Platelet-rich plasma consists of two elements: plasma, or the liquid portion of blood, and platelets, a type of blood cell that plays a vital role in healing throughout the body.

Platelets are well-known for their clotting abilities, but they also contain growth factors that can trigger cell reproduction and stimulate tissue regeneration or healing in the treated area. Platelet-rich plasma is simply blood that contains more platelets than usual.

To create platelet-rich plasma, clinicians take a blood sample from the patient and place it into a device called a centrifuge that rapidly spins the sample, separating the other components of the blood from the platelets and concentrating them within the plasma.

After creating platelet-rich plasma from a patient’s blood sample, that solution is injected into the target area. The idea is to increase the concentration of specific bioproteins or hormones, called growth factors, in a particular area to accelerate the healing process.

PRP injections are used for various conditions like healing, musculoskeletal pain or injury, and cosmetic procedures, e.g., hair loss and skin rejuvenation.