PRP San Diego contains growth factors that promote tissue healing and reduce bruising and swelling after surgery. It also stimulates cell regrowth and activates fibroblasts.
The concentration of platelets and growth factors varies with the method used to prepare the PRP. A double-spin open system such as Cascade, Magellan, or GPS III produces the highest platelet capture efficiency (DEPA classification), which allows for better cellular proliferation and growth factor activity.
Regenerative Medicine
Regenerative medicine describes treatments that can help the body heal itself and restore normal health to the patient. It is a broad practice that encompasses several technologies, including cell and stem cell therapies, tissue engineering, and genomic medicine. It also incorporates familiar medical treatments like surgery, artificial joints and limbs, biomechanical prosthetics, and more.
The human body has a natural ability to heal itself in many ways. A cut on the skin repairs itself, broken bones mend and living-donor livers regenerate in a matter of weeks. However, these processes cannot help patients with long-lasting conditions such as chronic pain, osteoarthritis and vascular disease.
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) injections can help patients with these conditions. PRP is a concentrated mixture of blood that contains increased concentrations of growth factors, proteins and other substances that stimulate healing. Our team uses PRP therapy for musculoskeletal injuries involving ligaments, tendons and muscles. It can be used as a stand-alone treatment or in conjunction with surgery to accelerate the healing process.
A sample of the patient’s blood, bone marrow or fat will be drawn and then run through a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and other cells that contain growth factors. These are then injected back into the site of injury or a problem area, to promote healing and alleviate pain symptoms.
The treatment is minimally invasive, and only takes one or two hours. The patient can return home immediately after the procedure and resume their regular activities. However, we recommend that you avoid alcohol and hair products for the day prior to your appointment, as these can lower your platelet count.
Using your own body’s resources to treat problems like chronic pain, arthritis and muscle injuries is an innovative way to bring relief to your patients. Our orthopedic surgeons, sports medicine specialists and physiatrists have extensive experience with PRP treatments for a wide variety of conditions. They can recommend a treatment plan that is right for your patient, discuss combination therapies and likely results, and advise you on how to best implement these procedures into your practice.
Pain Management
PRP is a blood treatment that contains plasma rich in natural healing growth factors. It is extracted from your own blood in a similar fashion to a routine lab draw, then processed using a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets, which contain the growth factors. The concentrated platelets can then be injected into injured areas to promote tissue repair and regeneration. In chronic tendon injuries such as tennis elbow or Achilles tendinitis, the injection can help break the vicious cycle of inflammation and injury that prevents proper healing. It can also relieve pain associated with osteoarthritis, such as in the knee.
The body’s natural systems are designed to repair and regenerate tissue, but when musculoskeletal issues such as osteoarthritis or muscle tears occur, the results can be disappointing or even worsen. PRP is one of a growing number of therapies being used in musculoskeletal pain management to enhance the body’s healing processes. The procedure involves drawing a few vials of blood, then running it through a centrifuge to separate the platelets and concentrate them. The resulting platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the affected area with ultrasound guidance to ensure precise placement.
When injected into the body, the growth factors in PRP stimulate and enhance the body’s natural healing process by signaling cells to proliferate, increase blood flow to the area, and create a scaffold for tissue repair. Studies have shown that PRP can increase bone density, produce stronger ligaments and tendons, accelerate wound healing, and reduce inflammation and pain.
Patients who benefit most from PRP therapy include those with chronic tendon problems such as tennis elbow or Achilles tendinitis, where the injury has not responded to physical therapy or other non-invasive treatment methods. It is also effective for those with osteoarthritis, such as in knees, where the injection can alleviate pain and improve joint function without surgery.
The procedure is safe, and there is a low risk of complications. You may experience some irritation in the injection site, but this will only last a day or two. It is important to discuss your goals with Dr. Tadje or one of his Physician Assistants before scheduling a procedure.
Joint & Ligament Repair
Ligaments are tough bands of fibrous, dense regular connective tissue that help to hold bones and joints in place. There are more than 900 ligaments in the human body, and they can keep bones from moving in directions they weren’t intended to move or even prevent them from moving altogether. Ligaments also strengthen joints, help them to resist stress and strain, and ensure that they don’t twist.
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a liquid component of blood that contains growth factors, which are vital in the healing process. By concentrating the platelets found in your blood and injecting them directly into injured areas, we encourage the growth of new, healthy tissues. This helps the muscles, tendons and ligaments to heal and recover their strength and flexibility with significantly less pain.
PRP Therapy is a revolutionary new way to treat joint and ligament injuries. The procedure is quick, safe and highly effective. To perform PRP therapy, we collect about 30 milliliters of your blood and then put it in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from other components of the blood. The platelets are then injected directly into the injured area, often with ultrasound guidance for accuracy.
The healing process begins immediately. The platelets release many beneficial proteins that stimulate the regeneration of your damaged tissues, which increases the rate at which your tissues grow and heal. We can use PRP to treat almost any injury, including knee osteoarthritis, muscle and tendon injuries, sports injuries, and even fractures.
In addition to treating chronic ligament and tendon problems, we can use PRP to improve the results of surgery for some conditions. Several studies show that using PRP with surgery to repair torn rotator cuff tendons can result in better recovery and more successful outcomes for patients. We have also started using PRP to help patients recover from surgery to repair torn knee ligaments, such as the anterior cruciate ligament, or ACL.
During surgery for ligament or tendon repairs, we will administer a mild sedative, which will make you drowsy. You will need to arrange for a driver to take you home, because the sedative may affect your coordination and alertness.
Skin Care
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains growth factors that can help to tighten dull skin, reduce fine lines and wrinkles, heal acne scars, brighten skin tone, and promote collagen production. PRP facials, also known as a vampire facial, are designed to rejuvenate your face and give you younger-looking, more vibrant skin by triggering your body’s natural healing processes.
During a PRP facial, a trained professional will draw some of your blood and run it through a centrifuge to concentrate the plasma and platelets. This is then injected into the face using a needle. You will experience some bruising and soreness around the injection area, but this is normal and typically fades within a few days.
After PRP is injected into the skin, it will trigger the production of new collagen and stimulate fibroblasts to produce more hyaluronic acid, which improves skin texture and tone. Hyaluronic acid is a naturally occurring substance in the skin that helps to hydrate and plump the skin.
Another benefit of a PRP facial is that it can help to lighten dark spots and even out skin pigmentation. The growth factors in the PRP serum slow down the creation of new melanin, which can help to diminish sunspots and other discoloration.
If you’re interested in a PRP facial, it’s important to talk to an experienced professional who can create a treatment plan tailored to your specific needs and goals. During your initial consultation, you’ll be able to discuss your desired results and receive a full cost estimate.
While research on the benefits of a PRP facial is promising, more randomized controlled trials are needed to support the efficacy of this treatment for cosmetic enhancements. The limited number of studies to date has been due in part to the lack of standardization of the preparation of PRP and the methods used to assess outcomes. However, with the right professional guidance and commitment to your care, a PRP facial could be the ideal way to achieve a smoother, brighter, and more radiant complexion. Schedule a consultation today to find out if this treatment is right for you.