What is PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)?

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) has gained tremendous momentum over the last few years for diverse medical applications and has been brought into the mainstream and made famous by Hollywood celebrities as an anti-ageing treatment.

With ageing, skin loses the elasticity it needs to hold its shape – wrinkles form, eyelids droop and cheeks hollow which may lead to a more tired, worried, or older appearance. PRP therapy has been proven to improve overall skin health and minimize the signs of aging – wrinkles, hollows, deeper skin folds and pigmentation.

PRP can help regenerate damaged tissue, help eliminate scarring, even out and refresh skin tone and texture. It is also known to be effective as it reaches cells below the outer layer of the skin to stimulate growth of healthy cells and collagen.

What does ‘PRP’ (Platelet-Rich Plasma) mean?

PRP involves the use of an individual’s own blood to promote faster healing in different areas of the body for various conditions. For example, PRP therapy is used to treat sports injuries, and in dental procedures as well as purely cosmetic applications such as hair transplants and facial rejuvenation treatments.

Medical grade cosmetics - the best you shop

What does PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma shot) do?

Platelet-rich plasma is the liquid part of the blood that contains platelets, a specific type of blood cell that helps in clotting. Platelets also contain important protein growth factors which aid in tissue regeneration and cell production.

The various proteins include:

  • PDGF: Platelet-derived growth factor
  • TGF: Transforming growth factor
  • VEGF: Vascular endothelial growth factor
  • IGF: Insulin-like growth factor
  • EGF: Epidermal growth factor
  • IL-1: Interleukin-1

These growth-promoting properties can be leveraged to accelerate the repair of aged and damaged tissues.

What are the advantages of Having a PRP Injection?

There are several advantages and benefits of having a PRP injection. Several studies have shown that PRP injected into the site of injury helps to accelerate healing especially in chronic tendon injuries due to an increase in growth factors in the area. It also helps to reduce pain.

Plasma-rich platelet injections are used routinely in oral and plastic surgery to decrease healing time as well. Patients with osteoarthritis may also see improvements in pain due to a reduction in joint inflammation after the plasma rich platelets containing protein growth factors is injected at the site.

PRP Procedure
The Collection of PRP

In the above image, the PRP practitioner is holding a blood sample that has been centrifuged with 2 identifiable phases: platelet-rich plasma and sediment containing other components of the blood.

Where do you get PRP?

PRP is a component of the client’s own blood. As such, in clinic, the doctor or nurse draws a blood sample from the client which is then spun in a special machine called a centrifuge at high speed. Once the sample is removed from the centrifuge, there will be a distinct separation of the blood into a yellowish liquid phase at the top and a darker sediment or precipitate at the bottom.

The liquid is the plasma phase which contains the platelets and the associated important growth factors; while the sediment contains the other cells in the blood that are not required for the procedure.

PRP Treatment Side Effects

Because PRP is native to your own body and a component of your own blood, it is extremely safe. It is very different from a blood transfusion. Additionally, there is virtually no chance of an allergic reaction since it is taken from your body.

With respect to other PRP treatment side-effects, because blood is drawn there is a risk of bruising at the injection site. Additionally, if you are not well-hydrated before blood is drawn, in general, you may feel light-headed or dizzy afterwards.

PRP Treatment and Aesthetics

PRP Treatment for Hair Loss

For conditions like male pattern baldness and other causes of thinning or sparse hair growth, PRP can be used to promote hair growth and thickness.

Procedure: After the PRP has been harvested, it is injected into the client’s scalp. This, in turn, releases the growth factors into the scalp and provides the hair follicles with a nutrient-dense blood supply. Studies have shown that PRP may be able to increase the number of hair follicles and that this treatment may be more effective than Rogaine.

Cost: The PRP treatment cost of PRP for hair loss is usually priced at approximately $400 per injection. Typically, the PRP cost ranges from $1,500-4,000 for the first three treatments. It is recommended that you have an initial consultation with your healthcare provider to understand what is involved in the treatment and the associated cost.

PRP Procedure for Skin Rejuvenation

With ageing, skin loses the elasticity it needs to hold its shape – wrinkles form, eyelids droop and cheeks hollow which may lead to a more tired, worried, or older appearance. PRP therapy has been proven to improve overall skin health and restore the skin’s youthful look.

PRP can help regenerate damaged tissue, help eliminate scarring, refresh and even out the tone and texture of the skin. Because PRP is injected into the skin, it penetrates into the layers below the outer layer of the skin and stimulates the production of collagen and healthy skin cells.

Procedure: PRP is used in conjunction with a special facial treatment known as micro needling. In this procedure, the skin is cleansed, and then very small, fine needles puncture the skin creating channels for the PRP to penetrate into the skin. Micro needling using PRP is commonly referred to as a “vampire facial”.

PRP Therapy
Client Undergoing a PRP Therapy

Clients usually enjoy a refreshed and more youthful appearance after only one “vampire facial” treatment; however, to achieve ideal results, 3 treatments should be performed. Generally, the results will last from 6-12 months.

Cost: The PRP treatment cost of a facial with PRP ranges from $1000-3000.

Mesotherapy Procedure: The skin is cleansed appropriately. With mesotherapy, there will be several injection sites and in particular, at the target area.

The plasma-rich platelet component is injected into the areas of concern and the growth factors contained in the PRP are delivered not only to the dermis where collagen synthesis is activated, but also to the epidermis which induces superficial skin reparation.

The benefits are two-fold from the puncturing of the skin itself and the deep penetration and placement of the ingredients in the skin. The results of this treatment are visible after the first treatment and gradually improves, peaking at about 6 months after the initial visit.

The effects may last as long as 18 months with a healthy lifestyle and quality skincare routine. 

Cost: The mesotherapy PRP treatment cost ranges from $2000-6000.

We are excited to offer PRP therapy at all our The Best You® locations

For more information or to book your consultation at any of the following clinics, please call 1-866-333-3305 or book an appointment below

Brantford * Collingwood * Kincardine * Orillia * Ottawa West * Owen Sound Embrun

Enjoyed the blog? You may read more exciting ones:

Buy top rated medical grade cosmetics from our store

Look. Feel. Be. The Best You

Facial

Hair Removal

Injectables

Anti Ageing

PRP

× How can I help you?