Aug 1 2016
Posted by : Admin in Acne Scars
PRP Treatment toronto

Can Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment Permanently Cure Scarring?

When seeking any scar treatment, it is common practice to completely control any acne in order to prevent an outbreak that can lessen the merits of the scar treatment. Scarring caused by acne is particularly difficult to treat. But recently, it was reported that skin needling in combination with platelet-rich plasma (PRP) application can effectively treat rolling acne scars.

How plasma treatment works

Platelet-rich plasma contains autologous growth factors, including platelet-derived growth factor, epidermal growth factor, vascular endothelial growth factor, and transforming growth factor, all of which act synergistically with growth factors induced via skin needling to promote wound-healing response.

The PRP injection itself is a fairly simple process that involves the following:

  • Step 1: A small amount of healthy blood is taken from your arm.
  • Step 2: The platelets and plasma are separated from the rest of the blood using a specialized machine.
  • Step 3: The platelet-rich plasma is injected into the concerned area, usually under ultrasound guidance.

Reports suggest that the concentrations of the growth factors listed above are several times greater than in normal plasma. As such, the PRP can be used to treat a range of problems, including accelerating the healing of tendon injuries, in the treatment of osteoarthritis, in dental procedures, and in cardiovascular medicine.

Reports also indicate that this concentrated form of plasma can accelerate wound healing and tissue repair, and hence the treatment of scars. Both skin needling and PRP application can be used independently to cure scarring, but their efficacy can be enhanced by combining the treatments.

What to expect after your PRP injection:

  • You will experience some numbness in the treated area for about one hour
  • There may be some pain and stiffness at the site for a few days after treatment
  • It is important that you don’t take any anti-inflammatory medications for at least four weeks after the procedure. To manage pain, your doctor will prescribe some other medicine such as acetaminophen
  • You can resume physical therapy after one or two weeks if permitted by your physician

How effective is platelet-rich plasma treatment?

Studies suggest that platelet-rich plasma treatment alone can significantly reduce the rolling scar depth. The results are much better when PRP is used in combination with skin needling, which implies that PRP does not permanently cure scarring. Still, platelet-rich plasma treatment is one of the best ways to cure scarring if your physician determines that you are a good candidate for the procedure.

Leave a Comment

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

free consultation fairview laser clinic toronto

Schedule a Free Consultation

Schedule a Free Consultation

Testimonials

Read what clients have to say about Toronto’s best cosmetic dermatology clinic