Platelet Rich Plasma 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.

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.

May 09

Why Is Hair Loss More Common Among Men?

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

Men and women both suffer hair loss for a variety of reasons. However, when it comes to age-related and genetic hair loss, men tend to have it much worse. Women can certainly experience genetic hair loss, but it is less common. So, why is hair loss more common among men?

The reason that genetic hair loss affects men more than women comes down to a testosterone-related hormone known as dihydrotestosterone. Men and women have this hormone, but it is in much higher levels in men. Having higher levels of DHT, or other genetic factors can cause the hormone to attack the hair follicles. This makes them smaller and damages them, which causes the hair to fall out and no hair to grow back in its place.

The hair follicles most susceptible to DNT are those along the front and top of the head. This is why a receding hairline and loss of hair on the top of the head are the hallmarks of male pattern baldness. And, thus, this is why hair from the side and back of the head–which are resistant or less susceptible to DHT–are used as donor hairs during a hair transplant.

PRP can also help reverse the damage and miniaturization of hair follicles to slow the process of genetic hair loss. To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-279-2112. You can also reach out online via chat or online form.

May 02

Does PRP Get Rid Of Wrinkles?

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

Platelet rich plasma can be injected to stimulate collagen production such as for filling hollows under the eyes. The most common cosmetic uses of platelet rich plasma surround hair restoration and skin rejuvenation. However, more injectable forms of PRP are becoming available and popular. “Does PRP get rid of wrinkles?”

The reason platelet rich plasma is effective for under eye enhancement is because the skin under the eyes is among the thinnest skin on the face. Therefore, the difference is more noticeable. In areas elsewhere on the face, it can take many more sessions to make a difference. However, that does not mean that it cannot be effective.

Another area where many get PRP injections is the nasolabial folds. Also called the smile lines, this area can be difficult to fill because major blood vessels run near the area. PRP comes from blood and therefore if injected into a blood vessel, does not cause a blockage or damage (though it can be painful and may cause more bruising).

In some patients, PRP can help get rid of wrinkles around the face. However, it does not work as quickly or effectively as traditional dermal fillers in all areas. If you have allergies to filler or are concerned about the risk, PRP may be a good option. To learn more and schedule a consultation, call us at 206-279-2112. You can also reach out online via chat and contact form.

Apr 18

Is PRP Recommended After Hair Transplant?

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

Platelet rich plasma hair restoration is normally recommended for younger patients beginning to experience hair loss. However, it can be used in other circumstances such as helping restore hair following cancer treatment or for hairline restoration. Many surgeons are now performing PRP hair injections following hair transplants. Is PRP recommended after hair transplant?

Hair transplant surgery is often the last resort for cosmetic hair restoration. It can address larger areas of hair loss than any non-surgical method. However, it is not uncommon for doctors to recommend continuing non-surgical hair therapies such as medications, laser therapy, or PRP.

In the case of PRP, it can help the healing in the area as well as repair damaged hair follicles. It can help hair come back quicker, thicker, and maintain the hair following surgery. While a hair transplant does last longer and has a lower chance of falling out, PRP prevents future hair loss following a transplantation procedure.

To learn more, call us at 206-279-2112. You can also reach out online using 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.

Mar 28

How Do I Prepare For PRP Under Eye Injections?

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

Injections of platelet rich plasma under the eyes are an alternative to traditional dermal fillers. While they both involve under eye injections, PRP must first be extracted from the patient’s blood sample and spun in a centrifuge. Beyond this, PRP comes with fewer risks than dermal fillers and can contribute to longer lasting results. Patients who opt for this often ask, “How do I prepare for PRP under eye injections?”

First, like with dermal fillers, it is best to avoid medications and supplements that can thin the blood. This includes over-the-counter pain killers that contain ibuprofen or Aspirin. Others may include turmeric and white willow supplements. While not absolutely necessary, avoiding these medications and supplements for a few days before and after your injections can help reduce and prevent bruising.

Next, on the day of your procedure, make sure to eat well and drink plenty of water. This can prevent adverse reactions to a blood draw and injections in general. This often will keep you feeling at your best during and after the appointment.

Finally, make preparations ahead of time. Plan not to work out the day of the procedure and limit alcohol intake as well. Pre-planning helps ensure the best outcomes and the fewest and least severe side effects. To learn more, you can contact us online via chat or contact for or call us at 206-279-2112.

Mar 21

Can You Combine RF Microneedling And PRP?

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

Platelet rich plasma is often combined with microneedling to provide better results and increase the quality of the skin. Other forms of microneedling, such as radiofrequency microneedling, provide the same results as traditional microneedling, but can also help tighten skin. Therefore, can you combine RF microneedling and PRP?

Yes, RF microneedling and PRP can complement each other. When applied during or after an RF microneedling session, PRP can help increase and improve the collagen response. Some worry that PRP after radiofrequency microneedling may cause extra irritation. This is unlikely since PRP comes from your own body and contains no added chemicals.

PRP can help soften the skin and reduce inflammation. They can also improve the overall quality of the skin. Platelet rich plasma can treat wrinkles, hyperpigmentation, skin tone, and skin texture. This makes it a great addition to RF microneedling to improve and supercharge the results.

To learn more and make an appointment, call us at 206-279-2112 or reach out online using chat or our contact form.

Mar 14

Does PRP Block DHT?

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

DHT, or dihydrotestosterone, is a reproductive hormone found in men and women. Though, it is more associated with men and found in higher levels in men. While DHT is actually vital for hair growth around the body, it can end up miniaturizing the hair follicles on the scalp and cause pattern baldness. Your DHT levels do not need to be elevated to this, it all depends on the receptors and genetics. So, since PRP is an effective hair loss treatment, does PRP block DHT?

Platelet rich plasma does not block the production of DHT, but rather reverses its effects of it. Since DHT miniaturizes the hair follicles, PRP restores them to their normal size. This process does take time and is ongoing, which is why most PRP patients benefit from yearly PRP injection sessions to maintain their results.

Inhibiting DHT altogether is not recommended for all patients, especially women. Therefore, PRP and other non-surgical hair restoration treatments offer an effective way to reverse and slow the effects of DHT hair loss.

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

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