Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)

Platelet-Rich Plasma, or PRP, is the part of your own blood that contains the highest amount of platelets and growth factors. PRP treatments were created over 20 years ago to improve muscle and joint issues, but were quickly adapted to address a number of skin and hair related cosmetic concerns. Today, PRP is used widely in cosmetic medicine.

In Ottawa, Platelet-Rich Plasma or PRP may help to address a number of skin and hair related issues including;

1) Thinning Hair & Hair Loss – Hair loss is a very common concern, for not only men, but also women in Ottawa. Male and female-pattern baldness is due to deactivation of normal and healthy hair follicles. As hair follicles become less active, they produce progressively smaller and thinner hairs. PRP may help improve hair density and thickness in both men and women. Once injected, PRP may help to stimulate underactive hair follicles through a number of factors.

2) Fine Lines & Skin Crepiness – As we age, our skin looses firmness due to a loss of collagen and elastin. This leads to fine lines and wrinkles and an overall decline in our skin’s youthful texture. Skin textural concerns under the eye are the number one skin application for PRP at our clinic. Since PRP contains over 20 growth factors, placing small droplets of PRP into the skin may help promote skin regeneration, improve skin thickness, elasticity, and stimulate collagen production.

Please note, individual results may vary, and risks are possible. 

Using a tiny needle, a small amount of your own blood is collected into a sterile collection tube. Once collected, the small sample is then spun in a centrifuge at a very high rate for a number of minutes, which separates the PRP from the other components including red blood cells. The PRP is then pulled to a new tube, where it is ready to be injected.

PRP can be placed into the skin by many different methods. At Concept Medical, we primarily use very small microneedles, which precisely place tiny droplets of PRP just beneath the skin’s surface. Since a very tiny, microneedle is used, patients mild discomfort during the short procedure. No topical numbing is required prior to treatment.

Following your PRP treatment, your skin will look slightly pink in colour and may feel warm, similar to a mild sunburn. You may notice very small little red marks from the microneedle, which usually fade within 24 hours. Most people require 3-4 PRP treatments. An annual treatment is encouraged to help maintain results. The results from PRP are not immediate, but may occur gradually over the following weeks to months. Although most patients respond well to PRP, individual treatment results do vary. 

Most patients required 4 treatments, spaced about 1 month apart. PRP treatments take about 30-60 minutes to complete depending on the treatment areas. Please note, individual results may vary, and risks are possible. 

PRP can be used anywhere on the face and neck to help correct fine lines, wrinkles, and crepey skin. The most common areas that women and men use PRP in Ottawa are under the eyes, neck, and cheeks. PRP may also be used to improve fine lines around the lips and may also help improve dark circles under the eyes.

PRP is commonly used to help improve thinning hair in both men and women,  and an option for those who are looking for a less invasive procedure. PRP helps to simulate hair growth through growth factors, and increased blood supply to the hair follicle. PRP is best used on patients who have mild to moderate hair thinning, while transplants are advisable for patient with very severe hair loss.

Not all types of hair thinning or hair loss are responsive to PRP. Those who suffer from androgenic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness) and alopecia areata may benefit from PRP treatments. Please note, results do vary. 

Treatment can be completed within 45 minutes to an hour. Most patients require 4 PRP treatments, spaced approximately about 1 month apart. Results from PRP are usually seen within 6 months. PRP results may last up to 1 year or more. Maintenance treatments are encouraged to help maintain results. Although most patients respond well to PRP, , a small number of patients may not notice an improvement.

Platelet-Rich Plasma or PRP is commonly referred to as a PRP facial, A-PRP, “vampire facial”, or “vampire facelift” as your own plasma is used in the procedure.

Since PRP uses your own plasma, the treatments are considered low risk. However, as with all treatments, risks and adverse reactions are possible. The most common risks include the possibility of mild bruising and slight redness following the procedure, which usually lasts for about 24 hours. As only your own plasma is used in the procedure, the risk of infection and allergic reaction is exceedingly low. Please note, individual results may vary, and risks are possible. 

If you are concerned with fine lines, wrinkles, or hair loss, PRP may be a treatment option for you. To schedule a consultation with one of our physicians, please contact our team.