Dr. Craig Jonov, Author at PRP In Seattle

Jul 25

Is PRP Like Botox?

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

Botox is one of the oldest and most well known cosmetic injections on the market. Platelet rich plasma, or PRP, injections are among the newest. With many patients considering non-surgical cosmetic procedures, they want to understand the difference between the various options. Let’s look at one of the questions on this topic, “Is PRP like Botox?”

Platelet rich plasma injections are more comparable to dermal fillers than Botox. Botox is a type of injection known as a neurotoxin that temporarily relaxes targeted muscles to prevent and treat the formation of wrinkles. While there is a small collagen response, this is standard with any injection and is not the main part of Botox.

With PRP injections though, it heightens the collagen response that is generated from the injection itself. Over time and with multiple sessions, this helps build up the natural collagen in the treatment area. This is most often used under the eyes and for acne scars.

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.

Jul 11

Are PRP Injections or PRP Microneedling Better For Acne Scars?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | PRP Injections, PRP Skin Care

Acne scars are one of the biggest skin concerns among young people. Treating them can be frustrating and often requires professional, medical treatment. Platelet rich plasma is one such treatment that is showing promise for treating acne scars. So, are PRP injections or PRP microneedling better for acne scars?

The answer will vary based on each patient and the type of acne scarring they have. If you have rolling acne scars in several places, microneedling may work better, especially if not overly deep. Microneedling only penetrates the surface of the skin and thus it is ideal for these types of acne scars.

If you have larger acne scars or those that are deeply pitted, PRP injections may provide better results. Additionally, some people may undergo other injections for acne scars which can often be supplemented with PRP injections.

Ultimately, determining the right PRP treatment for acne scars will depend on your scarring, skin type, and other factors. To schedule a consultation with one of our master estheticians, call us at 206-279-2112. You can also reach out online via chat or contact form.

Jul 04

Is Microneedling With PRP Permanent?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Platelet Rich Plasma, PRP Skin Care

Microneedling is a well known esthetic procedure that helps stimulate collagen production. A way to supercharge it is with platelet rich plasma—also known as PRP. Since PRP is integral to the natural healing process in the body, this causes your body to react faster and better improves the results of microneedling. Let’s look at the question, “Is microneedling with PRP permanent?”

While undergoing regular PRP microneedling sessions may make a permanent improvement in the quality of your skin, the procedure is generally not considered permanent. This is because if you do not undergo it regularly, the skin will eventually become damaged again. It also does not take as long when compared to surgical procedures.

However, microneedling with PRP can make a long lasting difference. For example, the treatment is often used to reduce the appearance of acne and surgical scars. These results may be effectively permanent in some cases.

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

Jun 27

Can I Use Minoxidil After PRP?

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

Hair restoration can be a long and frustrating process. PRP hair restoration is one of the newest, non-surgical options for slowing hair loss and thinning. However, many patients have used or are using other hair restoration methods alongside PRP. Let’s look at one particular combination, “Can I use minoxidil after PRP?”

In most cases, it absolutely fine to use minoxidil after PRP hair restoration. Though, you should wait until you have healed. Usually, you can resume minoxidil use two to four weeks after your PRP hair injections. Combining treatments like this is often recommended for those who want to maintain their results as long as possible.

Working together, these two hair regrowth methods can help you restore and maintain hair. While this is not necessarily true for all people, most experts agree that combining treatments is not only safe, but recomended in many cases. Discuss your goals and plans with your hair restoration experts and they will help craft a customized treatment plan.

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

Jun 20

Does PRP Microneedling Work For Stretch Marks?

By Dr. Craig Jonov | Platelet Rich Plasma, PRP Skin Care

Stretch marks occur when the skin stretches or contracts with weight gain, weight loss, pregnancy, and other conditions. Many people become self-conscious about their stretch marks and may use various topical products to help them fade. However, even with new stretch makes, these results are often minimal. Let’s look at another option and answer the question, “Does PRP microneedling work for stretch marks?”

First, it is essential to note that it is easiest to treat recent stretch marks. You will see more effective results, though older stretch marks can also be helped in some cases, but the results will not be as dramatic. When undergoing a PRP microneedling session, the treatment stimulates collagen over and around the stretch marks. This helps the skin heal and contract to fade the stretch marks over time.

It often takes several sessions for stretch marks since they are not a traditional scar or skin. Therefore, it can take much longer than usual to see results, even with this effective method. Some people choose to supplement with PRP injections to treat deeper into the skin.

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

Jun 13

How Many PRP Sessions Are Needed For Hair?

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

Platelet rich plasma hair injections are a growing hair restoration method. As a non-surgical way to slow the progression of hair loss and thinning, many men and women seek out the treatment before more invasive options such as a hair transplant. However, knowing that multiple sessions are needed, they often ask, “How many PRP sessions are needed for hair?”

Generally, when you start a PRP hair regimen, your provider will recommend beginning with a round of four treatment sessions. Following these sessions, they will gauge the necessity for subsequent sessions. Some may be perfectly happy after four sessions and only require occasional touch-ups.

On average, people undergo between six and eight PRP hair sessions. Though, this is dependent on several factors such as the amount of hair loss or thinning you are experiencing, your age, goals for treatment, and the results seen after treatment. Some people may see amazing results in three or four sessions while others may find better results from other hair restoration methods.

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

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.

May 23

How Can You Tell If PRP Is Working?

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

Platelet rich plasma injections usually do not provide immediate relief or results. It takes time for the PRP to induce the healing process and repair the skin and hair follicles. This can understandably make some patients anxious and wonder if it is working. Let’s look at the question, “How can you tell if PRP is working?”

Often, time is the best indicator of whether or not PRP is working. When it comes to PRP hair restoration, if you have not seen any meaningful results after about three or four sessions, it is likely that PRP is not the best option for you. However, other procedures may show sooner.

PRP injections for the under eyes tend to show some results sooner. While this may be subtle, it is not uncommon for the skin to look a little brighter and be overall better quality a few weeks after treatment. Otherwise, there is not tried and true way to tell if PRP is working.

If you have concerns, your provider can always evaluate your results and the treatment areas. To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-279-2112. You can also reach out online via chat or contact form.

May 16

Is There A Proven Way To Grow Hair?

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

Hair loss is often exceedingly distressing and stressful for people who experience it, especially at a younger age. Therefore, many are willing to try various methods to grow their hair back and maintain it. A frequently asked question our PRP hair experts get is, “Is there a proven way to grow hair?”

Technically, no, no hair growth treatment, medication, or procedure is going to work for everyone. However, depending on the cause of hair loss, the extent of hair loss, and the age of the patient, there are hair restoration solutions with a good chance of working. Let’s look at some of the most effective hair restoration techniques.

PRP hair restoration is perfect for patients under 35 who are experiencing the earlier stages of genetic hair loss. It can slow the process and reverse some of the miniaturizations of the hair follicles. For older patients or those in more advanced stages, PRP may not be the best option. At a certain point, hair transplant surgery is the best option.

Hair loss medications are also effective for many patients. They can also be used alongside PRP hair restoration for the best results. To learn more about the right hair restoration method for you, schedule a consultation by calling 206-279-2112 or reach out online via chat or contact form.

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