WHAT IS PLATELET POOR PLASMA?
Platelet poor plasma (PPP) is a fraction of plasma that contains reduced platelet concentrations that biochemically provide electrolytes, albumin, cytokines, and growth factors. It has lower inflammatory potential but still provides therapeutic effects. Research has shown that it can influence tissue architecture, modulate pain pathways, and support tissue homeostasis.
| Growth factors | Origins | Physiological effects |
|---|---|---|
| PDGF | Neuronal cells, astrocytes, oligodendrocytes, vascular cells | Induces stem cell proliferation, neuroprotection, promotes cell migration and proliferation |
| TGF-β | β cells, T cells, dendritic cells, macrophages | Promoting cell proliferation and differentiation, assist with tissue repair and fibrosis, inhibit the activation of immune cells |
| VEGF | Endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, platelets, neutrophils, macrophages | Angiogenesis and vascular repair, tissue repair, neuroprotection |
| IGF-1 | Hepatic stellate cells, osteoblasts, fibroblasts, macrophages | Promotes growth, cell differentiation, cell proliferation |
| bFGF | Endothelial cells, bone cells | Induction of neovascularization and neurotrophy |
| EGF | Vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, neutrophils, macrophages | Promotes wound healing, anti-inflammatory effects |
BENEFITS OF PPP
Platelet poor plasma (PPP) is a natural, non-surgical treatment option that can initiate and assist with tissue repair and improve the quality of tissue fibers formed. Research has show that it can improve the quality of muscle regeneration and muscle fiber organization better than PRP. It is also less inflammatory than platelet rich plasma and can help calm down irritated tissues and joints.
WHO IS A CANDIDATE FOR PPP?
Ideal candidates for platelet poor plasma injections are individuals seeking a non-surgical solution for pain relief and tissue healing. These include people with chronic joint pain, arthritis, chondromalacia (cartilage damage), meniscus tears, labral tears, ligament sprains and tears, and tendinosis and tendon partial tears. PPP may be helpful in situations where traditional treatments such as rest, medications, chiropractic care, acupuncture, and physical therapy have not helped. Candidates may be seeking an alternative to surgery. A formal consultation with Dr. Yoon will be needed to determine if this treatment is appropriate.
WHAT CAN I EXPECT WITH PPP TREATMENT?
The consultation with Dr. Yoon will consist of a thorough evaluation and discussion. Dr. Yoon’s office will also provide a pre and post treatment guideline handout if treatment is pursued. Most treatments require abstaining from the use of non-steroidal antiinflammatory medications (NSAIDs) one week before and two weeks after the procedure to allow the treatments to naturally work. Because many treatment protocols are tailored to the specific needs of the patient, expectations post treatment will be carefully explained VEGF Endothelial cells, smooth muscle cells, platelets, neutrophils, macrophages Angiogenesis and vascular repair, tissue repair, neuroprotection IGF-1 Hepatic stellate cells, osteoblasts, fibroblasts, macrophages Promotes growth, cell differentiation, cell proliferation bFGF Endothelial cells, bone cells Induction of neovascularization and neurotrophy EGF Vascular smooth muscle cells, endothelial cells, neutrophils, macrophages Promotes wound healing, antiinflammatory effects Growth factors Origins Physiological effects beforehand. Necessary prescriptions for orthotics and other braces, biomechanics evaluations, physical therapy prescriptions, specific location and provider referrals, and other needs will be provided. Continuous patient follow-up will occur at specific timepoints to optimize treatment results.
What can I expect after my procedure?
Dr. Steve Yoon is a highly regarded biologics expert utilizing platelet poor plasma (PPP) treatments in professional sports making him a top choice for PPP therapy for patients in Los Angeles and around the country. He has extensive experience utilizing platelet poor plasma while in his role as Director of Clinical Regenerative Medicine at the Cedars Sinai Kerlan Jobe Institute and as a treating consultant for the vast majority of professional sports teams and sports agencies throughout the country. Dr. Yoon has successfully treated patients over two decades while specializing in the use of platelet poor plasma and other regenerative therapies to enhance recovery and performance. His personalized and tailored approach with patients and helping them with their quality of life has earned him numerous honors including being recognized annually in Los Angeles as a Super Doctor as well as a Top Doctor nationally by Castle Connolly.
RESEARCH ARTICLES
- Fernandes GCAM, Rodeo SA. Platelet-Poor Plasma for Muscle Injuries: A Review of Mechanisms and Clinical Perspectives. Orthop J Sports Med. 2025;13(11):23259671251356628. doi:10.1177/23259671251356628.
- Raum G, Kenyon C, Bowers R. Platelet-Poor versus Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Muscle Injuries. Curr Sports Med Rep. 2024;23(6):222-228. doi:10.1249/JSR.0000000000001173.
- Kruse RC, Eisenmann J, Glass NA, Petrachaianan K, et al. Platelet-Poor vs Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Treatment of Acute Thigh Muscle Injuries. Am J Phys Med Rehabil. Published online July 3, 2024. doi:10.1097/PHM.0000000000002591.
- Chellini F, Tani A, Zecchi-Orlandini S, Sassoli C. Influence of Platelet-Rich and Platelet-Poor Plasma on Endogenous Mechanisms of Skeletal Muscle Repair/Regeneration. Int J Mol Sci. 2019;20(3):683. doi:10.3390/ijms20030683.
- Miroshnychenko O, Chalkley RJ, Leib RD, Everts PA, Dragoo JL. Proteomic Analysis of Platelet-Rich and Platelet-Poor Plasma. Regen Ther. 2020;15:226-235. doi:10.1016/j.reth.2020.09.004.
- Valotto-Junior E, Silva SRB, Muniz LHG, Kimura E. A Randomized Study Comparing the Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma and Platelet-Poor Plasma for the Treatment of Plantar Fasciitis. Res Soc Dev. 2023;12(9):e7812943168. doi:10.33448/rsd-v12i9.43168.
- Malahias MA, Mavrogenis AF, Nikolaou VS, et al. Similar Effect of Ultrasound-Guided Platelet-Rich Plasma versus Platelet-Poor Plasma Injections for Chronic Plantar Fasciitis. Foot (Edinb). 2019;38:30-33. doi:10.1016/j.foot.2018.11.003.