The princess and the PRP

Regenerative expert, nurse Claudia McGloin answers all your burning questions

“CAN YOU DO A PLATELET-RICH PLASMA PROCEDURE IF A PATIENT HAS A COLD?”

If a patient has developed a fever, cold, flu, or inflammation in the areas you are going to treat, then you shouldn’t do a treatment. Having a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment with a heightened immune system can increase the risk for complications.

Let the patient get better and reschedule them for another time. Nobody wants or needs to have a regenerative treatment when they’re not feeling well, and you don’t want to increase the risk of side effects or complications.

“WHAT DO YOU RECOMMEND FOR A PERSON WHO IS PRONE TO GETTING COLD SORES?”

If there is a history of herpes, especially if they are being treated in the perioral area, you can consider prophylactic treatment.

If the patient has experienced herpes outbreaks four or more times in one year, then most medical professionals would recommend that the patient would be pre-treated with medication and carry on post treatment to avoid a breakout.

“WHEN’S THE BEST TIME TO PERFORM A PRP TREATMENT AND CAN IT BE DONE IN SUMMER?”

Treatments with PRP can be done anytime throughout the year. In summertime, more patients may present to clinic with sun damage and pigmentation that they want treated. PRP can help with photoageing of the skin. Always ensure the patient wears SPF and be mindful of any upcoming holidays that are planned!

“IS ONE PRP TREATMENT PER YEAR ENOUGH?”

This will depend on the individual patient and what skincare and other treatments they are having throughout the year to achieve their optimum skin goals.

Some patients may choose to only have PRP treatments and may decide to have this done once or twice per year. So long as they see results and have their expectations managed, you can create a treatment plan to suit them.

“CAN I DO A PRP TREATMENT ON SOMEONE WHO HAS CANCER?”

Cancer is a contraindication for PRP, and it is advised not to carry out any treatment. I will be writing this up in more detail soon, as well as other contraindications, so keep a look out!

“HOW MANY PRP TUBES ARE NEEDED FOR ONE TREATMENT?”

This will depend on the PRP kits that you use, and the amount of plasma collected. It will also depend on the area that is being treated.

On average, from a 10ml PRP tube, you will yield 5ml of plasma. You need to create a protocol for each specific area to be treated and calculate how many ml you require. For most treatments, it’s on average one to two PRP tubes, but this will vary from patient to patient. I help medical professionals create protocols for various clinical indications. Get in touch if you require help!

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.

CLAUDIA MCGLOIN

Claudia McGloin is a registered nurse and holds dual registration in both the UK and Ireland. With over 26 years’ nursing experience, McGloin is the clinical director and nurse practitioner at The New You Clinic in Sligo. She is one of Ireland’s leading platelet-rich plasma experts and has performed thousands of PRP treatments. She has shared her expertise on the international stage and in various publications.