We hear more and more about PRP, both in the aesthetic field, where it is associated with the so-called “vampire facial”, and in sport, where it has supported the recovery of many professional athletes. Behind the acronym, however, lies a serious medical technology, based on a principle as simple as it is fascinating: harnessing the regenerative capacity of the patient’s own blood. At Medical Center Sorengo this technology is now available, and we believe it is useful to clarify what it really is, distinguishing clinical evidence from expectations fuelled by marketing.
What is PRP
PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma. It is obtained from a small blood sample taken from the patient, which is centrifuged to concentrate the platelets and the growth factors they contain. The resulting concentrate is then reintroduced into the area to be treated. Because it is an autologous material, that is, derived from the patient’s own body, the risk of allergic reactions or rejection is very low.
How it works: the biological principle
Platelets are not only involved in clotting: they release a series of growth factors that stimulate tissue repair, the formation of new blood vessels and the production of collagen. By concentrating these elements and delivering them where they are needed, PRP acts as a signal that “recalls” the body’s natural regenerative processes, promoting healing and tissue renewal.
1. Aesthetic use
In aesthetic medicine, PRP is used to improve the quality and radiance of the skin, to soften fine lines and to counteract the signs of ageing, thanks to the stimulation of collagen. It is also applied to the scalp, where it can support hair strengthening in the early stages of thinning. As a treatment based on components of the patient’s own blood, it is perceived as a “biological” approach to rejuvenation, but it should always be set within a realistic professional assessment of the expected results.
2. Functional use
In the functional and regenerative field, PRP is used to promote the repair of soft tissues and to support healing processes. It may be proposed to aid recovery after microtraumas, in certain chronic inflammatory conditions of the tendons and within regenerative medicine pathways aimed at improving the function of a body region. The goal is not to mask the symptom, but to help the tissue recover its own capacity to regenerate.
3. Orthopaedic use
This is perhaps the field with the broadest body of scientific literature. PRP is used to treat tendinopathies (such as lateral epicondylitis, the so-called “tennis elbow”), muscle and tendon injuries, and certain forms of osteoarthritis, in particular of the knee, where it can help reduce pain and improve mobility. For many patients it represents an intermediate option between conservative therapy and surgery, always to be assessed on a case-by-case basis.
What to expect (and what not to expect)
Realistic expectations are essential: PRP is not a miracle solution, nor is it suitable for every case. Results depend on the condition treated, the patient’s characteristics and the correctness of the clinical indication. For some applications the evidence is solid, for others research is still evolving. This is why the decision to use PRP must always stem from an individual medical assessment.
Quality, safety and compliance: the difference is in the details
Not all PRP treatments are the same. The quality of the result depends decisively on the medical device used to prepare the concentrate and on compliance with regulatory standards. At Medical Center Sorengo we have chosen to invest in an Autologous Conditioned Plasma (ACP) system, a medical device that allows the rapid, safe and sterile preparation of platelet-rich plasma from a small blood sample taken from the patient.
This system stands out for its design with two concentric chambers, that is, a smaller syringe inserted inside a larger one. This configuration makes it possible to separate the beneficial growth factors from red and white blood cells without resorting to synthetic separating gels, and it ensures maximum sterility: the blood never comes into contact with the external environment throughout the process. The result is a platelet concentrate of consistent, standardised quality, compliant with Swiss regulations, obtained in a completely closed circuit that minimises the risk of contamination.
Above all, there is the most important element: every treatment is performed and supervised by specialist physicians and qualified nursing staff, within a structured clinical pathway. From the initial assessment to the procedure and follow-up, the patient is always cared for by professionals, with all the guarantees of a certified healthcare environment.
The Medical Center Sorengo approach
At Medical Center Sorengo, PRP is part of a vision of precision medicine: every treatment starts from an accurate diagnosis and a personalised assessment, in order to establish whether, when and how this technology is genuinely indicated. Thanks to the collaboration between our specialties, from pain therapy to surgery, from aesthetic medicine to orthopaedics, we can offer an integrated, evidence-based pathway.
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Recent bibliography
Rahman E, Rao P, Abu-Farsakh HN, et al. Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Medical and Surgical Specialties: Quality, Evaluation, Evidence, and Enforcement. J Clin Med. 2024;13(15):4571. https://doi.org/10.3390/jcm13154571
Yao J, Zhu L, Pan M, Shen L, Tang Y, Fan L. The additive value of platelet-rich plasma to topical Minoxidil in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis. PLoS One. 2024;19(8):e0308986. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0308986
Oeding JF, Varady NH, Messer CJ, Dines JS, Williams RJ, Rodeo SA. Platelet Concentration Explains Variability in Outcomes of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Lateral Epicondylitis: A High Dose Is Critical for a Positive Response. A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis With Meta-regression. Am J Sports Med. 2025;53(10):2489-2496. https://doi.org/10.1177/03635465241303716
Jawanda H, Khan ZA, Warrier AA, et al. Platelet-Rich Plasma, Bone Marrow Aspirate Concentrate, and Hyaluronic Acid Injections Outperform Corticosteroids in Pain and Function Scores at a Minimum of 6 Months as Intra-Articular Injections for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-analysis. Arthroscopy. 2024;40(5):1623-1636.e1. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.arthro.2024.01.037