Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

PRP is a revolutionary therapeutic approach in regenerative medicine, and has recently gained popularity for its application in esthetics. 

PRP, also known as stem cell therapy, is an innovative, organic procedure that uses the body’s own plasma to support and stimulate natural healing, renewal, and cellular growth.

The benefits of PRP treatment may include:

• Reduction in fine lines and wrinkles
• Enhancement of skin texture and tone
• Tightening of skin and improvement in skin laxity
• Improvement of crepey skin or cellulite
• Generation of new collagen fibers
• Wound healing and scar treatment
• For alopecia (hair loss) to help with regrowth

There are many more applications for PRP such as pain management, sports injuries, sexual dysfunction in both men and women, etc.

Where does PRP come from?  

It comes from the individual's own blood. Human blood is composed of four main elements: plasma, red and white blood cells, and platelets. The platelets include proteins, known as growth factors, which are vital in wound healing and injuries and supports the formation of blood clots.   The body possesses an unlimited supply of plasma and platelets providing patients with practically endless access to platelets and growth factors. A PRP application or injection has an extremely high concentration of platelets, making it 5 - 10x more potent than anything typically found in human blood. It also contains cytokines, which activate the healing of soft tissue.  Stem cells possess an uncanny ability to transform into virtually any cell in the body and can promote rapid healing and recovery when applied to damaged skin. Because PRP comes from the patient themselves, it is all natural, safe, and little risk of allergic reactions. Patient satisfaction rates are quite high.

How is PRP Performed?  

A small amount of blood is drawn from the patient (approx. 4 tablespoons / 55mL). The sample is then prepared using a centrifuge to concentrate platelets in a specific dobublespin process. This results in a layering of the sample and the buffy coat is extracted and used for the injections. 

On what skin types can PRP be used?

PRP treatments can be used on all skin types and tones.

What can I expect after a PRP treatment?

Typically, minimal swelling, bruising, and redness within the first 12-24 hrs.

When could I expect to see improvement?

Patients will notice improvement in skin texture and tone within 3 weeks.

How does PRP help with hair growth?

PRP contains many growth factors that stimulate the hair follicle’s growth by increasing blood circulation and supplying needed nutrients. PRP is injected on the scalp or it can be rubbed on the scalp after a dermaroller (skin needling device with multiple little surgical needles) treatment is used in the areas which suffer from hair loss. The treatment not only promotes hair growth but strengthens the hair follicles as well.  Those with thinning hair, and people with androgenetic alopecia (hair loss at the top of the scalp and a receding hairline particularly along the temples-male patterned baldness), women with male pattern alopecia can all benefit from these treatments. Check out the picture gallery.

How many treatments are typically needed/recommended?

Typically 3 treatments are required for longer term benefit, however this is mutually decided upon during your consultation session with the Nurse Practitioner. If hair loss is significant, more treatments are usually required. Time interval between treatments is 4-6 weeks.

Are there any contraindications?

If a patient has a platelet dysfunction syndrome, has critical thrombocytopenia (low platelet count),  or local infection at injection site, this procedure would not be recommended. A relative contraindication would be someone with symptomatic low blood pressure. Other considerations include people who have taken NSAID medications within 48 hrs of the procedure; people who are on systemic corticosteroids in the past 2 weeks; people with blood-based cancer or bone cancer; or anyone who has a low hemoglobin (<100 g/L).

How much does this cost?

Treatments with PRP range from $700-950. Discounts are available when 3 treatments are purchased up front.