PRP to Promote Healing after Surgery

Research has found exciting new uses for platelet-rich plasma (PRP), not the least of which is wound healing after surgery.

This autologous treatment (using a substance obtained from the patient’s own body) has been shown to stimulate the healing process on a cellular level. Dr. Kimberly Lee is a top-rated, board-certified facial plastic surgeon serving Beverly Hills and the Los Angeles area. She is renowned for her surgical skills, attention to detail, and dedication to her patients. Dr. Lee uses the latest scientific advancements in surgical techniques and treatment in her practice, including PRP to promote healing after surgery.

What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?

Our blood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Platelet-rich plasma is blood plasma with a higher than normal concentration of platelets.

Platelets contain bioactive proteins, including growth factors, which are critical in tissue repair and regeneration. To prepare PRP, a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient and immediately placed in a centrifuge to separate out the platelet-rich plasma from the remaining components with centrifugal force.

How Does PRP Promote Healing?

PRP treatment is used to promote faster wound healing with better outcomes by stimulating the body’s natural healing processes. PRP contains a high concentration of platelets. Platelets contain a large reservoir of growth factors – substances required for the stimulation of growth in living cells.

Growth factors and special proteins contained in PRP can enhance tissue recovery, bone regeneration and healing, formation of new blood vessels, connective tissue repair, and wound healing. There is virtually no chance of rejection, as the substance used in PRP therapy is taken from the patient’s own body, and is a perfect match.

PRP helps the body heal itself at an accelerated rate. Platelets play a crucial role in the formation of blood clots and release growth factors into surgical wounds. Growth factors contained in platelet-rich plasma include:

PDGF (platelet-derived growth factors)
TGF (transforming growth factor beta)
ILGF (insulin-like growth factor)

These growth factors help the body repair itself by stimulating stem cells to generate new tissue. The more growth factors released in the wound, the more stem cells are stimulated, and the faster healing occurs.

Benefits of PRP for Wound Healing

Researchers have found that the use of PRP is associated with improved patient outcomes with wound healing, including:

Fewer postoperative complications
Fewer infections
Lower incidence of hematoma (swelling of clotted blood in the tissue)
Less wound drainage
Less postoperative pain
Faster wound closure
Faster healing
Better quality of life

Dr. Kimberly Lee focuses her practice on plastic and reconstructive surgery procedures for the face. She is an accomplished facial plastic surgeon as well as a board-certified Ear, Nose, and Throat surgeon. Dr. Lee is actively engaged in clinical research focused on advancing and optimizing patient care. If you are considering cosmetic or reconstructive facial surgery, talk with Dr. Lee to learn more about PRP therapy to promote healing after surgery.

Sources:

ePlasty: Use of Platelet-Rich Plasma Gel on Wound Healing

PRP to Promote Healing after Surgery

What Is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?

How Does PRP Promote Healing?

Benefits of PRP for Wound Healing

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