MOSCOW, November 5 (RIA Novosti) — Scientists from the I.M. Sechenov First Moscow State Medical University have conducted a study of blood enriched by leucocyte (white blood cells) and platelets (blood cells whose function is to stop bleeding), and their impact on skin subjected to age-related changes, and found that introducing the enriched plasma to aging skin stimulates anti-aging processes.
Speaking exclusively for Rossiya Segodnya, researchers participating in the project explained the process: “In the first phase we take a small amount of plasma from the patient, process it and receive a small amount of plasma with a very high content of platelets and white blood cells. Each platelet contains within it naturally occurring granules of a special growth factor substance, stimulating the repair of damaged tissue; the white blood cells, in turn, reinforce this effect.”
The researchers investigated the concentration of growth factor granules of platelet in plasma obtained in a number of ways.
“We have found that platelets carry within themselves a whole arsenal of substances, some of which contribute to the formation of new capillaries [small blood vessels], or improve blood flow. Others enhance the proliferation of fibroblasts [crucial for wound healing] and increase collagen synthesis [the process of collagen creation]. The latter decreases with age, resulting in the formation of wrinkles and the loss of skin elasticity. The white blood cells, in turn, enhance the work of platelets, adding an anti-infective and an angiogenic effect [the process of the creation of new blood vessels]. Through our work we have created a technique which allows us to obtain plasma with a maximum number of growth factors.”
Leading plastic surgeons from the I.M. Sechenov University have learned to use Leucocyte and Platelet Rich Plasma (L-PRP) to restore the skin’s youthful appearance and even to correct soft tissue which has been severely scarred.
In order to improve the structure of skin on a patient’s face, a physician can use injections to introduce plasma rich in platelets and white blood cells in the needed area. Wrinkles are smoothed; the skin is moisturized and becomes more supple. What’s remarkable about this technique is that it does not use any foreign, synthetic substances; the patient is administered only his or her own enriched plasma. As a result, allergic reaction or rejection is impossible. The technique is relatively painless and safe, the effect is stable, and can be observed in a short period of time. The entire procedure takes about two hours.
Researchers from the university are not stopping there; research is now continuing on studying the effectiveness of the joint use of L-PRP and the patient’s own fat tissue for the correction of age-related changes and tissue defects on the face and body.
