THE PRINCESS AND THE PRP

Regenerative expert, nurse Claudia McGloin answers all your burning questions

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.

“I’VE BEEN PERFORMING PLATELET-RICH PLASMA (PRP) INJECTIONS FOR ABOUT A YEAR NOW. I’VE NEVER HAD A PATIENT COMPLAIN THAT IT BURNS, UNTIL TODAY. DO PATIENTS COMPLAIN OF BURNING? IS NEEDLE BETTER THAN CANNULA? WHAT CAN I DO TO STOP IT FROM BURNING AGAIN?”

I’ve not had any patient tell me that they felt a burning sensation, stinging yes, but not burning. That said, we do know that PRP injections can cause varying sensations during and after the procedure. Some patients may experience a mild burning or stinging, particularly in and around the injection site.

Any discomfort is usually the result of the needle insertion and the volume of the plasma that’s being injected. Patients who are being injected in sensitive areas may also feel stinging and burning. Any burning or stinging sensation usually subsides quickly, and most patients find the discomfort manageable. To ensure patient comfort, there are a few things you can do prior to treating.

That said and to assist you further, Iwould like to know alittle bit more about the tubes you’re using, do they contain anticoagulant and if you’re activating prior to injecting. This could also account for the ‘burning’.

The choice between using a needle or a cannula for administering PRP injections depends on the specific treatment goals and the area being treated. Needles are often preferred for precise injections into targeted areas, allowing for more controlled delivery of the PRP. In contrast, cannulas, which are blunt tipped, can reduce the risk of bruising and swelling due to their less traumatic nature. Cannulas may also facilitate a more even distribution of the PRP over a larger area. Ultimately, the decision should be based on your expertise, the patient’s needs and the treatment plan.

“CAN A PATIENT ON ASPIRIN HAVE PRP TREATMENT?”

Aspirin can increase the risk of bruising and bleeding at the injection site. It can also potentially affect the outcome of the treatment. A study showed that the daily use of a low-dose of aspirin reduced VEGF, PDGF-AB, and TGF-β1.

It’s important for you to discuss with your patients any medications that they are taking prior to the procedure. You should never stop a patient from taking their medications, particularly as they can be lifesaving for some patients.

“HAS ANYONE HAD ANY EXPERIENCE OF MANAGEMENT OF LICHEN SCLEROSIS WITH PRP?”

PRP has been used as a treatment option for various dermatological conditions, including lichen sclerosus. However, the clinical evidence and clinical experiences regarding its effectiveness in managing the condition are still limited.

There are some research papers and small clinical studies to suggest that PRP may help promote healing and reduce associated symptoms, such as inflammation and discomfort. PRP’s growth factors may encourage tissue regeneration and improve skin quality. However, more comprehensive clinical studies and research are needed to establish its efficacy and safety for this specific condition. I have seen some good results in my patients, but the results will vary.

If you are considering offering PRP for lichen sclerosus, it’s crucial that you are a healthcare professional with gynaecology experience and knowledge of this condition. You should also have been trained to carry out this procedure specifically.

“CAN I DO A PRP TREATMENT ON SOMEONE WITH STABLE HEMOCHROMATOSIS?”

If apatient has stable hemochromatosis and is considering having a PRP treatment, it is crucial to consult with ahealthcare professional who is familiar with hemochromatosis and the specifics of the patient’s condition. Their medical team will be able to advise on the individual case.

While there is no specific contraindication for PRP in patients with stable hemochromatosis, individual patient factors such as the severity of the condition, any associated complications, and overall health must be considered. Recent bloods, iron levels, liver function, etc. would all have to be checked prior to any treatment.

While PRP is generally considered safe, there is limited research specifically addressing its efficacy and safety in patients with hemochromatosis. Careful consideration and further studies are needed to determine appropriate protocols for those with this condition.

My advice would be, if you are not a medical professional, do not to treat!

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.