PRP FAQ

What is PRP?

Our blood is composed of two main components, red blood cells and plasma. The plasma contains proteins, white blood cells and platelets. These platelets are critical to our body’s growth and healing. PRP is obtained by taking a blood sample from a patient and spinning it in a centrifuge, separating the red blood cells from the plasma.

How does PRP work?

This very plasma is then reinjected into the patient without addition of any medications or chemicals, making this procedure 100% organic. This platelet and plasma concentrated solution, which is rich in growth factors, will stimulate growth of newer and healthier cells, allowing repair of skin, improving appearance of scars and wrinkles. The end result is your skin being healthier, with improvement in overall appearance and texture.

What is PRP used for?

PRP injections have been used for over a decade to heal joints, ligaments, and tendons in the orthopaedic field. Likewise, PRP is also used for hair regeneration in both male and female pattern baldness and thinning hair. PRP helps decrease hair loss, improves hair thickness and stimulates hair follicles to become active. PRP has multiple skin benefits as well.

What aesthetic benefits can PRP provide?

PRP injections for facial aesthetics are usually performed in the areas most susceptible to damage and aging. These are primarily around the eyes, cheeks, nasolabial folds, jawline, and neck. It decreases the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles and helps the skin both maintain and rebuild its collagen, producing a more youthful and fresher appearance of skin. It also makes skin smoother. It is also injected into the scalp for hair regeneration. PRP can also help improve pigmentation problems in skin.

Is PRP invasive? Is it painful?

The overall procedure is minimally invasive, uses only the patient’s blood, has very little, if any, discomfort, with minimal downtime. Application of topical anesthetic provides the patient with maximal comfort. Some patients experience some burning pain during the procedure.

Does the PRP procedure take a long time?

The entire procedure takes approximately 1 hour, with the first procedure taking slightly longer.

What needs to be done prior to the procedure?

PRP does not require advance preparation except to avoid any anti-inflammatory medications for 1 week, and any retinol products for 5 days. Please refer to prep section for full details.

Is there a lot of downtime?

Typically, there is minimal swelling which greatly subsides within the first few hours with full resolution in 2-4 days. Patients are advised to avoid harsh cleansers for 3 days after procedure, avoid use of makeup for 24 hours, and to avoid direct sunlight for 2 days, and to use sunblock on a daily basis. Please refer to post procedure section for full details.