PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a natural therapeutic method based on the principle of re-administering platelet-rich plasma, obtained from the patient’s own blood, back into the tissues targeted for treatment. During the procedure, a small amount of blood is drawn from the individual, processed through specialized centrifugation in a laboratory environment to isolate the platelet portion rich in growth factors, and then injected into the target area.

Application Areas of PRP Therapy

Thanks to its regenerative and cell-repair-stimulating properties, PRP therapy is widely preferred in both aesthetic and medical fields:

Medical Aesthetic Applications

• Skin Rejuvenation: Improving skin quality, reducing fine lines, and restoring a radiant appearance.
• Hair Loss Treatment: Nourishing hair follicles, thickening hair strands, and reducing shedding.
• Under-Eye Care: Minimizing the appearance of dark circles and under-eye puffiness.

Medical and Regenerative Applications

• Dermatology: Treatment of androgenetic alopecia (genetic hair loss).
• Orthopedics and Physical Therapy: Intra-articular fluid loss, osteoarthritis (calcification), as well as cartilage and connective tissue injuries.
• Surgery and Wound Care: Accelerating the healing process of chronic, non-healing wounds.

Who is a Suitable Candidate?

Since PRP therapy activates the body’s own repair mechanisms, it is an ideal option for patients seeking a natural treatment.

• Individuals looking to improve skin quality and delay signs of aging,
• People experiencing hair loss or thinning hair,
• Patients who prefer treating their body with their own tissue rather than chemical or synthetic substances,
• Healthy individuals over the age of 18.

Contraindications (Who Should Not Receive PRP?)

PRP treatment is not recommended for individuals with the following conditions or medical histories:

• Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding,
• Individuals with coagulation (blood clotting) disorders or chronic blood diseases,
• Those with an active infection or inflammation in the application area,
• Patients undergoing active cancer treatment or with a history of malignancy,
• Individuals using blood thinners (Absolute physician evaluation and approval are required for this patient group).

Session Protocol and Duration of Effect

The success of PRP therapy depends on regular session follow-ups and the patient’s biological response.

• Number of Sessions: For optimum results, 3 to 4 sessions are generally recommended.
• Session Intervals: Applications are performed 2 to 4 weeks apart, depending on the patient’s needs.
• Maintenance Therapy: To preserve the achieved results, maintenance sessions are recommended every 6 to 12 months.

Onset and Longevity of Effects

The first positive effects of the treatment become visible within a few weeks. Maximum clinical benefit becomes distinct in the 2nd to 3rd months. The longevity of the treatment varies between 6 to 12 months, depending on the individual’s lifestyle and skin/tissue structure.

Potential Side Effects

Since PRP is performed using the patient’s own blood components, it is a highly safe method that carries no risk of allergy or rejection. However, some temporary side effects may occur due to the injection process:

• Common Side Effects: Mild pain, redness, edema (swelling), and bruising at the application site.
• Rare Side Effects: Risk of infection if sterilization rules are not strictly followed, or very rare localized reactions.

Post-Procedure Instructions

To maximize the efficiency of the treatment and prevent potential complications, the following rules should be observed after the procedure:

• The treated area should not be washed or come into contact with water for the first 24 hours.
• Makeup and similar cosmetic products should not be used on the first day following facial applications.
• The skin must be protected from direct sunlight, and high-factor sunscreens should be preferred.
• Heavy exercise and strenuous sports should be avoided for the first few days.
• Environments such as saunas, Turkish baths, solariums, and hot baths should be avoided to prevent infection risks and vasodilation (blood vessel dilation).
• Only medical skincare products recommended by the physician should be used.

In Summary; PRP is a supportive treatment method safely utilized in modern medicine and aesthetics, maximizing the body’s inherent healing potential through its entirely natural structure.

Dr. Nihat Bağ