PRP/PRF Injections

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Platelet-rich plasma consists of two elements: plasma, or the liquid portion of blood, and platelets a type of blood cell that plays an important role in healing throughout the body. Platelets are well-known for their clotting abilities, but they also contain growth factors that can trigger cell reproduction and stimulate tissue regeneration or healing in the treated area. Platelet-rich plasma is simply blood that contains more platelets than normal.

Similar to PRP, platelet-rich fibrin (PRF), is the next generation treatment of platelet concentrate. PRF is a fibrin matrix comprised of platelet cytokines, growth factors and cells used to help promote skin rejuvenation, hair growth and wound healing.

To create PRP/PRF, clinicians take a blood sample from the client and place it into a device called a centrifuge that rapidly spins the sample, separating out the other components of the blood from the platelets and concentrating them within the plasma. 

PRP is spun at a much higher rate in the centrifuge, therefore, most of the cells—white cells, stem cells, blood cells, etc., are kept at the bottom of the tube and the lighter cells, the platelets, are kept in the serum and the top level after spinning which is then injected into tissues.  PRF, on the other hand, is spun at a slower rate, so a lot of the white cells, stem cells, and platelets are kept in the top layers of the post-centrifuge tube, while the red cells will make their way down to the bottom. That is what is injected into the tissues, as opposed to just platelets and serum.

We'll do our best to make it comfortable by applying a topical anesthetic to the area before beginning treatment. Once numb, we will inject a local anesthetic so that you feel little to no pain at all.

Before your treatment, you will have a one-on-one consultation with  Natural Beauty Aesthetix specialist. This one-on-one time is vital for safe and satisfying aesthetic results. During this appointment, we will examine your skin and review your medical history. We will explain the procedure, and what to expect from the treatment. If our assessment determines that PRP/PRF is right for you, a unique treatment plan will be created and you can begin your treatment regime immediately after your consultation. 

• Avoid any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for two to four weeks before your treatment. NSAIDs include Aspirin, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin, or Excedrin (if your physician instructs you to take these medications, get clearance before stopping any of them). These medications can potentially interact with the PRF platelet coagulation process, rendering the treatment less effective.  
• HYDRATE! HYDRATE!! HYDRATE!!! Hydration is key to obtaining enough quality PRP/PRF during your treatment and getting better results. You should drink at least 64 oz of water throughout the day before your appointment. On the day of your appointment, be sure to come hydrated and moisturize the injection area beforehand.
• Avoid consuming alcoholic beverages for at least 5 days prior to your treatment. 
• Avoid Omega 3s, fish oil, ibuprofen, vitamin E, garlic supplements, and aspirin for two to four weeks prior to your treatment (if your physician instructs you to take any of these medications, make sure to get clearance before stopping any of them).
• Stop using any topical retinol and/or exfoliating acid products 3 days before your treatment and three days after to avoid any potential excess skin redness or irritation. 

 If you have any aversion to blood or are squeamish about needles or getting your blood drawn, this may not be a treatment option for you. For high anxiety clients a low dose sedative may be given. After which two vials of your blood will be drawn and placed inside a centrifuge. While the blood spins, you will be seated with numbing medication to limit discomfort. After spinning, the PRF becomes separated from other blood components and withdrawn from the top of the vial. Once complete, the PRF is injected using a blunt-tipped cannula, fine needle, or microneedling pen.

Downtime is minimal but also depends on location of treatment. Swelling, bruising, discomfort, numbness, and redness are among the most common post-treatment side effects. As is the case with all injections, there is always a risk of redness, bruising, and pain caused by the needle used. Clients will likely experience bruising and swelling/puffiness for 3-5 days after under eye treatments. A headache is sometimes reported after injections into the scalp.

You can expect this entire procedure to last anywhere from 20-45 minutes, depending on the location you're getting injected. You might need anywhere from three to five treatments to see results. You will begin to see the results of your treatment become noticeable around the one to two month mark, as the structures and collagen continue to build.  

The longevity of the results may vary depending on the injection location and the desired overall results.  

An in-person consultation is recommended to go over the details and discuss recommendations for the best treatment plan addressing your concerns and goals.  We strive to make each session more affordable by accepting cash, all major credit cards, and healthcare financing through Cherry credit.