PRP Injections: Everything You Need to Know About Platelet-Rich Plasma

Aesthetic Treatments

February 3, 2020

It’s no surprise that as we age, our skin loses volume. Wrinkles surface, hair loss occurs, and sometimes scars appear more pronounced due to the aging process. You may have heard about something called a PRP injection for knee injuries. Still, PRP treatment for hair and face is becoming increasingly popular. What are the benefits of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for hair and face? Here is some information about what is PRP treatment and how it can help.

What PRP Treatment is & How It Works

Platelet-Rich Plasma treatment, or PRP, is a non-surgical method of utilizing your own body to help repair the damage that has occurred within. By removing blood, separating the platelets, treating them, and then returning the product to a targeted area, you have encouraged growth due to the resulting stimulation and cell reparation. You are allowing your body to heal itself safely.
Among other benefits, PRP has demonstrated success in:

• Safely reducing wrinkles or scars
• Rebuilding tissue
• Firming up skin
• Treating hair loss
• Speeding up healing of ligament and tendon damage

PRP Treatment: A Three-Step Process

Three steps make PRP work. Preparation, or numbing, is first.

Step 1. Depending upon what condition you are addressing, ice packs or a topical numbing agent is applied to a specific region of your body.

Step 2. Next, your blood is drawn and whisked away to be spun down in a centrifuge. This process enables your platelets to be separated so they can be used for making the PRP treatment.

Step 3. Finally, the PRP is returned to you either via injection or micro-needling.

From start to finish, the whole procedure should take about half an hour.

What to Expect During PRP Injection Treatment

Most people experience little, if any, discomfort during the procedure. And side effects are rare. Since you are using the PRP injection that has created from your own body, there is no risk of rejection or adverse reaction. If you’re considering PRP for your face or hair, it’s always nice to know what to expect. Because not all PRP treatments and providers are created equal, here’s what you can expect when you schedule a consultation for PRP with Adam & Eve.

Before the Procedure

During a consultation, our medical staff conducts a determination of whether you are the right candidate for PRP. Once you are approved, we give you instructions for the procedure that includes abstaining from anti-inflammatories, alcohol, and caffeine for a short period before treatment. It is also beneficial to eat healthy foods and be well-rested before your appointment. Unfortunately, if you take anticoagulants, you are not considered a right candidate.

Following the Procedure

PRP injection recovery time is usually within a few hours from the time of the injection. After the procedure, you might experience a few hours of light symptoms like tenderness, swelling, or bruising. These should dissipate shortly. If necessary, you can find soothing relief from cold packs. And for a day or so afterward, you should avoid washing the area and must stay away from heat sources such as hot baths, showers, or direct sunlight. PRP injection recovery time is usually within a few hours from the time of the injection.

When Can I Expect to See Results?

Generally, patients require several PRP treatments to achieve their maximum results. About a couple of weeks after your first treatment, you start to notice the effects. While it is generally between 3 and 6 treatments, the exact number you may need depends upon different factors, such as:

• How quickly your skin heals
• Whether you are combining PRP with other methods of treatment
• How many PRP treatments you have had

It takes approximately 3 to 6 months after your series of treatments for the full benefits to become evident, and they then last for up to 18 months. Patients are stunned and pleased by their own body’s ability to help heal itself.

Get PRP at Adam & Eve Medical Aesthetics

Adam & Eve Medical Aesthetics provides a wide variety of medical and aesthetic procedures to help you achieve the goal of your best self. From cosmetic procedures to help you improve functionality, our professional medical team has the experience, education, and training to provide unparalleled services. Contact us today for a consultation so our knowledgeable, compassionate staff can discuss any issues such as PRP treatment that you may wish to address.

Photo credit: Getty Images / ValuaVitaly