Everything You Need to Know About PRP Treatment
PRP Therapy has a diverse number of therapeutic applications that span rejuvenative cosmetic care, soft tissue and orthopaedic pain and healing, hair loss, female urinary incontinence, and sexual dysfunction.
PRP Therapy through Clinicare is only available at our Fitzroy Clinic. Below are details outlining the history and use of the procedure. Our team can answer any further questions you may have about this popular non-invasive treatment.
Understanding Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy
PRP Therapy involves drawing a small amount of your blood and using centrifugation to separate elements found in the blood. Your plasma, now rich in platelets beyond the standard ratio, is prepared for reinjection.
Growth factors in platelets make them a powerful part of the healing process. The increased presence of platelets facilitates stem cell response and resulting rejuvenation, the driving element behind PRP Therapy success.
The myriad cosmetic benefits
PRP Therapy is garnering increasing acclaim as the best non-invasive cosmetic procedure in regards to anti-ageing. The goal is to reduce the appearance of wrinkles, diminish scars, and re-invigorate complexions and skin appearance.
Benefiting areas such as the face, hands, décolletage, under eyes, and neck, this safe non-invasive cosmetic procedure encourages healing by inspiring cellular production, stimulating collagen and accelerating regeneration.
Plasma Rich Therapy has also proven effective in the treatment of acne and is now being used to address hair loss. (Be aware we recommend more sessions for hair loss than other cosmetic reasons mentioned above.)
PRP Therapy for healing and pain
Around the globe, the use of PRP Therapy is extensively employed across various specialties as part of ongoing care. For example, PRP Therapy can enhance the healing of soft tissue injuries and assist with osteoarthritis and bursitis.
Other possible pain and injury care plans where PRP Therapy may be incorporated include strategies around Tennis elbow, plantar fasciitis, sport injuries, ligament and tendon inflammatory conditions, and chronic wounds.
Increased uses for the procedure
Innovation is at the heart of modern medicine. Male sexual dysfunction and female sexual dysfunction can prove responsive to a treatment plan involving PRP Therapy. (Injections sometimes referred to as a P-shot and O-shot.)
PRP Therapy is also used when addressing female urinary incontinence, and female genital area rejuvenation. The potential for collagen production as a result of PRP Therapy can improve the tightening of tissue in the region.
The beginnings of PRP Therapy
Originally people with low platelet counts received high platelet blood transfusions in the 1970s to improve their health. The positive healing effects became clear, and over time infusions were used in operating scenarios.
From orthopaedic to cosmetic procedures, the results were positive. PRP Therapy expanded beyond the surgical scope, and in the present day is utilised to reduce pain and inflammation, and increase healing potential.
What PRP Therapy entails
At your appointment, blood is taken and placed in the centrifuge, a spinning machine that separates elements. Resulting in platelet-rich plasma being prepared and reinjected into the designated area to stimulate a healing response.
Please note local anaesthetic will be used to numb the injection site. While you are capable of self-care post-session, some of our clients prefer to have a friend or family member with them when returning home.
Prepping for your session
Dependent on your personal medical history, you may need to make adjustments to your standard medication routine prior to the procedure. Anti-inflammatories and corticosteroids risk impacting results.
Our GP and cosmetic medicine practitioner will ensure any recommended changes are safe. Be sure to also include non-prescription orals, injectables, or topical applications such as vitamins and supplements in your medical information.
Immediate Post-Care
You may experience swelling, redness, and possible bruising post-procedure. We provide care guidelines, and suggest avoiding alcohol and increasing hydration for 48 hours. Ice or heat application is not recommended.
If PRP therapy is focused on a physical injury or related to specific workings of the musculoskeletal system, post-care advice will be personalised and in line with the recommendations of your primary care provider.
Safety
Being based on your own blood rather than foreign components is part of the appeal of PRP Therapy. Medical use of platelet-rich plasma has been around for half a century, making this an established medical choice.
At Clinicare Fitzroy, all non-invasive cosmetic medicine is administered by a GP and cosmetic medicine practitioner, and a free consultation beforehand is available. Your health and wellbeing are our number one priority.
Certain medical situations including pregnancy, autoimmune disease, cancer, and the taking of blood-thinning medication render this option non-viable. Our friendly team will be able to advise if you qualify for PRP Therapy.
PRP Therapy results
As the goal of this process is to stimulate a healing response, it may be a few weeks or months before development is noted. The level of success varies, and in rare cases, the body may not respond to stimuli.
Whether seeking aesthetic or medical improvements, the goal is to induce change from within for a more lasting impact. A period of time is needed to allow the body to instigate internal healing, and achieve results.
Treatment plans
For each condition, below are the number of treatments required, length of appointment, and recommended timeframe between sessions. Depending on your personal situation, further sessions may be recommended.
Minimum 3 treatments, each lasting 75 minutes, spaced 1 month apart:
Skin rejuvenation
Wrinkle reduction
Hand rejuvenation (bilateral)
Acne
Minimum 6 treatments, each lasting 75 minutes, 1 month apart:
Hair loss
Minimum 2 treatments, each lasting 30 minutes, 1 month apart:
Osteoarthritis
Bursitis
Tennis elbow
Sports injuries
Ligament and tendon inflammatory conditions
Chronic wounds
Minimum 3 treatments, each lasting 45 minutes, 1 month apart (results may last up to a year):
Male sexual dysfunction
Female sexual dysfunction
Female urinary incontinence
Female genital area rejuvenation
Making a booking
Please keep in mind PRP Therapy is only available at Clinicare in Fitzroy with GP and cosmetic medicine practitioner Dr. Ovida Vipulaguna. For further contact details or to arrange a booking, head to Non-Invasive Cosmetic Medicine.
A Medicare rebate does not apply. A GP or specialist referral may allow you the maximum rebate. Costs are available here. Contact your healthcare provider or talk to our friendly team for questions around the pricing process.