Seattle Plastic Surgery Center 600 Broadway Suite #320 Seattle, WA 98122
The Gallery of Cosmetic Surgery - 3500 188th St. SW, #670 Lynnwood, WA 98037

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Jan 30
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A Photo For A Blog Post About What Is The Best Non-Surgical Hair Restoration Procedure

What Is The Best Non-Surgical Hair Restoration Procedure?

By | 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
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A Photo For A Blog Post About What Are Dos And Don’ts After PRP

What Are Dos And Don’ts After PRP

By | 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
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A Photo For A Blog Post About What Can I Do Instead Of Hair Transplant Surgery

What Can I Do Instead Of Hair Transplant Surgery?

By | 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.

Dec 05
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A Photo For A Blog Post About Is it possible to regrow hair without transplant

Is It Possible To Regrow Hair Without Transplant?

By | Hair Restoration

Hair restoration makes up an important part of the medical and aesthetic industries. People—especially men—want to prevent hair loss and maintain their hair for as long as possible. In the past, the only way to effectively restore hair long term was hair transplant surgery, which still is performed today (albeit an improved version). So, is it possible to regrow hair without transplant?

The answer depends on a few factors. First, what is the cause of hair loss? Hair loss due to genetics, age, certain medical treatments, and medical conditions can sometimes be restored without surgery. Though, it often necessitates continued treatments over the course of several years. This could include topical medications or coming in once or twice a year for treatment. If the hair loss is due to trauma, restoration becomes more complicated.

Secondly, how advanced is the hair loss? The more advanced the hair loss, the more likely that surgery becomes necessary for long lasting results. If it is still early on, a patient may see success with non-surgical treatments.

Finally, what are the patient’s goals? Not every patient needs to restore an entire full head of hair. Some want to simply address their hairline or certain areas. The right treatment will depend on what exactly the patient wants to achieve.

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
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A Photo For A Blog Post About How Long Does It Take PRF To Absorb

How Long Does It Take PRF To Absorb?

By | 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
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A Photo For A Blog Post About Does PRF Hurt

Does PRF Hurt?

By | 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.

Aug 29
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A Photo For A Blog About Where Can PRF Be Injected

Where Can PRF Be Injected?

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

The Benefits Of Platelet Rich Fibrin

By | 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
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A Photo For A Blog About What Is Platelet Rich Fibrin

What Is Platelet Rich Fibrin?

By | 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.