WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN PRP and PRF/PRFM? 
PRP and PRF are slightly different preparations of the patient's blood. PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is typically spun at a faster rate than PRF (Platelet Rich Fibrin) and processed slightly differently. PRF seeks to keep some of the components that PRP spins out and so it better for specific uses (as a facial filler). There is mixed evidence as to why to use one versus the other. For most of our injections the evidence supports PRP and not PRF because there is a higher platelet concentration in PRP than in PRF. However, we do like to use a slighter slower spin to keep slightly more cellular components and growth factors in the end product which gives us more of a hybrid between the PRP while keeping our platelet concentration 

HOW MUCH BLOOD IS NEEDED?
For most patients we only need 30ml of whole blood, which is similar to what they draw at your doctor's office. We use a high yield kit where we can extract a higher percent of PRP.  All of our staff are highly skilled in both blood draws, and in lab processing. 

 

HOW MANY TREATMENTS DO I NEED?

FOR HAIR PRP: Studies advise beginning with a series of 3-4 injections, spaced 1 month apart. After the initial series, we advise 1 injection every 6-12 months to maintain the hair growth. 

FOR FACIAL/SKIN PRP: Studies advise beginning with a series of 3-4 treatments, spaced 1 month apart. After the initial series, we recommend 1 treatment every 6-12 months to maintain results.

FOR HEADACHE /MIGRAINES:  We advise 3-4 treatments spaced about 2 weeks apart.  After the initial series, we recommend 1 treatment every 6-12 months as needed. 

 

WHAT ABOUT PRP BEFORE OR AFTER A HAIR TRANSPLANT? 

BEFORE SURGERY: PRP can be helpful before a hair transplant surgery. The treatment will thicken your roots which will help the surgeon see the hair grafts even more clearly during the surgery. Thicker, stronger grafts also mean that their chances of survival increase more than before. We would suggest that you have 1 treatment about 1 month prior to a hair transplant.

AFTER SURGERY: Many patients experience hair shedding after getting hair transplants. While this is normal and temporary, getting PRP after hair transplants can minimize hair shedding and offer quicker results. Nourishing your hair follicles with a healthy blood supply boosts the healing process and stimulates maximum hair regrowth. We would suggest that you wait at least 1 month after a hair transplant before starting the PRP injections. You can start with 3-4 injections one month apart , and then space them out to every 6-12 months to keep the hair healthy. 

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WHAT KIND OF RESULTS CAN I EXPECT? 
PRP is very effective based on the studies available. 80% of patients see improvement, whether it be hair growth, improved skin quality, or scar reduction. With Hair PRP in particular most studies show around 80% of patients will see improvement in one or more of the following: number of hair follicles per area, hair texture, reduction in shedding, and hair quality. It is important to note that results vary by person, and that results are not always visible to the naked eye, as would be the case with a reduction in shedding, or improved quality of hair.  Regarding muscle injections of PRP, most studies show great success, on the order of 80-90% of patients being happy with the progress. 

 

Below is information about some of the PRP studies that are published: 

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HAIR: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4134641/ 

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Research states that PRP injections may benefit hair loss in several ways. For example:

• A 2022 review found that PRP may stimulate hair growth and thickness, as well as protect hair follicles from prematurely shedding.

• A 2020 review of 13 studies found that PRP may help increase hair thickness and density.

• A 2018 review found that PRP may trigger hair growth by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle.

 

SKIN/FACE: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4338464/

 

Research shows that PRP has beneficial effects on facial rejuvenation either alone or in combination with other treatment modalities such as laser treatment,  regenerative serums, and botox treatments. Studies reveal a great potential for PRP by using the growth factors combined with platelets that render a healing effect that is essentially a minimally invasive technique for the treatment of skin acne scars and aging

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MIGRAINE/TENSION TRIGGER POINTS:  PRP is scientifically proven to contain growth factors that can stimulate the healing process and reduce inflammation. There are national studies supporting PRP's efficacy in reducing myofascial pain, as well as the role of trigger points in causing migraines and headaches.