The princess and the PRP

Regenerative expert, nurse Claudia McGloin answers all your burning questions

“CAN PATIENTS TAKE IBUPROFEN AFTER PRP INJECTIONS?”

It is best to avoid taking any anti-inflammatory medication following a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment as studies show that the treatment can be less effective. There will be some inflammation following PRP injections, this is normal and all part of the healing process. When PRP is injected, the body interprets this as a minor injury and launches a protective inflammatory response which we note as swelling, warmth, and redness. This inflammation process is a crucial part of the body’s healing mechanism and is completely normal.

This occurs when the platelets in PRP release growth factors and cytokines, which call upon various cells like leukocytes, macrophages, and fibroblasts to the injury site. The resulting cellular activity causes an increase in blood flow and migration of fluids to the area, which causes temporary swelling.

Patients may apply ice to the affected area, or they can take paracetamol for pain if required. The inflammation will resolve within a couple of days. If patients are taking regular prescribed NSAIDS then they may be able to continue after day 14, but this will all be dependent upon the clinical indication of the PRP treatment and the reasons the patient is taking NSAIDS. In some cases, I advise no NSAIDS for six weeks post treatment.

“CAN I ALTER THE TIME AND SPEED ON THE CENTRIFUGE?”

Most quality centrifuges come already pre-set, and there is absolutely no need to adjust the speed, time, or rotations per minute (RPM). The PRP kit that you are using should be used with a centrifuge that is recommended by the company and compatible.

Not all PRP kits or centrifuges are the same and, if you use a centrifuge that has a different setting for the kit, you will not get plasma with adequate amounts of growth factors and your patient’s results will suffer.

As I explained in last month’s column, it is crucial for practitioners to understand the centrifugation process.

“CAN PRP BE PERFORMED ON A PREGNANT WOMAN?”

Treatments should not be carried out on any woman who is pregnant or breastfeeding. While these treatments are generally safe and are often carried out as a stand-alone treatment, there are potential risks and complications associated with PRP such as infection and allergic reaction. While these are rare, there is a potential. Although there are no conclusive studies, it is not advisable for pregnant woman to receive treatments. Furthermore, you may not be insured to carry out treatments on pregnant women.

“WHAT IS THE BEST PRICE TO OFFER PRP?”

Pricing of treatments will depend on a number of factors, including your experience, your clinic location, the PRP kit, the centrifuge that you are using and of course the clinical indications.

You need to work out how much the treatment is costing you. Take into consideration the consumables, clinical waste, your time, your clinic overheads, and the profit you want to make on each treatment.

Patients are paying for your expertise, knowledge, and skill. Don’t undercharge but remember that regenerative medicine treatments are more expensive than others.

“CAN YOU STORE PLASMA?”

NO!!! Please do not store PRP! It must be used immediately after centrifugation and any remaining PRP must be destroyed if not used. If you are following suitable protocols, there should not be any remaining.

If you have questions regarding any aspect of regenerative medicine – PRP, PPP, PRF, polynucleotides, exosomes – or questions relating to treatments, please get in touch either by contacting Aesthetic Medicine or emailing claudia@ thenewyouclinic.ie.