Platelet-Rich Plasma
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a platelet-rich therapy used for decades by orthopedic surgeons and wound care physicians to help with nerve damage and wound healing. This treatment also rejuvenates the skin and builds collagen and elastin while stimulating growth factors for fast, natural healing. At Essential Aesthetics, we use PRP therapy for a variety of treatments, including hair restoration, facial restoration, and in combination with microneedling.
What is PRP Treatment?
Our blood is mainly a liquid (called plasma), which contains small solid components such as red cells, white cells, and platelets. Platelets are known for their role in clotting blood after an injury and have hundreds of proteins known as growth factors, which help heal wounds. These healing growth factors instruct our tissues to regenerate and multiply, leading to smoother skin and fuller hair.
PRP Therapy for Hair Restoration
On average, an individual loses 50–100 hairs a day as a part of the hair growth cycle. However, if you notice bald patches or thinning hair, you may suffer from a hair loss condition. Various reasons why people begin to lose hair include genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, diet, and stress. The healing growth factors in our platelets work with the stem cells in our body to reverse the miniaturization of hair follicles and jump-start dormant hair back into the growth stage. PRP for hair regrowth works in various ways:
- Increasing the blood supply to the follicle.
- Increasing the hair shaft size (thickness).
- Triggering and maintaining the growth phase.
- Controlling the hair growth cycle.
- Decreasing hair loss.
PRP Treatment for Facial Restoration
PRP can be injected into the face and neck to help stimulate new collagen production, making your skin look smoother and tighter. It also helps improve the appearance of wrinkles, scars, sun damage, and dark circles under the eyes. The results from this “Vampire Facelift” can last up to 18 months.
PRP Therapy With Microneedling
At Essential Aesthetics, we use radiofrequency (RF)-assisted microneedling to stimulate and promote the regeneration of collagen and elastin fibers in the deeper dermis, encouraging the skin to clear away any common aesthetic concerns. When RF microneedling is combined with PRP, the tissue healing process is expedited, and there is a more significant reduction in the appearance of skin imperfections. RF microneedling combined with PRP has many benefits, including reduction of large pores, sun spots, acne scars, stretch marks, broken capillaries, spider veins, improvement of fine lines and wrinkles, and firmer skin texture.
What to Expect During PRP Therapy
PRP is created using a person’s blood, which is separated in a centrifuge to concentrate the healing properties.
Before microneedling with PRP, a numbing gel is applied to the area to help with discomfort. Based on your skin type and condition, Ellie Zarnegar, PA, DMSc, will determine the best depth for microneedling to use. At Essential Aesthetics, we use RF-assisted thermal ultra-thin electrode ablation, creating microchannels to induce controlled micro-wounds, thus encouraging the generation of healthy skin. TriFractional energy is also used to heat the skin, causing coagulation in the blood and achieving skin regeneration and rejuvenation. Treatment can take 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the treated area. Patients often report experiencing itching or warm sensations that last for a short time.
The process of using PRP for hair regrowth is quick. After centrifuging your blood, the platelets are drawn up into a syringe. Then, using a small needle, Ellie Zarnegar, PA, DMSc, strategically injects the platelets into your scalp in the areas that need improvement.
Please keep in mind that PRP is not a cure for baldness. There is, however, great evidence that regular treatments can slow down the effects of balding and work to increase hair density.
How Many Treatments Are Recommended
For microneedling with PRP, 4–8 treatments are recommended every 4-6 weeks or until the patient is happy with the outcome.
For PRP hair regrowth, 6–8 treatments every month are recommended, followed by one treatment every 4-6 months.
What to Expect Post Treatment
After microneedling with PRP, you will immediately notice an improvement in your skin’s texture and overall look. It is recommended not to cleanse the area with alcohol or any cleanser and not to wear sunscreen for 24 hours.
For PRP hair regrowth, there is no downtime or long recovery process. You may take a warm shower on the evening of the treatment. It is also advised to avoid any harsh dyes or chemicals for your hair for 48 hours.
Enrich Your Skin With Your Own Plasma Today
Considering PRP? Our Danville office is perfectly situated for clients from Livermore, Alamo, Blackhawk, San Ramon, Orinda, and elsewhere in the Bay Area. Request a consultation online, or call our office at 925.855.1773 to set up your appointment at our Danville, CA, medical spa.