Have you heard of PRP? At PS, we offer this unique treatment for facial skin, tear trough rejuvenation, and hair regrowth. From a sample of your own blood, a centrifuge is used to isolate your platelet-rich plasma, a substance packed with essential growth factors that can be re-injected where desired to stimulate your body’s natural healing process. This month, LPN and Laser Technician Kyle is here to answer all your PRP questions – and give you a behind the scenes look at this treatment in action!
Note: All photos and videos were taken prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic, appropriate PPE is now worn in all treatments.
First things first – how does PRP work to transform skin?
PRP can be beneficial for the skin in a variety of ways:
- Stimulates the production and organization of collagen fibres
- Stimulates the removal of photodamage resulting from sun exposure
- Causes the body to create more of its own hyaluronic acid – this results in an increase in the skin’s elasticity along with a slight plumping effect
- Statistically proven to increase both dermal and epidermal thickness
Imagine how these benefits can change the look of those dark circles under your eyes, or even those pesky wrinkles that start to appear out of nowhere. The reason these things become more prevalent as we age is because of volume loss in our faces. To be able to bring back some of that thickness, without the use of filler, is what everyone loves best about PRP treatments.
How much hair regrowth can PRP help to achieve?
On average, PRP can help regrow and thicken existing hair by up to 33% of what you first present with when you come for treatment.
Does hair grow back thicker after PRP treatment?
Some patients do find that the regrown hair grows back thicker! To add to that, your existing hair gets treated as well and can also thicken as it grows.
How many PRP treatments are typically recommended, and how far apart should they be spaced?
I always advise a minimum of 4 to 6 treatments to start, each spaced 1 month apart. After completing this series, I advise a minimum maintenance treatment of once every 6 months.
What is recovery like, and when will I see results?
There may be a day or two of tenderness at the injection sites. We typically find that patients experience mild discomfort at most. At PS, we use the Arthrex system for our PRP treatments – because it does not change the PH of your plasma, it lacks the sting that other PRP systems are known for.
As for results, there are some that I like to call “hyper responders” that will see results in the first or second month of their treatment series. However, most patients start to see baby growth after the third or fourth treatment.
Note: All photos and videos were taken prior to the COVID-19 Pandemic, appropriate PPE is now worn in all treatments.
Kyle showing off his PRP skills, assisted by our Lead Clinician Stephanie Hewitt
Are there any common misconceptions about PRP treatment?
Boy are there ever! Please allow me to put your mind at ease and de-bunk some of these myths:
PRP Therapy is a new and untested treatment.
PRP therapy has been around since the 1970s, and believe it or not was actually used in an open heart surgery back in 1987. In 2004 it began to be used for hair regrowth and quickly gained popularity. There have been multiple studies conducted since then to truly document and prove its effectiveness.
I can get PRP done at any clinic.
Genuine PRP treatments fall under the scope of the practice of Medicine and Dentistry. They are classified as a drug under the Food and Drug Act because they use only a patient’s blood, and are conducted by licensed professionals. Even though these treatments are regulated provincially and territorially to ensure the health and safety of Canadians, it’s important to do your research and get your treatment at a medical clinic.
PRP therapy is only used for hair regrowth.
As I’ve mentioned, PRP therapy can work wonders for the skin as well as for hair regrowth! It has also been used as a treatment for musculoskeletal injuries and to assist in wound healing. Through isolating and concentrating the proteins that assist in cell regeneration from the plasma in your own blood, this fresh serum can assist with your body’s natural healing process in a variety of ways.
PRP is too expensive.
We find PRP therapy to be a cost-effective procedure, given that treatments are short, non-surgical, and low-risk – not to mention the fabulous results! We also offer a 15% discount on packages of 4 treatments to make this a more accessible option.
PRP therapy is a surgical procedure.
PRP therapy is a non-surgical and minimally invasive procedure that is performed by licensed medical professionals. With virtually no downtime, there’s no risk of interrupting your schedule – I have patients come in on their lunch break then go back to work right afterwards. PRP treatments at PS are provided by myself and Dr. Janet Ip.
