What Is PRP/PRF ?
Treatment using the injection of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a form of regenerative medicine. PRP is a concentrate of platelets and plasma derived from your own blood, and used to deliver high levels of platelet-associated growth factors and bioactive molecules. Platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) is a concentrate of platelets and the fibrin matrix that increases the structural support of your tissues.
Platelets get their name from their signature shape. They are flat and round like dinner plates. This shape allows platelets to form a cohesive mesh and block the site of a wound or scrape. While clotting is the most well known function of platelets, there is a treasure trove of untapped potential stored in your platelets. In addition to clotting, platelets communicate with one another through chemical signals.[1] By coordinating their functions with each other, platelets organize themselves into a network of healing within the body. Their goal is to heal any damaged or degenerating tissue.
PRP / PRF Therapy at Ontario Regenerative Medicine
By isolating the platelets in your blood, we can place them in the exact location needed to regenerate healthier, more youthful skin and repair damaged or degenerative tissues. This groundbreaking and noninvasive therapy utilizes and enhances the healing properties of your body’s very own platelet cells which contain over two hundred thousand proteins called growth factors (GF). By placing these GF where they are needed, the body initiates a healing process and creates new collagen, elastin, vessels and other cells needed to rejuvenate tissues.
We begin by drawing a vial of your blood in a specialized collection tube. Using a method of centrifugation, the platelets and serum (plasma) are separated from the red blood cells and white blood cells. This results in plasma with a high concentration of platelets, i.e. platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Using a slight modification in the harvest process we can create platelet-rich fibrin (PRF).
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PRP and PRF are indispensable in regenerative medicine and are an ideal therapy for healing. Such rich concentrations of growth factors initiate and enhance physiological processes that contribute to tissue recovery and overall rejuvenation once injected into the desired site. At Ontario Regenerative Medicine, we can harness the power of PRP / PRF through applications such as skin rejuvenation, hair restoration, joint and muscle repair, and even sexual enhancement.
Benefits of PRP / PRF Therapy
PRP / PRF Benefits include the following:
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Repair damaged tissue
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Alleviate joint pain and treat orthopaedic conditions
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Stimulate new hair growth
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Reverse hair loss in men and women
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Promote skin regeneration and elasticity
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Improve facial acne scarring
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Improve lower lid skin pigmentation, laxity and thickness
Am I a Candidate for PRP / PRF ?
Most patients have enough viable platelets in their blood to contribute to the PRP / PRF process. Patients who struggle with extremely low platelet counts or current infections may not be suitable candidates for this therapy. To determine your eligibility for PRP / PRF therapy, contact Ontario Regenerative Medicine to schedule your consultation.
Preparation
During your comprehensive consultation, we will provide you with detailed instructions to prepare you for the PRP / PRF process. Since the ability of your platelets to create positive changes can be adversely affected by certain medications, it important that you strictly adhere to these instructions. Avoid the following medications 10 days before and 10 days after PRP / PRF treatment to optimize the effect of treatment:
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Aspirin
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All NSAID's (Advil, Ibuprophen, Naproxen, Toradol, etc.)
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Inhibitors of ADP (Plavix etc.)
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Antibiotics (such as: Penicillins (Pen V. Amoxil, etc), Cephalosporins (Keflex, etc), Carbapenum antibiotics, and Monolactams).
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Quinidine
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Calcium channel blockers
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Vitamin E
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Arnica
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Multivitamins
Complementary and Alternative Procedures
PRP / PRF has the ability to accelerate healing and facilitate cell regeneration. For these reasons, PRP / PRF therapy often pairs perfectly with other services offered at Ontario Regenerative Medicine. We can incorporate PRP / PRF into a comprehensive approach to tackle your health and wellness issues.
References
Yun, S. H., Sim, E. H., Goh, R. Y., Park, J. I., & Han, J. Y. (2016). Platelet Activation: The Mechanisms and Potential Biomarkers. BioMed Research International, 2016, 9060143. https://doi.org/10.1155/2016/9060143
Take the Next Step
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