Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP)

A course of 3 treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart is recommended with ongoing maintenance every 6 months.

Dependent on the area being treated and your goals, it may be necessary to have more than 3 treatments. We will be able to advise you on this during your consultation.

The answer is it depends. It depends on your age, health, your genetics and the severity of the issue we are treating.

On average positive changes should be visible within 6 to 12 weeks. These will improve over time but there are no guarantees. Everyone heals at different rates.

This can vary from person to person.

For Hair loss - Hair density can start to decrease at around 6 months, so a maintenance treatment is recommended every 6 months to maintain your results.

For treatment in rest of the body or face – we recommend one maintenance treatment every 6 months to maintain the benefits of the initial course.

Some people don't find PRP treatment painful at all whereas others do. This can depend on the area being treated. For example, everyone has different levels of scalp sensitivity so as the plasma is injected into the scalp, it can sting the nerves and cause pain in some people.

In other areas of the face and body most people tolerate this treatment very well with minimal discomfort.

7 days before treatment:

• Discontinue blood thinning agents such as vitamin E, vitamin A, Gingko, Garlic, Flax, Cod Liver Oil, and Essential Fatty Acids, and multivitamins, a minimum of 7 days (preferably 14 days) prior to treatment. It is fine to continue iron and vitamin D.

• If you are taking any blood thinners, please let your provider know immediately, as they may represent a contraindication to this treatment. These medications include Plavix, Coumadin and Heparin.

• Avoid aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Voltarol and other anti-inflammatory medications. We want inflammation to occur – as this is one mechanism by which PRP works.

• You may use paracetamol as needed prior to the treatment.

• Prescription medications (including heart and blood pressure medication) should be taken as prescribed right up to, and including, the day of and the day after your treatments.

• If you are taking broad beta-blockers such as Inderal (Propranolol), please inform your provider as this medication may need to be changed to a select beta-blocker in advance of the treatment. Avoid excessive sun or heat exposure.

3 days before treatment:

• Minimize or avoid alcohol consumption.

• If possible, refrain from smoking prior to your procedure as it impacts the healing process.

• Increase your intake of fluid the day before your procedure by simply drinking 2 glasses of water in the morning, 2 glasses at lunch, and 2 glasses at dinner, in addition to your normal intake of water.

If your treatment is for hair loss:

• You may continue other hair loss treatments such as laser treatment, minoxidil, or hormone blocking tablets before your procedure. If you are not sure if you should be stopping a medication, please ask.

• It is ok to colour your hair up to 7 days before the procedure.

Day of Procedure:

• Please eat a normal breakfast or lunch the day of your PRP session.

• Drink a bottle of water (500 mL) at least 2 hours before your session.

• It is strongly recommended to take a hot shower to wash your hair that evening, after the treatment, to promote the effects of PRP.

If your treatment is for hair loss:

• Shower the morning of your treatment and wash your hair very thoroughly using your regular shampoo.

• Do not apply sprays, gels, or any other styling products to your hair.

• If you wear a hair system, please remove it prior to shampooing and do not wear it before your PRP treatments.

• It is normal to experience bruising, redness, itching, swelling and/or soreness that may last from 2-5 days following your treatment. If you experience any pain or discomfort, you may take paracetamol products as directed.

• You may have a bruise at the blood draw site.

• You may notice a tingling sensation while the cells are being activated.

• In rare cases, skin infection or reaction may occur, which is easily treated with an antibiotic or inflammatory. Please contact our clinic immediately if you notice unusual discomfort.

• Try to refrain from applying ice to the injected area as ice acts as an anti-inflammatory. Ice or cold compresses can be applied to reduce swelling if required.

• Continue to avoid aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Voltarol and other anti-inflammatory medications for 3 days after your procedure (if possible, try for 7 days).

• Avoid vigorous exercise, sun and heat exposure for at least 2 days after your treatment.

• Avoid saunas, steam rooms, swimming for 2 days after your treatment.

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking for 3 days after treatment. Smokers do not heal well, and problems recur earlier, and results may take longer.

• Continue increased water intake the first week after your treatment.

• Do not use blood thinning agents such as vitamin E, vitamin A, Ginko, Garlic, Flax, Cod Liver Oil, Essential Fatty Acids and least one week after your treatment

Specific Advice for PRP for Hair Loss

• Do not wet your hair for at least 3 hours after your treatment.

• For the first 3 days, use shampoo that is pH balanced.

• Do not use any hair products for at least 6 hours after your treatment.

• Be sure to take a hot shower and wash your hair that evening, after the treatment, to promote the effects of PRP.

• Avoid resuming Minoxidil (Formula 82M, Rogaine®), hair colouring, and straightening for 3 days.

Contact the Clinic Immediately if any of the Following Signs of Infection Occur:

• Drainage – looks like pus

• Increased warmth at or around the treated area

• Fever of 101.5 or greater

• Severe pain that is unresponsive to over-the-counter pain relievers