PLATELET RICH PLASMA

PRP is an advanced autologous process that works with the body’s natural capability to heal itself. 

With the use of Clarion technology, the patient’s blood is separated into serum and platelet parts. Then they are injected into the wrinkles, areas of hair loss, injured tissues or any other areas that need to be healed or treated.  

Also, PRP can be used in conjunction with Microneedling.

This technology works because of the large number of natural growth factors and signalling proteins inside the concentrated platelets that promote collagen fibrillogenesis (the development of fine fibrils) and tissue regeneration.  

Originally, Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy was in demand due to its use in sports injuries in athletes. However, later the benefits of these growth factors were realized in cosmetic procedures. 

The most popular treatment areas for cosmetic purposes include face and skin rejuvenation, around the eyes, cheek augmentation, the jawline and scalp. Additionally, PRP therapy is used to treat hair loss. 

Additionally, PRP can be used to treat tendonitis, carpal tunnel, and other various joint pain. A consultation with an orthopedic specialist will take place before the procedure. Click HERE for more information about these uses.

For three days before, and on the day of your appointment, it is essential that you drink plenty of water and eat nutritional meals.  

If possible, avoid blood thinning and over-the-counter anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, and Aleve.  

Avoid supplements, including St. John’s Wort, Gingko Biloba, primrose oil, garlic, ginseng, and Vitamin E. 

Do not colour your hair within three days of your appointment if you are having injections for hair loss. 

2 Days Before Injections:    

Avoid topical products such as Tretinoin (Retin-A), Retinol, Retinoids, Glycolic Acid, or any “anti-aging” products. 

Avoid waxing, bleaching, tweezing, or using hair removal cream on the area to be treated. 

Do not drink alcoholic beverages 24 hours prior and 48 hours after- this helps reduce bruising and inflammation.

First, the area for injection is evaluated, and the exact site of your injection is determined.  

Please arrive to your appointment on time and with the area to be injected clean. If you are coming from work, an appointment, school or any other miscellaneous activity, do not worry; I will cleanse the area for you. 

If it is your first appointment with me, it will take approximately 60 to 90 minutes. We will discuss your health history, review medications, and make a treatment plan together. During this time, I discuss treatment safety with you and allow you to have any questions answered. Once satisfied, we will do before photos. These photos will not be shared on social media (unless jointly agreed upon), and are only for the purpose of your chart and tracking results. 

Next, you will sign a consent and, if necessary, we will have a video call with my medical director. Sharing your information with my medical director is required by law, as anyone receiving any medications or injections needs to be under the direction of a physician or nurse practitioner. The call is very quick, and suggestions or recommendations for your treatment plan may be made. 

After the call, I will clean the treatment area twice and proceed with a numbing agent for comfort, or begin the blood draw if no numbing is required. The anesthetic won’t affect the healing powers of your PRP.  

Next, we need to create your PRP by collecting a sample of blood from your arm or hand. The sample is placed into a sterile container and then into a special centrifuge that will spin the blood, separating the liquid plasma from the platelet-rich portion. 

Preparing your PRP can take up to 30 minutes, depending on how well-hydrated and nourished your veins are. 

I separate the PRP into a few needles, I do this to keep track of each injection point, especially since I enjoy small talk and continue to answer questions or engage in educational discussions while injecting. Also, by changing needles, pain is decreased and the risk of infection is reduced. 

Lastly, the PRP is injected into the area, and that’s it!

It may take a few hours for the local anesthetic to wear off. However, once the anesthetic wears off, you may feel some discomfort at the injection site that may last up to 48 hours.

If you are returning, your appointment will take approximately 30-45 minutes. We will talk about any changes to your health or treatment plan. We do not have to have a second call with my medical director unless your health, medications or service being provided have changed.

 After your treatment, avoid touching the treated areas for at least 8 hours. Do not wash or wet the area that has been treated for at least 4 hours after your procedure. 

Do not colour your hair for at least three days after your appointment.

If possible, blood thinners and anti-inflammatories such as Aleve, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Vitamin E, Gingko Biloba and fish oils should be avoided for 1-2 weeks after treatment. The goal of the treatment is to cause inflammation, and taking the anti-inflammatories as mentioned earlier, will limit this effect.

Activities to avoid two days after treatment include: 

• vigorous activities causing sweat
• saunas 
• steam rooms 
• hot tubs and swimming 

To promote healing, please be sure to limit: 

• sun exposure 
• alcohol
• caffeine and nicotine consumption. 

Always wear sunscreen during all seasons. 

In the first week following your treatment, increased water consumption is essential. 

Bruising, swelling, itching and/or discomfort may last up to 5 days. 

If you experience pain or discomfort, Tylenol may be used. 

*Ice application should be avoided due to its reduction of inflammation.