PRP
What is PRP?
PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma and is a skin care therapy that uses your own plasma to promote hair growth, brighten the under-eye area, soften scarring, and yield soft, supple skin. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) utilizes an increased concentration of autologous platelets suspended in a small amount of plasma. This highly concentrated plasma contains several natural growth factors (over 30 bioactive proteins) that can be injected into skin to promote collagen production and repair damaged tissue. PRP has commonly been used on athletes to speed up healing and has gained its reputation as liquid gold with research backing to show improvement in fine lines and wrinkles, hair loss, texture and scarring. Elan Skin utilizes PRP for:
- Hair loss – PRP has been shown to reinvigorate dormant hair follicles and stimulate new hair growth in male pattern alopecia.
- Facial rejuvenation – PRP injections can treat wrinkles, photo-damage and discoloration in conjunction with other treatment modalities.
- Post-traumatic scars – PRP combined with centrifuged fat tissue and fractional laser resurfacing improve the cosmetic appearance of scars.
PRF
What is PRF?
PRP stands for Platelet-Rich Fibrin, a second generation platelet concentrate that can help with tissue regeneration. It’s made from a fibrin membrane that contains platelets, leukocytes, cytokines, and adhesive proteins. PRF is different from PRP because PRF products are spun at a lower speed, which allows more white blood cells and stem cells to remain in the platelet layer. This grants more healing factors in PRF. Elan Skin utilizes PRF for:
- Hair loss – PRF has been shown to reinvigorate dormant hair follicles and stimulate new hair growth in male pattern alopecia.
- Facial rejuvenation – PRF injections can improve skin texture, increase collagen, and boost hyaluronic acid production. This can help reduce facial wrinkles and aging skin, improve dry or oily facial skin, stimulate hair growth, reduce acne scars, lower infection risk, and accelerate healing.
How does it work?
PRP is a minimally invasive procedure that involves isolating regenerating platelets from your own blood cells and, in turn, using this platelet-rich plasma to heal the body. The process begins by drawing blood from the patient. This sample is then placed in a centrifuge and spun to separate red and white blood cells from the patient’s own plasma. This concentrated plasma is rich with platelets that contain rejuvenating factors and play a natural role in the body’s regular healing process. Once these platelets have been separated, they can then be injected into damaged tissue to help it heal.
PRF is a derivative of PRP, and is processed in a similar way, although spun at a lower speed, allowing more white blood cells and stem cells to remain in the platelet layer, allowing the end result to be used in a similar yet different manner.
PRP and PRF have been shown to be an effective treatment for hair loss, reducing scarring and as a general skin therapeutic. PRP may also be used to repair damaged muscles and tendons in athletes. Typically, PRP involves 4-6 sessions and maximum effects are usually seen after 6 to 9 months.
Candidates for PRP and PRF
PRP may be performed on both men and women for long-term hair loss or thinning and is also an effective treatment for scarring and as well as skin and facial rejuvenation. Services we perform at Elan that utilize PRP are microneedling, scalp injections, and facial injections. PRP may not be effective for individuals who utilize blood thinners, suffer underlying medical conditions such as cancer or sepsis, are heavy smokers or regularly use drugs or alcohol. Elan Skin recommends a consultation prior to scheduling your appointment to ensure PRP is the right treatment for you.
FAQs
Does PRP hurt?
PRP does involve drawing blood and the reinjection of plasma into specific areas for treatment purposes. However, most clients do not consider the process painful and may only experience mild discomfort, depending on the area of the body being treated.
What are the primary benefits of PRP?
Research has shown that PRP can be an effective treatment for hair loss or thinning, brightening under the eye, softening scarring and in smoothing skin. PRP treatment is able to produce these results by utilizing your own highly concentrated platelets, which contain proteins your body naturally uses to heal itself.
How many treatments are required?
The number of treatments depends on individual goals and the area being targeted. Elan believes generally that the best results are seen following multiple treatments and results are typically seen after 6 to 9 months. Please consult one of our nurse injectors or skin care specialists to find out more about the number of recommended treatments we would suggest for your individual needs.
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