platelet rich plasma injections Archives

May 08

Is PRP Better Than Botox?

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

Platelet rich plasma and Botox injections both serve as possible cosmetic injection options. They can often complement each other and patients may be interested in understanding what exactly each does to determine which may best work for them. Let’s look at the commonly asked question, “Is PRP better than Botox?”

The answer to this question is not as straightforward as yes or no. The reason for this is that they generally serve different purposes. Botox targets facial muscles to help reduce dynamic wrinkles on the skin. PRP acts similarly to filler. When injected, it helps stimulate a collagen response to naturally fill in and disguise wrinkles.

PRP may provide some semblance of permanent results while Botox may help permanently reduce wrinkles with regular use. Therefore, one is not really better than the other. If wanting to address static wrinkles and skin quality, platelet rich plasma is likely the best treatment. However, if you want to reduce wrinkles in the long term and dynamic wrinkles like frown lines, Botox is likely the best choice.

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

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.

Apr 10

How Effective Are PRP Injections?

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

Platelet rich plasma injections within the cosmetic industry are most commonly used to help restore hair. Before seeking non-surgical hair restoration services, many patients have never heard of PRP. Thus, a common question that patients ask is, “How effective are PRP injections?”

When treating genetic hair loss, PRP is anywhere between 70% and 90% effective. However, the exact efficacy can depend on the specific patient. For example, this efficacy is based on younger men who have noticeable hair loss, but not usually not advanced hair loss. The platelet rich plasma injections help slow the progression of hair loss. It cannot fully replace a hair transplant surgery, simply prolong it.

Additionally, the efficacy of PRP hair restoration also depends on the cause of hair loss. Physical causes of hair loss such as injuries likely will not benefit from PRP treatment. Though, sometimes PRP injections can help accelerate the natural hair growth process if and when it begins growing back.

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

Feb 13

Does PRP Help With Volume To The Cheeks?

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

Platelet rich plasma injections have many uses including treating acne scars and filling in the under eyes in lieu of dermal fillers. However, many patients wonder if PRP can also be used to add volume to other areas of the face such as the cheeks. So, let’s look at the question, “Does PRP help with volume to the cheeks?”

Injectors can use PRP to add plumpness to the cheeks. Though, it is important to note that PRP does not provide the instant, dramatic effect that dermal fillers can. Instead, it gradually stimulates collagen production to help add natural-looking volume. For patients who want only a small amount of volume added or who want to address specific volume loss in the cheeks, PRP may be a fantastic option.

If patients are looking for more dramatic results or plumpness, dermal filler injections are still likely the best option. Though, PRP can help enhance the results of traditional cheek filler injections as well. Platelet rich plasma can also provide skin benefits and rejuvenation.

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 02

Is PRP A One Time Treatment?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | PRP Injections

Platelet rich plasma procedures are a form of regenerative medicine that can achieve a variety of goals such as non-surgical hair restoration and as an alternative to filler injections. You may notice that many providers (including PRP In Seattle) price their procedures in packages. So, is PRP a one time treatment or not?

PRP treatments can technically be a one time treatment. However, most procedures that use platelet rich plasma will provide better benefits if a patient undergoes successive sessions. For example, about four to eight weeks after your first PRP injection session, you will come back for another, and so on.

Since PRP promotes a collagen and healing response, it is best to have another session when the initial one begins to wane. This helps to keep the bodily response constant, which for procedures such as hair restoration and under eye injections is ideal for the best possible results.

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 28

What Are The Side Effects Of PRP Hair Restoration?

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

Platelet rich plasma hair restoration—often shortened to PRP hair restoration—is a non-surgical and non-invasive hair restoration procedure. However, this does not mean that it is not free of side effects. Let’s look at the frequently asked question, ‘What are the side effects of PRP hair restoration?” as well as what you can expect following treatment.

The side effects of PRP hair restoration may include scalp tightness, minor swelling, redness, itchiness, bruising, and general discomfort. Major side effects are rare and generally, side effects improve within a matter of days and most should resolve within two weeks.

When compared to a hair transplant surgery, the side effects are usually less mild and resolve quicker. Patients can return to work and most of their daily activities the day after PRP hair restoration. With that said, your provider may recommend waiting to wash your hair or partake in strenuous activities for a few days.

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 14

Do PRP Injections Work For Wrinkles?

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

Do PRP Injections Work For Wrinkles?

Wrinkles form due to loss of collagen as well as slowed production of new collagen and elastin. Of course, outside factors such as sun damage, smoking, and free radicals can also contribute by prematurely breaking down collagen. Thus, wrinkle treatments often consist of adding or stimulating collagen production, such as with microneedling. Since PRP helps stimulate healing, do PRP injections work for wrinkles?

Injections of platelet rich plasma can help reduce the look of wrinkles. However, unlike traditional dermal fillers, it does not disguise the wrinkles. It takes time and multiple rounds of injections to stimulate enough collagen to plump a wrinkle. Patients can also help supplement PRP injections with topical PRP treatments such as microneedling with PRP.

Common injection areas when using PRP to treat wrinkles can include the nasolabial folds and marionette lines. If you have pronounced wrinkles or major sagging, another treatment may need to be performed first such as a facelift or laser resurfacing.

To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-209-2112. You can also reach out online via chat or contact form.

Oct 17

How Long Should You Rest After PRP Injection?

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

How Long Should You Rest After PRP Injection?

After you undergo a platelet rich plasma injection of any kind, your provider may recommend not exercising or partaking in strenuous activities for a period of time. While the injections do not require a recovery as surgery would, avoiding exercise can help reduce side effects such as redness, swelling, and bruising. So, how long should you rest after a PRP injection?

Depending on the type of PRP injections you undergo, the rest recommendations will vary. Generally, two to three days at most is the time when you cannot do any strenuous activity. However, your normal activities like basic housework and shopping are typically okay as long as you do not begin sweating or become out of breath.

Also, while the exercise limitations after surgery serve many purposes, with cosmetic PRP injections it is meant mainly to reduce side effects and discomfort. However, if you sweat, you do have a higher risk of infection if it gets into the injection sites. Still, this is fairly rare, but it is best to avoid strenuous workouts for a couple of days.

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 26

Can Your Body Reject PRP?

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

Platelet rich plasma is a substance that is derived from a patient’s blood. It exists naturally within blood, but has to be isolated via spinning in a centrifuge. Anticoagulants are often used during the process as well to prevent the platelets from clotting together prematurely. Let’s look at the question, “Can your body reject PRP?”

Since platelet rich plasma comes from the patient’s own body, it is nearly unheard of for the body to reject it. Higher risks of rejection would occur if using PRP from someone else, but this is not done when preparing PRP treatments. While it is not technically impossible, it is highly improbable.

The skin often does become slightly irritated and inflamed following PRP treatment. However, this is usually due to the injections themselves and not the PRP. Rejection of PRP is unlikely to happen and patients generally do not need to worry about such complications with platelet rich plasma.

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

Aug 08

Can You Increase Platelet Rich Plasma Naturally?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Platelet Rich Plasma

Platelets and plasma are both components of blood. When mixed in with blood, it is not necessarily the platelet rich plasma we use in treatments. When mixed in the centrifuge, the platelets and plasma settle together. However, due to the versatility and healing properties of platelet rich plasma, people sometimes ask, “Can you increase platelet rich plasma naturally?”

Technically, yes, there are ways to increase the number of platelets in your blood. Some medical conditions do cause low platelet counts and natural methods can help increase them. Though, in people with normal platelet levels, the increase is usually mild. Also, increasing platelets will not really help your hair, but it is always a good idea to eat well and follow a good diet.

Dietary changes and vitamins are the two main ways to increase platelets. Some foods such as dark leafy vegetables, rice, seafood, strawberries, and more. You will want to avoid aspartame and quinine. Otherwise, you can take certain supplements, but this is not necessary for people who do not have a low platelet count.

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

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Do PRP Injections Work For Wrinkles?

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