Can platelet rich plasma therapy, or PRP, be saved by freezing so that I don't have to have my blood drawn for every treatment?

Question

Can platelet rich plasma therapy, or PRP, be saved by freezing in glycerol, other additives or by itself so that I don't have to have my blood drawn for every treatment? It seems that having a store of my own PRP would be more convenient. I know human cells can be frozen for long periods of times with the addition of FBS or glycerine and revived, therefore it should be even easier to freeze non-living platelets in plasma would be simple. If so, is it still effective? If not, why? Thanks so much!

Ellen A. Mahony, MD · Answer

No, not a great plan.  We want those platelets and growth factors fresh!  Thanks!In good health,Ellen Mahony, MD

Laurel Matthews, MD · Answer

The biologic activity of PRP degrades over time.  There is no scientific data to suggest that this time can be lengthened by freezing the blood product.

Steven F. Weiner, MD · Answer

I expect that the quality of the PRP and benefits will decrease if it is frozen. However, there is evidence that freezing stem cells from fat (ADSC's) can be done and still maintain the benefits. There are actually fat banks that store fat/stem cells and this will be a bigger thing in the future.

Marisol Arcila Moon, MD · Answer

Agree with the answer above, it is not recommended to let your platelets sit for a very long period of time as well as it is not yet known if adding "preservatives" would alter the function of the platelets and render them ineffective. It is easy enough to just have your blood drawn the day of your procedure to ensure your platelets have optimal response. An experienced physician or medical staff should have no problem drawing ones blood as well as usually treatments are not done so often that you would have to worry about getting your blood drawn so often. If they use numbing cream for your procedure you can always ask for some to be placed on the site of blood draw.

Can platelet rich plasma therapy, or PRP, be saved by freezing so that I don't have to have my blood drawn for every treatment?

Answers (4)

Answer: Platelet function declines over time

Answer: Platelet function declines over time

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Can platelet rich plasma therapy, or PRP, be saved by freezing so that I don't have to have my blood drawn for every treatment?

Answers (4)

Answer: Platelet function declines over time

Answer: Platelet function declines over time

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Everything you need to know about Vampire Facelift

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.