What is PRP and How Does It Work?

 

PRP is a plasma form rich in platelets, obtained from the patient’s own blood. Before treatment, a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient, and a centrifuge process is used to separate the blood components. Platelets are cells responsible for blood clotting and contain growth factors that accelerate tissue healing. This platelet-rich plasma is then injected under the skin or applied to the scar tissue to perform the treatment. The goal of PRP in scar treatment is to improve the appearance of scar tissue by increasing cell regeneration and collagen production.

 

Benefits of PRP in Scar Treatment

 

1. Increased Collagen Production Collagen is a fundamental protein that supports the skin’s structure and plays a crucial role in wound healing. Scar tissue typically forms due to irregular collagen production. PRP therapy enhances collagen production in the skin through growth factors, helping scar tissue achieve a smoother and more elastic structure. Especially for deep scars like acne scars, the increase in collagen synthesis helps reduce the prominence of scars.

    

2. Accelerating Wound Healing The growth factors in PRP promote cell division and tissue regeneration. This speeds up the healing process of scar tissue. PRP therapy facilitates the formation of new tissue more quickly and allows the existing scar tissue to be replaced by healthier skin tissue. This wound healing acceleration is particularly important in the treatment of surgical scars.

    

3. Reducing Inflammation During scar formation, the body initiates an inflammatory process to repair the damaged tissue. PRP can help control this process with its anti-inflammatory effects and support the skin’s healing process. Particularly in cases like hypertrophic scars and keloids, which are characterized by excessive scar tissue production, PRP is thought to help reduce inflammation and support the formation of more balanced scar tissue.

    

4. Improving Skin Texture and Tone Scars can be disturbing not only physically but also aesthetically. PRP therapy improves the overall appearance of scar tissue while helping the skin texture become smoother and more homogeneous. In superficial scars, PRP evens out skin tone, lightens the appearance of scars, and renews skin tissue.

    

Effect of PRP Therapy Based on Scar Types

 

1. Acne Scars Acne scars are a common skin problem in both young and adult individuals. These scars often result from inflammatory acne processes that affect the deeper layers of the skin. PRP therapy is considered an effective option in the treatment of acne scars. It reshapes scar tissue by increasing collagen production and reduces the visibility of scars. PRP can be used alone or combined with microneedling or laser treatments to treat acne scars.

    

2. Surgical Scars Scars formed after surgical interventions can negatively impact a person’s quality of life. PRP therapy accelerates the healing process of surgical scars and helps make them less noticeable. Especially in the treatment of suture marks and large surgical incisions, PRP supports skin regeneration and promotes a smoother healing process.

    

3. Traumatic Scars Scars caused by accidents or traumatic injuries can sometimes be large and uncomfortable. PRP therapy is an effective method to reduce the appearance of such scars and support skin tissue regeneration. The wound healing acceleration and inflammation-reducing effects of PRP in traumatic scars provide significant advantages in the treatment process.

    

4. Keloid and Hypertrophic Scars Keloid and hypertrophic scars are thick and prominent scar tissues formed due to excessive collagen production. Treating these types of scars is often difficult, with a high risk of recurrence. PRP therapy can be used as a treatment method for such scars, although the treatment process should be personalized based on the size and structure of the scar. The anti-inflammatory effect of PRP may help control the growth of keloid and hypertrophic scars.