Contrary to popular belief, PRP injections not only help with hair growth on the scalp but also other parts of the body. However, let's consider the advantages of PRP injections in the former's case. Many people who suffer from hair loss can choose to undergo this minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure to promote hair growth in different areas of the scalp. The best part is that the results are quite natural-looking. Moreover, downtime is minimal. After an hour or so of the treatment itself, you can go on about your day without any problem. In case the reason behind your hair loss is not androgenetic alopecia, you might start seeing an improvement in the density of your hair after a few months. Medical advancements have made it possible for human beings to benefit different parts of their bodies by the use of cells taken from their blood. The miraculous effects of PRP injections are all thanks to the healing properties of our platelets. The best part is that as the PRP (Platelet-rich plasma) solution will be prepared from the blood taken from your body, there is no risk of any infectious or transmissible disease. It's natural as it is only your blood. No additives are included in the solution. With their injection, the growth factors in the solution help rejuvenate the affected areas. However, as mentioned above, the uses and benefits of PRP injections are not limited to hair loss. They are also used for the treatment of osteoarthritis and dealing with signs of aging on the skin. So, let's take a look at these in detail.

PRP Injections for the Face aka the Vampire Facial

When PRP injections are used for the face, the treatment is called a vampire facial. Of course, the idea behind its use is the same as for hair loss. Blood will be drawn from your body, a platelet-rich plasma solution is obtained through spinning the blood in a centrifuge machine. This is then applied over the face. However, that's not the end of it. For the solution to penetrate deep into the skin, micro-needling is done on all parts of the face. Micro-needling is important in that it creates small tears in the skin, which are considered as trauma by the body. It then increases collagen production in response to the injury. The solution itself will also boost collagen and elastin production. You might feel slight pain from the treatment, but it is manageable. You will start seeing the results of the treatment in a short time. Vampire facial can plump up the skin and tighten it, reducing the appearance of wrinkles and fine lines. Moreover, it is also helpful in dealing with hyperpigmentation and acne scars or any scars from injuries. If you want to achieve a more youthful look, you can consider getting a vampire facial.

PRP Injections for Hair Loss

In case of hair loss, the blood is drawn from the scalp and then put into a centrifuge. This will separate it into different layers. Only the platelet-rich plasma is taken and injected into the scalp. This treatment can help your hair grow and even strengthen your hair follicles. However, it should be noted again that if you're suffering from hair loss due to genetic reasons, you might be recommended a hair transplant surgery by the surgeon instead of this treatment. Also, you might be recommended PRP injections after the hair transplant to further improve the density of your hair. Smoking, drinking, certain medications and illnesses might make it impossible for you to get PRP therapy.

Does It Work for Pain from Osteoarthritis?

Further investigation needs to be done in this regard. PRP therapy for osteoarthritis pain is still in the experimental stages, and it is, in fact, not recommended by the American College of Rheumatology and the Arthritis Foundation (ACR/AF). In some studies, it has been shown to reduce pain, while others haven't seen any benefit occurring from its injection into the joints. There's still quite a lot that isn't known about it, so it's better to not undergo this treatment until there's ample evidence about its benefits, effectiveness, and possible side effects. That's not to say that it doesn't work, it may help with the pain occurring from osteoarthritis.

Concluding Remarks

PRP therapy has proven quite effective for treating damaged tissues in different parts of the body. It is popularly used to deal with hair loss, but can also help with signs of aging in the form of vampire facials. The evidence on its effectiveness against osteoarthritis pain isn't sufficient yet. The treatment aims to rejuvenate the skin and help create new cells, so it works the same way stem cell transplantation works.