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Halcy Orthopedics

PRP Therapy in New York

Also known as: Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy, PRP Injections, Vampire Facial, Autologous Platelet Therapy, Platelet-Rich Plasma Injections, PRP Treatment

4 min readLast updated: 2026-04-07
Reviewed by Dr. Maya Chen, MD, FAAOS

Dr. Priya Nair

Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeonsacross two New York City offices

The PRP program here is run, not offered on the side. Dr. Priya Nair serves as team physician for two NYC-area collegiate athletic departments and has placed over 600 ultrasound-guided PRP injections across that population — most into chronic tendinopathies that plateaued on eccentric loading. The preparation matters as much as the technique: every spin is standardized to the indication, with leukocyte-poor PRP for intra-articular knee OA and leukocyte-rich preparations for chronic tendons.

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Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative orthopedic treatment that uses a concentrated preparation of a patient's own blood platelets to promote healing of tendons, ligaments, and joint tissues. A small blood sample is drawn, processed in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and growth factors, and then injected under ultrasound guidance into the injured tissue. In orthopedic practice, PRP is most commonly used for chronic tendinopathies, partial rotator cuff tears, knee osteoarthritis, and plantar fasciitis that have not responded to first-line conservative care.

At a Glance

  • PRP typically contains a platelet concentration two to five times higher than that found in whole blood[1]
  • Clinical studies suggest PRP can increase total hair density by approximately 46 hairs per square centimeter in androgenetic alopecia patients[3]
  • Because PRP is derived from the patient's own blood, it carries a low risk of allergic reaction or immune rejection[4]

Overview

PRP harnesses the body's natural healing mechanisms by concentrating the patient's own platelets to deliver a high dose of growth factors directly into an injured tendon, ligament, or arthritic joint. Platelets contain proteins and cytokines that play a central role in tissue repair, collagen remodeling, and modulation of inflammation.

The procedure begins with a standard blood draw, after which the sample is placed in a centrifuge that separates the blood components. The resulting platelet-rich plasma typically contains a platelet concentration several times higher than that of whole blood. Under ultrasound guidance, the concentrated preparation is injected precisely into the target tendon, ligament, or joint.

In orthopedics, PRP is most commonly used for chronic tendinopathies (Achilles, patellar, gluteal, common extensor or flexor tendons of the elbow), partial-thickness rotator cuff tears, knee osteoarthritis, and plantar fasciitis. Evidence is strongest for lateral epicondylitis and knee osteoarthritis; results for other indications are more variable, and PRP is generally offered as an adjunct after structured rehabilitation rather than a first-line treatment.

What to Expect During Treatment

  1. 1Consultation to evaluate the treatment area, discuss goals, and review medical history including current medications
  2. 2A small blood sample is drawn from the patient's arm, similar to a routine blood test
  3. 3The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge and spun for approximately 10-15 minutes to separate the platelet-rich plasma
  4. 4The treatment area is cleansed and a topical numbing agent may be applied for comfort
  5. 5The concentrated PRP is carefully injected into the target area using fine-gauge needles, or applied topically following microneedling
  6. 6Multiple small injections are placed across the treatment zone in a systematic pattern
  7. 7Post-treatment instructions are provided, including avoidance of anti-inflammatory medications and sun exposure

How does PRP Therapy work?

  • A small volume of the patient's blood (typically 30 to 60 mL) is drawn from a vein into tubes containing an anticoagulant. The sample is processed in a centrifuge that separates red cells, plasma, and a platelet-rich layer.
  • The platelet-rich plasma layer is extracted, yielding a concentrated preparation with elevated levels of platelets and growth factors. Different preparation systems produce different platelet concentrations and leukocyte content, which can influence clinical results.
  • Key growth factors in PRP include platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and insulin-like growth factor (IGF). These proteins signal local cells to initiate tissue repair, modulate inflammation, and stimulate collagen remodeling.
  • Under ultrasound guidance, the PRP is injected directly into the pathologic tissue – the substance of a degenerative tendon, the intra-articular space of an arthritic joint, or the plantar fascia. Image guidance allows precise targeting of the abnormal tissue while avoiding nearby vascular and neural structures.

When It's Recommended

  • Androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) and thinning hair
  • Facial skin rejuvenation and texture improvement
  • Fine lines and wrinkles
  • Periorbital dark circles
  • Acne scarring and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation
  • Skin laxity and loss of volume
  • Post-procedure healing enhancement (combined with microneedling or laser)

Recovery & Aftercare

  • Most patients can resume normal activities within 24-48 hours after treatment
  • Mild swelling, redness, or bruising at the injection site typically resolves within 3-5 days
  • Avoid strenuous exercise, saunas, and hot tubs for 24-48 hours after treatment
  • Avoid anti-inflammatory medications (ibuprofen, aspirin) for several days before and after treatment, as they may inhibit platelet function
  • Results from facial rejuvenation treatments develop gradually over 3-4 weeks as collagen remodeling occurs
  • Hair restoration results typically become noticeable after 2-3 months of treatment
  • Sun protection is recommended for the treated area during the healing period

Alternative Treatments

  • Microneedling for collagen induction and skin texture improvement
  • Injectable fillers for volume restoration and wrinkle reduction
  • Topical minoxidil or oral finasteride for hair loss
  • Laser treatment for skin rejuvenation and resurfacing

Frequently Asked Questions

In orthopedics, PRP therapy is a regenerative injection treatment that uses a concentrated preparation of your own platelets to support healing of injured tendons, ligaments, and arthritic joints. A small blood sample is drawn, centrifuged, and injected under ultrasound guidance into the target tissue.
Most patients experience mild discomfort during PRP injections, similar to a small pinch. A topical numbing cream is typically applied before treatment to minimize sensation. The blood draw portion is comparable to a routine lab test.
PRP therapy is generally considered safe because it uses the patient's own blood, which minimizes the risk of allergic reaction or rejection. Side effects are typically mild and temporary. See the safety section above for specific risks and contraindications.
PRP therapy may not be suitable for individuals with blood or bleeding disorders, active infections, certain cancers, or those taking anticoagulant medications. Patients who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or have severe anemia should also avoid PRP treatment.
Common orthopedic uses include lateral epicondylitis (tennis elbow), knee osteoarthritis, Achilles and patellar tendinopathy, partial-thickness rotator cuff tears, plantar fasciitis, and gluteal tendinopathy. Evidence is strongest for lateral epicondylitis and knee osteoarthritis; results for other indications can vary by patient and preparation method.
For most orthopedic indications, a single injection or a short series of 1 to 3 ultrasound-guided injections spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart is typical. Results often develop over 2 to 6 weeks as the tendon or joint tissue remodels. Your surgeon will tailor the protocol to your diagnosis and prior response to treatment.
Most patients return to normal daily activities within 1 to 2 days after a PRP injection. Soreness or stiffness at the injection site is common for the first few days as the inflammatory healing response begins. Strenuous loading of the treated tendon or joint is typically restricted for at least a week per your surgeon's plan.
PRP Therapy is available at our Manhattan Flagship office (401 Park Avenue South, Suite 800, New York, NY 10016); our Brooklyn Heights office (75 Henry Street, Suite 320, Brooklyn, NY 11201). Contact our office to schedule an appointment at the location most convenient for you.

Your Practitioner

Dr. Maya Chen, MD, FAAOS

Fellowship-trained orthopedic surgeon specializing in cartilage preservation and minimally-invasive joint procedures. Dr. Chen treats high-performance athletes and weekend warriors alike, with a focus on returning patients to the activities they love.

Dr. Marcus Rivera, MD

Fellowship-trained orthopedic spine surgeon focused on conservative-first care for sciatica and herniated discs. Dr. Rivera has performed more than 1,500 lumbar microdiscectomies and lectures internationally on minimally invasive spine surgery.

Dr. Priya Nair, MD

Non-operative sports medicine physician focused on regenerative orthopedic care. Dr. Nair leads the practice's PRP and ultrasound-guided injection programs, and serves as team physician for two NYC-area collegiate athletic departments.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Maya Chen, MD, FAAOS · Last reviewed: 2026-05-12