Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

What is PRP?

Platelets are cells in blood that are responsible for clotting and the release of growth factors to help the healing process. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrate of your own blood that contains high numbers of platelets which is 4-7 times the normal concentration of platelets in blood. It can injected into a certain area to exploit the platelets function and enhance wound healing and to help rejuvenate skin. Because it is a part of your own blood, it is free from transmissible diseases, and cannot cause hypersensitivity or allergic reactions.

What can PRP be used for?

PRP has been used in medicine in the past 20 years for accelerating the healing of injuries, either surgical or traumatic. Examples include use for; tendon injuries, orthopaedic and dental surgeries. Most recently, PRP has been used for skin rejuvenation. It is effective for improving skin quality including improvements in lines and skin texture. It can also improve the appearance of scars. Results are visible at 3 weeks and improve over the ensuing months. Other conditions treated with PRP include hair loss (alopecia) and stretch marks.

What does the treatment involve?

Prior to the treatment, 10 – 20 mls of blood is extracted from the patient. This blood is placed in the centrifuge for 5 – 8 minutes. When centrifugation is complete your Plasma will be separated into three layers. The platelet rich plasma layer is extracted and injected into the deep dermis or fat layer of the skin. Platelets gradually increase collagen which can increase skin thickness and overall health of the skin. Three treatments one month apart is advisable followed by a maintenance of at least once a year preferably every six months. The process takes 45 minutes to an hour.

Am I a candidate for the procedure?

Persons with skin disease (SLE, porphyria, allergies), cancer, chemotherapy, severe metabolic and systemic disorders, and abnormal platelet function (i.e. blood disorders). Anti-coagulation therapy and underlying sepsis are contraindications.

What are the side effects / complications?

Swelling, bruising and redness for 12-24 hours. Some clients experience head A bruise at the venapuncture site may be visible for 2-3 days In rare cases, skin cellulitis may occur which can be treated with antibiotics

How much does it cost?

$400 per vial

PRP for hair loss

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) has also been proven to help with thinning hair – we recommend a course of 3-6 treatments, results may vary. PRP uses the healing properties of your own platelets, to stimulate natural hair growth.

PRP for hair loss FAQ’s

How does PRP help with thinning hair?

PRP uses tiny injections of your own platelets and plasma isolated from a small sample of blood to ‘tell’ your body to repair whatever tissue you put it into, and rejuvenate it at a cellular level. When used for hair loss, it stops the hair from miniaturising (getting smaller and thinner), and helps to ‘wake up’ existing hair follicles, reversing hair thinning. If the hair follicle has already completely died then you won’t be able to stimulate it to grow hair, so PRP usually works best in people who have started noticing their hair thinning in the last 2-3 years.

Does PRP for hair loss hurt?

A good painblock cream is applied to your scalp for 20 minutes prior to the procedure. Injections of PRP will be administered into your scalp using a very small needle.

Is there any downtime?

After your PRP treatment, you will need to be very aware of hygiene for the next 48 hours and avoid washing hair. You will also need to avoid touching your head for at least 2 hours to allow injection sites to heal over. If you do need to touch your head, wash your hands before touching injected areas. You will be able to proceed with all normal activities however, you will need to keep the area free of all hair products for at least 24 hours after treatment.

How many PRP treatments will I need to reduce hair loss?

The amount of treatments needed to reduce hair loss will vary per person and will depend on the level of hair loss, the individuals hair growth cycle, and other medical factors. On average, individuals receiving this treatment will have between 3 – 6 PRP treatments, based 1 month apart and an annual maintenance treatment thereafter.

How long will it take to see PRP for hair results?

Results very per individual but on average you can expect to see results at 4-6 months.