for red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets to circulate through the body. Platelets, also called thrombocytes, are blood cells that cause blood clots and other necessary growth and healing functions. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is produced from a person's own blood when spun in a centrifuge so that the platelets are separated from the other blood cells.   This concentrated serum, rich in platelets can then be used for injection into the skin or topically for microneedling procedures.  The mechanism behind PRP injections is not completely understood. Studies show that the increased concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma may stimulate or speed up the healing process, shortening healing time for injuries, decreasing pain, and even encouraging hair growth.  PRP injections can be effective in treating male pattern baldness, both in preventing hair loss and promoting new hair growth. PRP can also aid in the stimulation of hair growth after hair transplants. 

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PRP is also being used by some as a dermal filler as well.  We do not inject PRP as a dermal filler due to the lack of studies showing the safety and efficacy of doing so.