What are plasma injections?

PLASMA injections are becoming increasingly popular for those suffering from injury or other minor issues.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections gained popularity in early 2019 and have been found to be beneficial for patients.

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What are plasma injections and what are they used for?

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections are thought to be helpful in treating minor injuries, from sore tendons to hair loss.

The injections are made using the patient's own blood cells to help heal the injured area.

PRP injections take blood cells from the patient's body to reform or reproduce the cells that are needed to heal the body.

A clinician then separates the patient's plasma, before reinserting it into the body in the area that needs healing.

In some cases, the medic might use an ultrasound to guide the plasma to target a particular area.

According to Hopkins Medicine, it can take a different amount of time for patients to see results depending on what has been treated.

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It takes about six months results to be apparent in the case of scalp injections, but only weeks for other procedures like joint injections.

says, "Studies show that the increased concentration of growth factors in platelet-rich plasma may stimulate or speed up the healing process, shortening healing time for injuries, decreasing pain, and even encouraging hair growth."

Platelet-Rich Plasma injections can be used for:

• Tendon, ligament, muscle and joint injuries
• Post-surgical healing
• Osteoarthritis
• Hair loss
• Skin rejuvenation

How long do plasma injections last?

For the best results, PRP should be given for three months and could be effective for as long as six to nine months.

A study done by showed in the case of joint injuries or osteoporosis, patients experienced improved joint function, less pain, and cartilage repair.

However, the length of results can vary depending on what the condition is, how healthy the patient is overall, and how the patient's body responds to PRP.

What are the side effects?

As with any procedure, there are side effects to having a clinician perform a Platelet-Rich Plasma injection.

Side effects will range from person to person, with some experiencing nerve injuries, infection, pain at the injection site, or possible tissue damage.

Its important to discuss the risks with your doctor before getting the PRP injections to see what risks if any, might apply to you.