PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) has been used for decades in orthopedics and dentistry to stimulate healing properties and growth factors in joints, soft-tissues, tendons and ligaments. More recently, PRP has been shown to enhance skin rejuvenation (particularly after skincare treatments that use lasers or microneedling). Moreover, multiple dermatology studies have demonstrated that PRP can also stimulate the activity of hair follicles to grow new hair.

The process involves taking a small amount of your own blood and spinning it in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the red and white blood cells. The platelets are often referred to as “liquid gold” because they are rich in bioactive proteins and growth factors that help promote tissue repair.* These concentrated platelets from your own body are applied directly to the skin or injected directly to the scalp (in the case of hair loss patients).

PRP for Hair Regrowth

Doctors have discovered new benefits for hair thickening and regrowth and skin rejuvenation. PRP for hair restoration involves a simple injection of your own platelets into the vascular layer of your scalp. PRP for Hair Regrowth:

• Increases blood supply to the follicle
• Increases shaft size (thickness) of the follicle
• Triggers and maintains the growth phase
• Controls the hair growth cycle
• Decreases hair loss

PRP for Skin Volume

As previously mentioned, PRP can be used on the skin to stimulate healing after cosmetic dermatology procedures. What’s more, PRP has been shown to promote the body’s own natural production of collagen; helping the skin appear more full and youthful.* This can be done by directly injecting PRP into the soft tissue where there is volume loss, or applying topically to a scar or before/after laser or microneedling treatment.

Injecting PRP into soft tissue is a great option for those with minimal volume loss and are not candidates for traditional dermal fillers. PRP injections into soft tissue works by delivering the growth factor platelets directly into areas of volume loss, resulting in collagen stimulation.* With any injection, there is always a chance of bruising and mild swelling. If bruising is a concern, avoid alcohol 24-48 hours before the treatment and other blood thinners such as Advil, Aleve, and Aspirin, unless prescribed by your doctor.

PRP for Skin Rejuvenation

PRP can be added to any laser or microneedling treatment to help expedite healing, decrease the appearance of scars and promote collagen production.

Microneedling

The Platelet Rich Plasma is placed directly on the skin, pre and post the microneedling procedure. The tiny needles push the PRP into the tissue and also create tiny channels for the PRP to be absorbed into the skin post-procedure. Patients will generally leave with a mask of PRP and a moisturizer. Most patients benefit from 3 treatments, spaced one month apart, but those with deeper acne scars may require 5 monthly treatments.

Laser

PRP is popularly used in conjunction with laser treatments such as Fraxel, post procedure. Adding these growth factor healing properties immediately after any laser treatment will not only stimulate collagen, but also decrease downtime by a few days. Fraxel is recommended in a series of three monthly treatments.