FAQs

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) 

  • Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is an injectable treatment by which a person’s own blood is used. Platelets are vital in the process of tissue healing, and the growth of new cells. PRP thereby promotes collagen production, regenerates the skin tissue, and essentially re-energizes your cells into rejuvenating themselves. The release of growth factors amplifies the healing process. PRP softens fine lines and wrinkles, tightens the skin, and improves skin tone and texture.

  • Botox relaxes facial muscles and is a targeted treatment for wrinkles, while PRP uses a preparation of your blood stem cells to stimulate new skin cell growth

    • Hair loss

    • Acne scars

    • Surgical or traumatic scars

    • Skin rejuvenation

    • Joint pain

  • Technically, PRP can used to treat many areas of the body. For cosmetic purposes, PRP is most popularly used to treat the face, neck, hands, and scalp.

  • Typically, a PRP treatment takes between 1-2 hours to complete. This depends on if the PRP is administered through injections only, and/or micro-needled into the skin. This timeframe includes an additional 30 minutes for the blood to be drawn and spun in the centrifuge, and topical / local numbing to be administered beforehand.

  • Typically, a PRP treatment takes between 1-2 hours to complete. This depends on if the PRP is administered through injections only, and/or micro-needled into the skin. This timeframe includes an additional 30 minutes for the blood to be drawn and spun in the centrifuge, and topical numbing to be applied beforehand.

  • Some mild discomfort may be felt while the PRP is being reinjected. The sensation typically felt is a burning or tingling sensation. This sensation only lasts a few minutes after the PRP injected. We ensure our patients are comfortable throughout the entire PRP treatment and apply topical numbing cream and ice to aid in any discomfort.

  • There is no downtime associated PRP injections; However, after your treatment, your skin may be red and swollen in some areas. Due to this, some patients like to be treated towards the end of the week, so they have the weekend to recover. Healing time varies from patient to patient. Healing may take longer if PRP injections are paired with micro-needling.

  • Results can be seen after one treatment, but the exact amount of treatments needed varies from patient to patient. Generally, 2‐3 treatments are advised, but more may be indicated for some individuals.

  • PRP for skin (face, neck, hands): Generally, patients notice tightening and a more even tone to their skin in 1-2 weeks after PRP injections.

    PRP for scalp: Hair growth typically occurs within 3 months of the first treatment.

  • PRP for skin (face, neck, hands): typically between 6 months

    PRP for scalp: typically about 1-2 years

    Results from PRP injections can be seen for many years after treatment; However, these results vary due to the individual’s natural variation in quality of Platelet Rich Plasma, as well as their lifestyle.

    While we cannot stop the aging process, we can slow it down. Results from PRP injections can be extended with proper at home skincare maintenance

  • PRP used for aesthetic procedures are safe for most individuals. There are very few contraindications with PRP injections.

    The most common side effects associated with PRP injections are mild to moderate swelling and redness.

  • During your consultation, an assessment will be made to ensure you are the right candidate for PRP injections. You should not have PRP treatment done if you have any of the following conditions:

    ⦁ An impaired immune system due to immunosuppressive diseases or medications (i.e. HIV, Herpes, Cancer, chemotherapy, steroids, etc)

    • Skin conditions and diseases including: Facial cancer, existing or uncured (i.e. SCC, BCC and melanoma, etc)

    • Blood disorders and platelet abnormalities,

    ⦁ On anticoagulation therapy (i.e. Warfarin, Coumadin, Eliquis, Xarelto)

    • Pregnancy or Breastfeeding

 FAQs

Micro needling

  • Automated micro-needling (also known as Collagen Induction Therapy or CIT) is a new innovation in aesthetic medicine for treating the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and improvement of the skin’s overall appearance.

    During this procedure the micro-needling machine is used to create controlled micro-injuries to the skin in order to produce collagen and elastin. This procedure also creates superficial micro-channels through which topical gels, creams, serums, and Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) can be penetrated deeper into the dermis to help improve the appearance of the skin.

  • Micro-needling can significantly reduce and improve the appearance of:

    • Fine lines and wrinkles

    • Hyper-pigmentation

    • Acne scars

    • Traumatic scars

    • Stretch marks

  • All parts of the body, including:

    • scalp

    • face

    • neck

    • arms

    • hands

    • legs

    • abdomen

    • back

  • Initially, your skin care professional will apply topical lidocaine to numb the skin and ensure a comfortable and pain-free treatment. Then, a thin layer of topical gel or PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is applied, and the pen is gently pressed against the skin while simultaneously gliding in one direction until the entire treatment area has been covered.

  • The procedure takes 30-45 minutes depending on the size of the area treated.

  • Immediately after the treatment you will notice a bright redness to the skin. The total healing time depends on skin care routine post treatment and health of the skin.

    On average, the skin remains red up to 2 to 4 days. Many patients heal completely in as little as 24 hours.

  • Patients notice an immediate “glow” to their skin.

    Visible changes to the skin develop over the course of several days and weeks.

    Results can continue to improve up to 6 months after a treatment, as collagen production continues.

  • Some patients only require 1 treatment per year to achieve optimal results.

    However, it is recommended for most patients to receive a series of 3-4 treatments spaced about 6-8 weeks apart.

    For patients with deep wrinkles, advanced photo-aging, stretch marks or acne scars, it is recommended to receive 6-8 sessions at 6-week intervals.

    • Anyone taking Retinoic acid treatments (e.g. Accutane)

    • Active cold stores, such as those with Herpes Simplex Virus.

    • Anyone with a history of cold sores / Herpes Simplex Virus (without active lesions) will need to be treated with prophylactic antiviral medication prior to treatment (this will be determined during the consultation). This would be In an effort to prevent a “flair up”.

    • A tan from sun exposure, tanning booth, self -tanning preparations.

    • Atypical moles or malignancy, pigmented lesions, tattoos [including permanent cosmetic tattoos], or vascular lesions in the treated area.

    • History of keloid scarring or hypertrophic scarring.

    • Insulin-dependent Diabetes or other medical at risk conditions.

    • Scarring or infection at treatment site.

    • An impaired immune system due to immunosuppressive diseases or medications (i.e. HIV, Herpes, Cancer, chemotherapy, steroids, etc)

      • Skin conditions and diseases including: Facial cancer, existing or uncured (i.e. SCC, BCC and melanoma, etc)

      • Blood disorders and platelet abnormalities,

      ⦁ On anticoagulation therapy (i.e. Warfarin, Coumadin, Eliquis, Xarelto)

      • Pregnancy or Breastfeeding