From the Guidelines
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) gel is a medical treatment derived from a patient's own blood that contains a high concentration of platelets and growth factors, which can be used to promote tissue healing and regeneration in various medical fields, including orthopedics, sports medicine, dermatology, and cosmetic procedures. It is created by drawing a sample of blood from the patient, processing it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from other blood components, and then activating the platelets to release growth factors, forming a gel-like substance 1. This concentrated solution contains 3-5 times the normal platelet count and numerous bioactive proteins that promote tissue healing and regeneration. The therapeutic benefit comes from the platelets' ability to release growth factors that stimulate cell proliferation, collagen production, and angiogenesis (formation of new blood vessels), which accelerates the body's natural healing processes.
According to a recent study published in 2025, the optimal protocol for PRP treatment in aesthetic medicine, such as for androgenetic alopecia (AGA), involves using a manual double-spin method for preparation, performing a minimum of 3-5 sessions, with a 1-month interval between sessions, and using a recommended dose of 5-7 mL PRP, with a concentration of 1 to 1.5 million platelets per uL 1. The procedure is generally considered safe since it uses the patient's own biological material, minimizing risks of allergic reactions or disease transmission. However, it is essential to note that the evidence to support the clinical efficacy of PRP is still controversial, and further research is needed to optimize its use and standardize study designs 1.
Some of the key benefits of PRP gel include:
- Promoting tissue healing and regeneration
- Stimulating cell proliferation, collagen production, and angiogenesis
- Minimizing risks of allergic reactions or disease transmission
- Being a relatively safe procedure since it uses the patient's own biological material
- Having potential applications in various medical fields, including orthopedics, sports medicine, dermatology, and cosmetic procedures.
However, it is crucial to consider the limitations and uncertainties surrounding PRP therapy, including the lack of standardization in preparation methods, variability in content and purity, and the need for further research to determine its clinical efficacy and optimal protocols 1.
From the Research
Definition of PRP Gel
- PRP gel, or Platelet-Rich Plasma gel, is a semi-solid form of PRP obtained by adding autologous thrombin and calcium chloride to PRP 2.
- It is an autologous biological therapy derived from the patient's own blood, which is centrifuged to concentrate platelets 2, 3.
Composition and Characteristics
- PRP gel contains a fibrillar material with striated bands similar to fibrin filaments, and a cellular component that contains human platelet cells 4.
- The gel is a rich source of growth factors and provides chemotactic, migratory, and proliferative properties 5.
- The addition of autologous thrombin and calcium chloride to PRP allows the production of PRP gel, which is increasingly used in tissue defects and wound healing 2.
Production and Applications
- PRP gel can be produced from elderly patients under antithrombotic drugs, with no significant difference in volume, composition, and functionality of platelets compared to healthy volunteers 2.
- PRP gel is used in various medical fields, including dermatology, sports medicine, and implant dentistry, for tissue regeneration, wound healing, and soft/hard tissue regeneration 6, 3, 4.
- A new technique has been proposed, combining PRP gel with hyaluronic acid and leukocyte-rich PRP, to enhance tissue repair and wound healing 5.