Dr. Jeffrey Baker based his medical career on continual research and clinical spectrum in Regenerative Medicine since graduating from Medical school at NOVA Southeastern University College of Osteopathic Medicine in South Florida. “Osteopathic Medicine emphasizes helping each patient achieve a high level of wellness and quality of life by focusing on health promotion.” Haute Beauty catches up with Dr. Baker to learn more about PRP/Stem Cell Therapy.
Photo Credit: https://www.instagram.com/drjeffbaker/
HB: What is PRP/Stem Cell Treatment?
PRP and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Treatment and Therapies are terms for regenerative medicine. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a concentrate of platelet-rich plasma protein derived from whole blood, centrifuged to remove red blood cells. This can then be injected back into the areas of injury or for cosmetic needs in order to increase cell turnover, promote recovery, as well as improve skins overall appearance and elasticity.
When PRP is used in conjunction with Mesenchymal Stem Cells, we are able to regenerate and restore normal function of musculoskeletal injuries without the need for surgery. This type of treatment works best for acute injuries such as tendinitis shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knees, and ankles. It is also best suited for chronic injuries, which are secondary pain injuries due to arthritis in shoulders, elbows, wrists, hands, fingers, lower back, hips, knees, ankles, and toes.
HB: What is the process like when receiving PRP/Stem Cell Treatment?
The process of PRP/Mesenchymal Stem Cell treatment begins by drawing blood from the patient and then centrifuging the blood in order to remove red blood cells. Once that process is complete, we combine what is now PRP with the Mesenchymal Stem Cells. This is then injected directly into the site of injury. Depending on the location of the injury, the use of an ultrasound may be useful in ensuring the accuracy of the injection site.
Remember, this type of treatment works best for people with tendinitis, tendon tears, ligamentous tears, and sprains/strains and also people with secondary pain due to arthritis.
HB: What if someone wants to simply boost their general health?
These regenerative treatments of PRP and Mesenchymal Stem Cells are ideal for boosting general health. Many of my patients who come to me are looking for a way to reduce their daily aches and pains due to the natural aging process so that they are able to feel younger and live more active and fulfilling lifestyles. PRP and Mesenchymal Stem Cells can provide the relief these patients are seeking.
HB: What about for cosmetic treatment?
Cosmetically, PRP is used to treat conditions such as acne, acne scars, and melasma among other skin conditions. I often inject PRP to add plumpness to the face, under eyes, and cheeks. I also use PRP as a natural approach to increase cell turnover and elasticity in order to achieve a more youthful look. Then, for optimal benefit, I can micro-needle the PRP all over the face to give an overall “glowing” appearance.
HB: What does recovery look like?
The majority of my patients start to see results within the first two weeks. The results get increasingly better with time.
Remember, you have undergone regenerative injection treatments in or around injured and weakened ligaments, tendons or joints. The solution injected is designed to heal and strengthen these areas, improve stability and reduce pain. It is NORMAL and expected to experience some pain and swelling at the injection site for a few days after
treatment due to the expected inflammatory response that starts the healing process. You will be able to resume light activity as soon as possible such as walking and stretching. It is important to keep the area treated mobilized, if pain tolerates, in order to encourage healing blood flow to the area. This will help to decrease some of your pain and will help improve your range of motion. Inactivity will decrease optimal results. It is vital that you adhere to activity recommendations after your procedure as improper or over strenuous activity may inhibit the healing process or result in re-injury.
HB: Advice for maintaining results following treatment?
I highly recommend my patients to continue to follow up care with not only myself but also with physical therapy and chiropractic treatment. In my experience, these practices used in conjunction with the PRP and Mesenchymal Stem Cell treatment, my patients are able to yield optimal results.
For more information, visit Dr. Brian A. Levine's social media: