It is important to us that you understand what a PRP injection is, how it is performed, and which results you can expect.
Platelet Function
Clotting and Growth Factors
Platelets play a critical function in healing. Initially, platelets are attracted to a wound for coagulation and hemostasis and then go to an activated state where they connect with other platelets to create a web upon which a clot is created, at the same time they release alpha granules.
Alpha granules contain growth factors, which are signaling proteins capable of stimulating cell growth, proliferation, healing, and cellular differentiation. The growth factors in platelets include epidermal growth factor which grows skin, fibroblast growth factor and keratin growth factor which repairs tissue and vascular endothelial growth factor, and platelet-derived growth factor which build new and remodel old blood vessels.
Platelet Rich Plasma Process
The process of PRP therapy involves collecting 22 mL of blood, separating the platelets from the rest of the blood by centrifuge and then extracting platelet-poor plasma, and finally removing 3-6 cc of platelet-rich plasma. The FDA considers PRP is safe because it is obtained from the patient’s blood, it is sterile with very few reported complications.
Uses of PRP
Include ED, Peyronie’s, and Hair Growth
There are many uses of PRP including orthopedics, dermatology, hair growth, dental surgery, diabetic foot ulcers, and Urology (ED and Peyronie’s Disease). In dermatology, PRP was made famous by the vampire facelift. Very recent meta-analyses show that PRP may play a role in promoting tissue regeneration, oxidative stress, and revascularization which are the cornerstone of facial rejuvenation. In androgenic alopecia, local injection of PRP may be associated with an increased number of hairs and some hair thickness in treated areas with minimal morbidity, but the results are not definitive.
PRP and ED
For erectile dysfunction, the PRP injection has been popularized by Charles Runnels. There is very little published literature on PRP and erectile dysfunction. In a single study, a doctor showed that PRP is safe and possibly efficacious for erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s disease.
PRP and Peyronie’s
A study out of France on 75 patients with Peyronie’s disease who underwent six sessions with PRP and hyaluronic acid showed a 36% reduction in angulation and a significant number of men with improved erections and more comfortable intercourse.
PRP Conclusions
We have learned that platelets are essential for wound healing and are filled with growth factors. PRP is safe and not harmful and theoretically beneficial. There is preliminary data from orthopedics and dermatology to support the use of PRP and early data on the use of PRP in erectile dysfunction and Peyronie’s disease. However, it does seem to be safe with little downside risk.
Stem Cells
Stem cells are cells with the potential to develop into many different types of cells in the body. They serve as a repair system for the body. There are two main types of stem cells: embryonic stem cells and adult stem cells.
Stem cells are different from other cells in the body in three ways:
- They can divide and renew themselves over a long time.
- They are unspecialized, so they cannot do specific functions in the body.
- They have the potential to become specialized cells, such as muscle cells, blood cells, and brain cells.
Doctors and scientists are excited about stem cells because they could help in many different areas of health and regeneration. Initial research indicates that they have great promise as a complementary treatment to shock wave therapy.
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