Question 1

What is Platelet Rich Plasma therapy?

Accepted Answer

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment that promotes rejuvenation and regeneration of skin and hair using your body's own healing & growth factors.

The body’s natural response to an injury is to send platelets from the blood to the damaged tissues which initiates the natural healing process.
Platelets store a vast array of growth factors which are released at the site of injury.

Through a process called cell signaling, the platelets call for other healing factors to be drawn into the site of injury. PRP acts in much the same way, but with an extremely high dose of platelets specifically injected into the target area. This treatment enhances the body’s healing response.

Question 2

What is PRP?

Accepted Answer

PRP consists of a concentrated solution of platelets, growth factors, signaling molecules and other plasma proteins that play vital roles in orchestrating tissue healing and revitalization

Question 3

How is PRP performed and what can be expected during the procedure?

Accepted Answer

PRP treatments are typically given in the doctor’s clinic and can take between 30 minutes to an hour, from pre-procedural prep all the way through to putting a bandaid on the injection site.

A tailored PRP formulation is prepared depending on your specific requirement or condition. A routine blood draw is performed, and anywhere between 20 mL and 60 mL of blood is taken depending on what is needed to make the best PRP preparation according to your needs.

The blood is carefully separated into its various components via centrifugation in order to separate and concentrate the desired growth factors into a usable treatment and injection. This processing of the blood is completely enclosed, so that contamination of the sample is not a concern. The final, personalized PRP solution is then injected into the affected area.

Question 4

Is there any downtime after a PRP procedure?

Accepted Answer

Many patients resume their activities  following the procedure. Some patients experience swelling in the treated area. The most common temporary side effects are: tenderness, redness, swelling, bruising, tingling, numbness, lumpiness, and a feeling of fullness/pressure at the  injection sites. Within the first week following the procedure, you may notice some skin dryness and flaking - this will resolve in about a week.

Question 5

What are my post-procedural expectations?

Accepted Answer

Immediately after the procedure, it is recommended to abstain from anything that will inhibit the natural inflammatory response triggered by the PRP treatment (i,e, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAIDs)). If there is any pain, extra strength Tylenol is recommended.

The most commonly reported side effects are: tenderness, redness, swelling, bruising, tingling, numbness, lumpiness, and fullness/pressure at the treatment sites.

To maximize recovery, we strongly suggest that you adhere to the guidelines recommended by your treating physician.

Question 6

How many injections do I need?

Accepted Answer

Most patients experience improvements within two to four weeks after initial treatment. For best results and efficacy, a series of treatments administered at intervals may be recommended. You may notice immediate, as well as longer term improvements, up to 12 weeks post-procedure. If the desired level of correction has not been reached by 3 months, then a repeat procedure may be recommended until desired results are obtained. Your provider will evaluate your situation and recommend a treatment plan based upon your desired outcomes and/or condition.

Question 7

Are the results permanent?

Accepted Answer

Healing that occurs from PRP therapy is usually long-term, lasting up a year (although results will vary) [9][10]. Maintenance treatments every 6-12 months will help preserve the enhanced effects. Research documenting the results of longevity is ongoing.

Question 8

Are there any pre-procedural guidelines?

Accepted Answer

Pre-procedural restrictions are necessary to ensure a good quality of PRP with high platelet integrity. Please let your provider know what medications and supplements you are currently taking so that they may advise you appropriately.

Please adhere to the following guidelines:
Stop NSAIDs 1 week pre-procedure (2 weeks is optimal)

Ideally, stop any blood thinners 3-5 days pre-procedure. Consult with your prescribing provider to ensure that this can be done safely.

Stop any anti-inflammatory supplements 1 week prior to procedure (eg. Vitamin E, turmeric, curcumin, fish oil, ginseng, gingko, ginger, garlic extract, etc.)

Arrive early to your appointment and make sure that you are well-hydrated.

Question 9

When can I expect results?

Accepted Answer

Patients usually report seeing an improvement at around 2 weeks following the initial injection. For hair restoration, it has been reported that an improvement in hair growth and density was seen at 3 months after the first injection following a series of three injections (1 month intervals). Your PRP results will vary depending on a number of factors. Our team will develop an optimized treatment plan specifically for your needs, ensuring the best possible outcome.

Question 10

What are the benefits of PRP?

Accepted Answer

Minimally invasive, non-surgical procedure
Enhanced healing with your own natural healing factors
Extremely low incidence of side effects
Minimal down time – Ability to carry on with your usual routine post injection

Question 11

What body parts and conditions can be treated with PRP?

Accepted Answer

Head - Hair restoration
Face - Fine & Deep wrinkles (Everts), acne scarring, 
Entire body - Skin discoloration and hyperpigmentation 
Entire body - Scarring & Keloid Formations
Entire body - Platelet-Poor Plasma can complement microneedling for scar management

Question 12

Is all PRP the same?

Accepted Answer

The characteristics of the composition of PRP are critical to final outcomes. There are a wide variety of commercially available kits which deliver very different cellular products. The red and white blood cell counts, platelet yield and the ability to concentrate the product efficiently vary dramatically. Variances in these categories will result in altered healing and efficacy.
We offer the highest standard of Platelet Rich Plasma available today. As a group we use only the most advanced and scientifically proven equipment which includes:

A high platelet yield which recovers over 80% of the platelets present in your blood [2] *PurePRP kit
The purest form of PRP available, removing red blood cells and neutrophils prior to injecting, thereby reducing inflammation and a host of negative effects [2] *PurePRP kit
The EmCyte processing system is FDA-cleared.

Question 13

Who should consider PRP?

Accepted Answer

PRP is ideal for patients who desire effective, long-lasting rejuvenation and prefer a natural substance over traditional treatments, such as laser therapy, botox/dermal fillers and oral medications (minoxidil/finasteride).

Question 14

Are there side effects?

Accepted Answer

Unlike cortisone or other injectable medications, PRP is a natural substance derived from your body, limiting adverse reactions. As with any injection, there is a minor risk of infection, bleeding and damage to local structures. To limit this, your provider will cleanse the area of injection and follow universal precautions.

Question 15

Does the procedure hurt?

Accepted Answer

PRP injections are usually well-tolerated. Your provider may choose to use a numbing agent such as lidocaine injections or cream to help mitigate any discomfort. In cases where there is increased anxiety associated with pain, options are available such as nitrous oxide and oxygen analgesia systems or mild sedatives to assist.

Question 16

How well does the procedure work?

Accepted Answer

PRP has shown promising results in scar management including acne scars, aging, hair loss or thinning

Question 17

Will my body reject the PRP?

Accepted Answer

No, the PRP comes from your own body and is used immediately. Therefore, there is no risk of rejection and very low risk  of infection (the same risk as any other injection). In addition, the blood draw is performed under aseptic conditions to mitigate any contamination with pathogens and the injection is done using the same technique.

Question 18

How can I optimize my results after a PRP procedure?

Accepted Answer

Avoid any anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs) and use Tylenol to help with pain, if needed for 1-2 weeks following the procedure. 
Do not apply any make-up or use any harsh cleansers at the site of injection. 
Use an SPF of at least 30 daily and reapply as directed. 
Avoid direct heat applied to the skin (ex. hair dryer, sauna, hot yoga, etc.) until the next morning.

Question 19

How much does a PRP treatment cost?

Accepted Answer

The cost of a PRP treatment varies based on the procedure performed. Our office staff can assist you with payment options and answer any other questions you may have.

Question 20

Does my insurance cover PRP therapy?

Accepted Answer

Esthetic procedures are generally not covered by commercial insurance companies or Medicare, and are provided as a cash pay procedure. Our office staff can assist you with additional questions.

Geriatrics and Internal Medicine

The Healing Power of Your Body

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy

Frequently asked questions