Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy: Cost Side Effects and Recovery

Introduction: What Is platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP)?

PRP therapy also known as Platelet Rich Plasma therapy is the recently growing popular technique that is effective for hair growth. The therapy has proven promising for many medical and cosmetic issues. The therapy utilizes the body’s platelets, which are concentrated in the patient’s blood, to promote healing, tissue repair, and cell regeneration.
We look at the cost of PRP therapy, what influences it, common and possible side effects to be on the lookout for, and what to expect when recovering. We then explore the several uses of PRP therapy and discuss how it’s effective in the treatment of any kind of condition while offering some useful tips to make sure you have a safe and successful experience. From joint pain to hair loss to skin rejuvenation, here is everything you need to know to make an informed decision.

What are the PRP benefits?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy offers several benefits because it promotes healing, reduces inflammation, and stimulates tissue regeneration. Key benefits include:

Accelerated Healing: PRP therapy stimulates the body’s natural healing powers by delivering a highly concentrated supply of growth factors to the injured or damaged area. Primarily applicable to tendon injuries, ligament tears, and post-operatively.
Pain Relief: In most cases, PRP therapy serves as a major pain reliever in chronic disorders (such as osteoarthritis, for example) through the combination of anti-inflammatory and tissue health improvement.
Improved Joint Function: PRP can ensure more flexibility, and joint health and might alleviate some joint-related problems.
Hair Restoration: In dermatology, PRP cures conditions such as androgenic alopecia that lead to hair loss in the scalp by waking up hair follicles, enabling one to have a greater hair density and it outgrows usually.
Skin Rejuvenation: PRP is very found in aesthetic dermatology because of its anti-aging properties. It helps in skin texture improvement, decreases wrinkle formation, and adds elasticity by increasing collagen production.
Non-Surgical Procedure: PRP therapy is not as intrusive as the plasma is prepared by the patients themselves. This method of treatment is mostly accepted as a safer one because it could hardly cause any cases of rejection or even some allergic reactions.
Shorter Recovery Time: In fact, many procedures of PRP are outpatient-based and there is practically no need to fill a surgical bed observed, consequently, such types of activities will not be the main point of focus for the savings of the periods.
Versatile Applications: PRP therapy is (bio)engineering specificity regarding usage in both medical and cosmetic fields such as orthopedics, sports medicine, dermatology, and dentistry; thus, it has been shown that patient treatment for conditions, such as wound and soft-tissue repair.

How much does PRP Cost?

The cost of PRP hair treatment ranges from ₹4,500 to ₹15,000 per session in India, depending on various factors. The actual price will be dependent on the following factors given below:

The Experience and the safe, pain-free treatment given by doctors contribute to the PRP cost.
The high-quality equipment being used in the therapy is another factor for the cost.
Depending on the sessions you require and the condition of your hair loss also makes that an important factor to consider.

How are PRP injections performed?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are a minimally invasive procedure typically performed in a clinical setting. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how they are performed:

Step 1: Blood Sampling

A small quantity of the patient’s blood, typically 15–30 ml, is drawn from a vein, similar to any routine blood sampling

Step 2: Centrifugation

The blood sample is put in a centrifuge, a machine that spins the sample at high speeds to separate its components. After spinning, the blood separates into:
Red Blood Cells (bottom layer)
Platelet-Poor Plasma (top layer)
Platelet-rich plasma (middle layer)
The platelet-rich layer, which is rich in growth factors, is taken out for the injection.

Step 3: Preparation

The PRP is filled into a syringe and prepared for administration.
Local anesthesia may be applied to minimize discomfort depending on the treatment area.

Step 4: Injection

The PRP is injected directly into the targeted area, such as an injured joint, scalp, or skin, using a fine needle.
Ultrasound or imaging guidance may be employed for procedures such as joint or tendon injuries to guarantee accuracy.

Step 5: After-Injection Care

Patients are generally instructed to rest the treated area and avoid heavy exercise for 24–48 hours.
Mild swelling, tenderness, or redness at the injection site is normal and usually subsides rapidly.

What are the side effects of PRP?

PRP therapy is relatively safe because it utilizes the patient’s blood so that there is no risk of allergic reactions or infection. Still, as with every treatment in medicine, side effects are possible with PRP injections. These are usually mild and short-term. For your information, here are the known side effects:

Pain at injection site: pain can be mild to moderate where there is thick tissue & tissue.
Swelling and Redness Swelling can occur around the injection site due to an immune reaction to the injury.
Bruising: Mild bruising from the needle insertion or blood sample drawn.
Temporary stiffness or numbness: Patients often describe stiffness or feeling like a tautness at the injected site.
Infection: Although rare, there is a possibility of infection from improper sterilization in the procedure.
Tissue Damage or Nerve Injury: Chances of nerve or tissue damage are occasional if the injection is not administered properly.
Formation of Blood Clot: The incoordination might lead to the formation of localized clots at the injection site.
Allergic Reaction due to Anesthesia: The chances of allergic reaction are minor if local anesthesia is applied.

What is the Recovery time for PRP?

Recovery from Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy, in general, is short because the procedure is done minimally invasive. On the other hand, recovery duration and aftercare measures can be different from time to time, depending upon whether the area is being treated, such as joint, skin, or scalp.

Recovery Time

Immediate Post-Procedure (First 24 Hours): Mild swelling, redness, or soreness at the injection site is normal. Rest is usually advised, especially for treatments targeting joints or muscles. Avoid washing the treated area (e.g., scalp or face) for the first 12–24 hours.
Short-Term Recovery (1–3 Days): Most discomfort and swelling subside within a few days. Light activities can typically be resumed, but avoid strenuous exercise.
Long-Term Recovery (1–6 weeks): There are usually noticeable or palpable effects such as a decrease in pain and sensations like improved skin quality after 2–6 weeks as body tissues repair themselves. In ideal cases, recovery or optimal results may take about 6–12 weeks depending on the condition treated.

Post-Procedure Care Guidelines

Rest and Activity: Keep the treated area rested for a minimum of 24 to 48 hours. Then, resume normal activities except for heavy lifting or exercising intensely, especially if orthopedic procedures were performed, within a week.
Pain Control: Ibuprofen or aspirin are some of the anti-inflammatory medicines that are used after the treatment to reduce the inflammation around the injecting places.
Cold Compress: The application of a cold compress may help reduce swelling when necessary.
Hydration and Nutrition: Hydration and nutrition should be kept in check to support the regeneration of tissues.
Skin Care (for Facial PRP): One should avoid harsh applicators for better recovery and to reduce any chances of infection.
Follow-Up Sessions: Typically, PRP requires multiple sessions, usually 3-6, spaced a few weeks apart for optimal effect.

Conclusion

To sum up, PRP therapy is a secure, less invasive, and efficient mechanism that relies on the body’s internal healing ability to address different medical and cosmetic problems. Be it for hair restoration, skin revitalizing, or joint restoration, this cure has very good results, and also, the recovery period and side effects are minimal. PRP treatments have regenerative perks; hence, they find their place in Dermatology, Orthopedics, and Cosmetic Medicine, and therefore, such technologies are, widely accepted today.

Cosmo Care is one of the best teams you should consider if you plan to have PRP treatment. They are recognized for their high-caliber specialists and treatment therapy and they promise a safe, comfortable, and highly effective PRP experience.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy: Cost, Side Effects, and Recovery