Platelet Rich Fibrin Archives

Apr 17

Can PRP Injections Cause Blood Clots?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Platelet Rich Fibrin, Platelet Rich Plasma, PRP Injections

Platelet rich plasma’s job within the blood is to help it clot at the site of an injury. Therefore, as a clotting agent, this can make some patients a little hesitant about injecting it into their body. Let’s look at the question, “Can PRP injections cause blood clots?”

The risk of PRP injections causing blood clots is astronomically low. Just like any typical injection, the chances of platelet rich plasma causing any issues with the actual function of your blood is unlikely. Additionally, with traditional PRP injections, an anti-coagulant is added to the PRP to prevent any unwanted or unnecessary clotting.

PRF—another derivative of PRP—does not contain an anti-coagulant. There usually is a visible clot within the PRF. This does mean it comes with a very slightly elevated risk of blood clots than when compared with PRP. However, this is exceptionally rare. If a patient is prone to blood clots or has certain blood diseases, they will want to report this to their provider so a proper treatment plan can be devised.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-279-2112 or reach out online via chat or contact form.

Jan 30

What Is The Best Non-Surgical Hair Restoration Procedure?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Hair Restoration, Platelet Rich Fibrin, Platelet Rich Plasma

When it comes to treating hair loss non-surgically, there are now several known and effective options. However, identifying the best one is difficult and often subjective. So, let’s look deeper into the question, “What is the best non-surgical hair restoration procedure?”

Ultimately, the answer to this question will likely vary from person to person due to individual experiences with hair loss and hair restoration procedures. Topical medications like minoxidil provide at least some results for almost everyone. They are a tried and tested non-surgical hair restoration method that has been used for decades.

However, minoxidil does not work forever or for everyone. It also does little to truly repair the hair follicles damaged by hormones. This is where platelet rich plasma or platelet rich fibrin can help. These two injectable options treat the hair follicles and help repair the damage. However, results vary more than topical medications. Though, the results can also be more dramatic.

Certain low level laser therapy has shown promise for non-surgical hair restoration. However, it appears to potentially work best in conjunction with other hair restoration methods.

To learn more and schedule a free consultation, call us at 206-279-2112. You can also reach out online via chat or contact form.

Jan 23

What Are Dos And Don’ts After PRP

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Hair Restoration, Platelet Rich Fibrin, Platelet Rich Plasma

What Are Dos And Don’ts After PRP

As a non-surgical hair restoration method, platelet rich plasma injections offer less downtime and recovery than a traditional hair transplant surgery. However, you do need still need to use caution to prevent damaging your results or promoting complications. Here are some dos and don’ts after PRP.

DO: Take It Easy

While you do not need to take time off work and can go about your daily activities, it is best to refrain from strenuous activities. Sweating can cause irritation and worsen swelling. Additionally, in rare cases, it can complicate results. Some people do choose to take a day or two off work, but this is not necessary.

DON’T: Shower For A Couple Of Days

Like with hair transplant surgery, you will want to wait to shower. Depending on your exact procedure, you generally can shower within 24 to 48 hours of your procedure. Your provider can better guide you on this. Still, you will want to be careful when doing so.

DO: Continue Using Other Hair Restoration Methods

After one to two days, you can resume using minoxidil or other at-home hair restoration methods. This can help improve your results over time.

DON’T: Drink Or Smoke

While not a surgical procedure, drinking and smoking can promote complications and hinder results from PRP and PRF hair restoration.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-279-2112. You can also reach out online via chat or contact form.

Jan 16

What Can I Do Instead Of Hair Transplant Surgery?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Hair Restoration, Platelet Rich Fibrin, Platelet Rich Plasma

Hair transplant surgery—while much less invasive and more effective than it used to be—patients usually want to explore options other than hair transplantation. Unfortunately, at a certain point of hair loss, a hair transplant becomes the only effective option. However, if you have not yet reached that point, there are several non-surgical options. So, “What can I do instead of hair transplant surgery?”

The first option is topical treatments. This usually comes in the form of specialized shampoos, or a foam you apply once a day. These options are effective for people who have not seen extensive hair loss, but are in the early stages. They are commonly used with other non-surgical options.

PRP and PRF hair restoration is the next step up. This involves realigning your growth factors so that you have more in the skin of your scalp. From there, this can help repair damaged hair follicles and slow the progression of hair loss. Many patients will undergo these treatments while using a topical treatment.

More recent studies have shown that low level laser therapy has shown promise in promoting hair growth. Though, it may be a better used as a supplement than as a sole hair restoration treatment.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-279-2112. You can also reach out online via chat or contact form.

Nov 07

How Long Does It Take PRF To Absorb?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Hair Restoration, Platelet Rich Fibrin

PRF—which stands for platelet rich fibrin—is a substance that is derived from the patient’s blood and re-injected to promote a healing response. This can help restore hair and repair hair follicles. It can also help rejuvenate skin and add natural looking volume. Patients often want to know, “How long does it take PRF to absorb?”

PRF absorbs quickly, but the effects can take several weeks to become visible. Like with PRP, multiple sessions are often needed to obtain the desired results. This is because while PRF absorbs quickly, the healing and collagen response that it sets off lasts for weeks. Due to this, it may seem like it is slow absorbing.

PRF is slightly slower absorbing than PRP. This is because an anti-coagulant is added to PRP and thus it contains only the plasma. The clotting in PRF does mean it absorbs slower, but also induces a stronger response than PRP alone.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-279-2112. You can also reach out online via chat or contact form.

Oct 31

Does PRF Hurt?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Hair Restoration, Platelet Rich Fibrin

Platelet rich fibrin (PRF) is the newest generation of PRP treatment. Unlike traditional PRP, PRF is allowed to clot to promote better healing after injection. Thus, patients often wonder if PRF injections are more painful than PRP injections. Let’s take a closer look at the frequently asked question, “Does PRF hurt?”

Platelet rich fibrin injections do not hurt significantly more than PRP injections. It is injected in small amounts across the scalp, making the clot contained in PRF be distributed throughout the treatment area. This then stimulates the healing process and increases blood flow. In the case of hair restoration, this can help grow new hair and repair hair follicles.

There is some expected discomfort associated with both PRP and PRF injection treatments. Your injector will usually apply a topical anesthetic to numb the area before beginning the treatment. In cases where a large area is treated, they may reapply numbing cream or use longer lasting lidocaine injections.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-279-2112. You can also reach out online via chat or contact form.

Sep 12

Does PRP Hair Restoration Work?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Hair Restoration, Platelet Rich Fibrin, PRP Injections

Does PRP Hair Restoration Work?

Platelet rich plasma hair restoration is becoming one of the top non-surgical hair restoration procedures for people in the early stages of hair loss. It can even help people who have seen more significant loss, though it cannot substitute for a hair transplant, if necessary. Thus, it can be confusing to understand how and if PRP hair restoration works. Let’s take a deeper look at the question, “Does PRP hair restoration work?”

PRP hair restoration is a great option for patients who have not yet lost all of their hair and generally on the younger side. Some people—regardless of this—may still not see the desired results from adequate PRP treatment. However, this is rare and most people will see some noticeable results.

Platelet rich plasma helps repair the hair follicles damaged by hormones or other factors. This promotes more and better hair growth. While it cannot prevent these hair follicles from becoming damaged again, using other hair restoration methods and/or undergoing future touch-ups can help slow and prevent this.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-279-2112. You can also reach out online via chat or contact form.

Aug 29

Where Can PRF Be Injected?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Platelet Rich Fibrin, PRP Injections

PRF—or platelet rich fibrin—is considered the new generation of platelet rich plasma and is replacing many of the traditional PRP treatments. However, it does a slightly different composition and does not use any anticoagulants, so patients wonder if this means it cannot be injected in as many places. So, where can PRF be injected?

For the most part, platelet rich fibrin can be injected anywhere PRP or dermal fillers can. When it comes to treating hair loss, the injections are superficial enough for the PRF not to have any more risks than PRP and less risks than most dermal fillers.

When injected deeper into the skin, there may be slightly more risk than with platelet rich plasma. However, there is still much less risk than with dermal fillers. Therefore, for areas such as the under eyes and nasolabial folds, PRF is still a great option with few risks.

A few common PRF injection sites include:

Scalp
Under eyes
Acne scars
Nasolabial folds
Marionette lines
Lips

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-279-2112. You can also reach out online via chat or contact form.

Aug 15

A Photo For A Blog Post About Benefits Of Platelet Rich Fibrin

The Benefits Of Platelet Rich Fibrin

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Platelet Rich Fibrin

Fibrin is a protein found in blood plasma that is beginning to become a leading regenerative treatment and overtake platelet rich plasma. Platelet rich fibrin, or PRF, is another way to non-surgical treat hair loss and rejuvenate the skin. However, as a fairly new form of plasma treatment, people often want to know the benefits of platelet rich fibrin and how it compares to PRP.

Platelet rich fibrin contains a large concentration of platelets like PRP. However, many of the parts of blood spun out in creating PRP, platelet rich fibrin does not omit. For example, PRF contains white blood cells and stem cells which can help promote both regeneration and hair regrowth.

In addition to these extra cells, it is said that platelet rich fibrin has ten times the growth factors of regular blood while PRP has around five times the growth factors. Combined with the stem cells and white blood cells, this helps make PRF more effective than PRP. While studies continue, within the cosmetic space, PRF is largely considered safe and effective.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-279-2112. You can also reach out online via chat or contact form.

Jul 18

What Is Platelet Rich Fibrin?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Hair Restoration, Platelet Rich Fibrin

What Is Platelet Rich Fibrin?

Platelet rich plasma has grown in popularity as both a medical and cosmetic treatment. However, recently, platelet rich fibrin has become a viable treatment for people with hair loss or other ailments that PRP often treats. What is platelet rich fibrin? Is it better than PRP? Our experts explain.

Fibrin is a protein found in blood that is vital to clotting. Therefore, when platelet rich fibrin is spun in a centrifuge a clot often forms. Unlike PRP, not anticoagulants are added to prevent this because it makes the treatment more effective at creating a scaffolding in the treatment area.

Like with platelet rich plasma, PRF is rich in platelets. However, it also contains a mixture of white blood cells and stem cells which further enhance the abilities of PRF treatment. Early studies have shown that PRF is more effective than PRP in most cases. Though, both remain highly effective.

PRF and PRP are extracted in the same way—via a blood draw—the difference coming in with the centrifuge spinning. Therefore, it is no more invasive than traditional PRP. To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-279-2112. You can also reach out online via chat or contact form.

OUR BLOG

What Are Dos And Don’ts After PRP

DO: Take It Easy

DON’T: Shower For A Couple Of Days

DO: Continue Using Other Hair Restoration Methods

DON’T: Drink Or Smoke

Does PRP Hair Restoration Work?

What Is Platelet Rich Fibrin?