Can You Reverse Age With Plasma Drain? Anti-ageing Influencer Bryan Johnson Thinks So!

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When it comes to anti-ageing and biohacking, Bryan Johnson stands out as a particularly intriguing figure. The 46-year-old entrepreneur has made headlines once more, time for undergoing a radical procedure, a complete plasma replacement.

Johnson shared on Instagram that he had drained all of the plasma from his body. His doctor reportedly called it "the cleanest she's ever seen." While some may find it outrageous and reckless, for him, it is simply his mission to combat ageing.

This wasn't Johnson's first foray into manipulating his plasma. He previously gained attention for receiving plasma transfusions from his young son, a process which came to be known as the "blood boy" procedure. It was based on disputed animal research that young blood could rejuvenate aged tissues.

However, his latest endeavour, which he refers to as "V2," takes this concept to new heights. Instead of simply receiving donor plasma, he had all his plasma removed and replaced with albumin, a key protein in human plasma responsible for maintaining blood volume and transporting essential substances. Johnson believes that by starting from scratch, he can eliminate accumulated toxins and waste, offering his body a chance to reset.

Despite its dramatic nature, the scientific foundation of Johnson's plasma replacement therapy remains dubious. While albumin transfusions are a standard treatment for certain medical conditions, the idea of completely replacing the plasma of a healthy individual is uncharted territory.
Johnson claims his team is monitoring various biomarkers to gauge the procedure's impact on his health, longevity, and cellular well-being. However, without peer-reviewed studies or clinical trials, these claims remain speculative at best.

What Happens When You Drain Plasma From the Body?

Plasma is the liquid portion of your blood, making up about 55% of its total volume. It's a pale yellow fluid made mostly of water, but it also contains vital components like proteins (albumin, clotting factors, antibodies), electrolytes, hormones, and waste products. Plasma plays a crucial role in transporting nutrients, hormones, and proteins to various parts of the body-and helps maintain blood pressure and volume.
So what happens when plasma is drained from your body?

1. Temporary Fluid Loss

When plasma is removed-like during a medical procedure called plasmapheresis-your body temporarily loses fluid volume. This can lead to symptoms like dizziness, fatigue, or lightheadedness, especially if you're dehydrated or haven't eaten beforehand. To compensate, the body pulls fluid from surrounding tissues into the bloodstream, and your kidneys will work to restore balance by regulating fluid and electrolyte levels.

2. Mild Drop In Blood Pressure

Because plasma helps maintain blood volume, draining it can cause a temporary drop in blood pressure. That's why plasma donation centres monitor donors closely and provide fluids before and after the procedure to keep blood pressure stable.

3. Protein Loss

Plasma contains important proteins like albumin and immunoglobulins (antibodies). Removing plasma means losing some of these proteins temporarily. Albumin helps maintain osmotic pressure (fluid balance in cells), and antibodies support immune function. Your body will quickly begin replenishing these proteins, usually within 24-48 hours, especially if you're healthy and well-nourished.

4. No Loss of Red or White Blood Cells

Unlike whole blood donation, plasma donation typically separates and returns the red and white blood cells and platelets to your body. So you won't feel the same impact on oxygen-carrying capacity or immune response as you would with full blood donation.

5. Regeneration Happens Quickly

Most people recover from plasma loss within 24 to 48 hours. The liver produces more plasma proteins, and your body rehydrates to restore blood volume. As long as you're healthy, the effects are minimal and temporary.