platelet rich plasma injections Archives

Jun 06

Can I Drink Coffee After PRP Injections?

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

Platelet rich plasma injections are a fairly minor procedure. However, there are some preparations that your injector may ask you to take. One of these includes avoiding caffeine the morning before your procedure. Many patients end up asking, “Can I drink coffee after PRP injections?”

First, let’s start off with why your injector may instruct you to avoid caffeine. Caffeine can increase blood flow and both speed up and worsen bruising. Therefore, there are not any major complications from having caffeine, but if having PRP injections in a visible place like under the eyes, it is often important to patients that they do not end up with a major bruise.

Normally, you can have small amounts of caffeine, but if you bruise easily, you may want to wait until the next day to continue with regular caffeine consumption. Your injector will provide more personalized instructions after evaluating your medical history and knowing your specific procedure.

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 04

How Painful Is A PRP Injection?

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

Platelet rich plasma injections serve several purposes within the medical and cosmetic industries. Depending on the treatment a person undergoes, PRP injections can be painful, or at the very least, uncomfortable. When seeking a PRP procedure at PRP In Seattle, patients frequently asked, “How painful is a PRP injection?”

The answer depends on the type of injection and the treatment area. When performing a PRP hair restoration procedure, the scalp is usually numbed beforehand to limit discomfort. Though, you may still feel some mild pressure. Generally, the numbing is reapplied throughout the procedure and patients remain comfortable during PRP hair restoration. Soreness does sometimes occur afterward.

When injecting PRP under the eyes, or elsewhere on the face, topical numbing is applied. However, it can still cause mild pain. Usually, it is no more than a regular dermal filler injection. This is also a much quicker process and therefore any discomfort is brief.

Cosmetic PRP does tend to be less painful than medical PRP. This is because medical PRP injections are often going deeper into the muscle or joint, which is much more uncomfortable when compared to the fairly superficial injections of PRP into the scalp or skin. To schedule a consultation, call us at 206-279-2112. You can also reach out online via chat or contact form.

Feb 14

How Many PRP Sessions Are Needed For Dark Circles?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | PRP Injections

Platelet rich plasma injections have begun to be used as a replacement for fillers in some cases. The most popular use of PRP as a filler is under the eyes. The under eyes contain some of the thinnest skin on the face, making them tricky to filler with traditional fillers. Dermal fillers can create something called the Tyndall effect which creates a blueish tint beneath the skin. While avoidable, PRP does not have this same risk. Many interested patients then want to know, “How many PRP sessions are needed for dark circles?”

The number of sessions needed to see the desired results. Usually, our master injectors recommend starting with a series of three sessions. Many patients will begin to see results between their first and second sessions, though most will see results following all three sessions.

Depending on your body’s healing and collagen response, some patients may need more than three sessions. However, it can take four to six weeks to notice the difference. Therefore, our injectors recommend waiting this amount of time between sessions and before choosing to undergo more.

To learn more about PRP injections for the under eyes, reach out via phone at 206-279-2112 or online via chat or contact form.

Jan 03

What Does Platelet Rich Plasma Do In The Body?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Platelet Rich Plasma

Most people are familiar with plasma, a component of blood that helps transport nutrients, hormones, and other vital substances around the body. It also helps alleviate cell waste. However, when it comes to the types of plasma, what does platelet rich plasma do in the body?

Plasma is made up of three main components: white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets. Some parts of plasma are richer in platelets than others, this is what is referred to as platelet rich plasma. Often, this is something created by spinning the blood in a centrifuge to separate out the different components. However, platelet rich plasma can occur naturally.

Platelets–unlike red and white blood cells–are essentially colorless in the body. The main job of platelets is to aid in clotting at the site of an injury. Therefore, when an injury occurs, the body produces plasma richer in platelets to kickstart the healing process.

When injected during a cosmetic procedure, the body recognizes the increase in platelets and believes there is an injury. It sends reinforcements to repair the injury. However, with no major injury present, it instead leads to rejuvenation of the skin, hair follicles, or adds volume.

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

Dec 13

Is PRP Anti-Inflammatory?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Platelet Rich Plasma

Anti-inflammatory is a term largely used to describe a medication or substance that reduces inflammation. This is the science behind why PRP injections were initially used to treat soft tissue and muscle injuries. Though, when you undergo PRP hair restoration or injections for cosmetic reasons, it may seem like PRP causes inflammation. Let’s explore why this happens by looking at the question, “Is PRP anti-inflammatory?”

As a whole, platelet rich plasma is considered anti-inflammatory because it aids in the healing process and reduces inflammation over time. However, when injected into an area without inflammation, it is likely to cause some mild inflammation. Inflammation is the first stage in the healing process. Platelet rich plasma helps speed up this process for faster healing.

In the body, platelet rich plasma is one of the first signals to the brain that healing needs to take place. The platelets will increase in the wounded area. Therefore, this leads to natural inflammation. Though, it is usually less pronounced than inflammation due to an injury.

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 18

Does PRP Restore Facial Volume?

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

Platelet rich plasma is a component found in blood that contributes to stimulating a healing response and collagen production following an injury. When isolated and re-injected, PRP can achieve the same response. This has a number of medical and cosmetic uses including hair restoration and filling in the under eyes. Since PRP injections can work as an alternative to under eye filler (albeit with results that typically are not immediate), many patients wonder, “Does PRP restore facial volume?”

The answer is yes, but it comes with some caveats. Platelet rich plasma is great for filling in small, more targeted areas, such as the under eyes or nasolabial folds. Though, currently, it is not potent enough to provide a major augmentation to the cheeks, lips, chin, etc. Therefore, in these cases, traditional fillers are preferred.

Additionally, for patients who have experienced major facial fat loss due to aging or an autoimmune disorder, longer lasting options like Sculptra are likely preferred. That is not to say that PRP cannot provide any benefit to these patients. It can boost the effects of these products and also address smaller areas nearby for the best results.

In short, yes, PRP does restore facial volume, but is most effective in smaller areas for the treatment of specific wrinkles or scars. Unlike traditional fillers, it also takes multiple sessions to see desired results, but they are often permanent or long lasting. 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 12

PRP vs. Filler For Tear Troughs

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

The tear troughs–also known as the under eye area–be a tricky treatment area for injections, especially filler. Due to the thinner skin in the area, the under eyes are more susceptible to the Tyndall effect and typically require a more experienced injector to perform. Platelet rich plasma is another option patients have to fill in or rejuvenate the under eyes. What are the differences? Let’s compare PRP vs. filler for the tear troughs.

Platelet rich plasma induces collagen production and promotes healing in under eyes to naturally plump the area. A few benefits to this is that the risk of allergic reaction or rejection is almost zero. It is not susceptible to the Tyndall effect and carries fewer overall risks than filler. However, it typically requires multiple sessions to see full results and may not offer dramatic results.

Dermal fillers can create nearly instantaneous and more noticeable results. For patients with especially deep hollows, dermal fillers may be preferred because it may take too many PRP sessions to see a result. However, there is slightly more risk with filler injections than PRP. Though fillers are still one of the safest and lowest risk cosmetic procedures.

At a consultation, your provider can discuss more about PRP vs. filler and which may be best for you. To schedule a consultation, call us at 206-279-2112. You can also reach us online via chat or contact form.

Jun 07

How Fast Does Hair Grow After PRP?

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

Using platelet rich plasma injections for hair restoration is becoming one of the most popular and effective methods for restoring genetic hair loss. Men and women who experience hair loss often want to see the largest amount of hair regrowth in the shortest amount of time possible. During a PRP hair consultation in Seattle, one of the most frequent questions our providers hear is, “How fast does hair grow after PRP?”

The answer to this question will differ for every patient based on their biology, medical history, and treatment plan. Since PRP takes time to stimulate collagen and hair regrowth in the scalp, most patients will not see new hair until after their second or third session. Over the coming weeks and months, patients can expect to see more hair growth.

For some patients who are also using hair growth medications in conjunction with their PRP treatments may see results faster. Some patients with certain medical conditions may also see that it takes longer for them to see the results they want. Usually, about nine months to one year after the initial treatment is when patients see a noticeable difference.

During your consultation, your provider will explain what you can expect from PRP hair restoration in Seattle. To schedule a consultation, call us at 206-279-2112. You can also reach us online using our contact form or chat.

May 31

A Photo For A Blog Post About Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Platelet Rich Plasma

3 Things You Probably Didn’t Know About Platelet Rich Plasma

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Platelet Rich Plasma

Platelet rich plasma is one of the most promising advancements in medicine today. It has been used in surgery for decades and now has many uses across the medical and cosmetic fields. Before undergoing treatment with PRP, patients often are not familiar with it. Here are 3 things you probably didn’t know about platelet rich plasma.

#1: Platelet Rich Plasma Has 5 Times The Amount Of Platelets As Blood

On average, once spun in a centrifuge, PRP has roughly five times the amount of platelets as blood as a whole. Platelets contain important growth factors and also create a signal that tells your body to heal. This is why PRP therapy is often effective at promoting healing, collagen production, and hair growth.

#2: It May Reduce Scarring

The use of PRP during surgery may reduce post-surgical scarring. While studies are still ongoing, early research shows that patients often see less scarring following a surgical procedure using platelet rich plasma.

#3: PRP Is Exceptionally Safe

Since PRP comes from a patient’s own blood and body, the risk of rejection or allergic reaction is minute, if not, impossible. This makes PRP safer than some of the most common cosmetic injections.

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

Mar 08

A Photo For A Blog Post For How Long Is Recovery After PRP Injection?

PRP In Seattle: How Long Is Recovery After PRP Injection?

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

PRP injections are used in the medical and cosmetic fields. In the medical field, they can promote healing of certain injuries and sometimes relieve pain long term. In the cosmetic industry, PRP injections are often used to promote collagen production and restore volume in targeted areas. At PRP In Seattle, we use injections of platelet rich plasma during hair restoration, non-surgical BBLs, and PRP for tear troughs. With many procedures available, patients often want to know, “How long is recovery after PRP injection?”

Generally, patients will experience some pain and tenderness in the injection area for a day or so following the procedure, similar to other injections. Otherwise, the recovery will depend on the procedure. Most of the time, patients can return to their daily lives. They may want to take it easy for a few days for their own comfort. Sometimes with hair restoration, they may also experience some mild swelling which can improve with rest.

The non-surgical BBL will require a longer recovery time than the aforementioned procedures. However, compared to a surgical BBL, it is minimal. Patients usually return to their full activities (other than maybe some forms of exercise) after a week. Unlike a surgery, patients will likely not need pain medications and can often return to work the next day.

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

OUR BLOG

#1: Platelet Rich Plasma Has 5 Times The Amount Of Platelets As Blood

#2: It May Reduce Scarring

#3: PRP Is Exceptionally Safe