Every year, new treatments are developed to address common issues like hair loss and the negative effects of aging. One of the most innovative and promising methods is PRP treatment, which makes use of the patient’s own blood to stimulate the healing process. At Mountain State Cosmetic Surgery in Beckley, WV, we can help you figure out whether this option is right for you.
Platelet-rich plasma injections have many benefits. Aside from being highly effective, they are also virtually pain-free, available to a wide range of patients, and easily combined with other methods. What’s more, this minimally invasive treatment doesn’t require lengthy downtime, so patients can resume their regular activities almost immediately. Let’s have a closer look at the advantages of PRP.
What Are the Benefits of PRP Treatment?
Platelet-rich plasma is a substance that comes from the patient’s own blood. To get started, the blood is extracted and then spun in a centrifuge. When injected back into the body’s tissues, the platelets, which are small blood cells, release growth factors and stimulate the production of new and healthy cells. This treatment is both simple and effective, and there are very few side effects or risks because the active ingredient is completely natural.
PRP can be used for a wide variety of issues, including problems with the joints and muscles. Here at the clinic, we focus on cosmetic applications, and we regularly use this method to address issues such as hair loss, acne and chickenpox scars, and skin conditions caused by aging. In many cases, a combination of PRP and other methods such as injectables or facials can replace a surgical intervention such as a facelift.
Safe and Effective
As discussed, platelet-rich plasma is a substance that comes from the patient’s own body. There are no harsh chemicals involved in this treatment, and it is considered safe for almost everyone. What’s more, it is a highly effective way of addressing a wide variety of problems related to the aging process.
In fact, recent studies have shown that around 85% of patients notice significant results after their sessions. Because platelet-rich plasma treatment is considerably less invasive and more cost-effective than surgery, it is a great option for those who would like to try a gentle method first.
Almost Everyone Is Eligible
Patients who would like to have a facelift or other surgical treatment must undergo many health checks. They might not be eligible if they have an underlying condition, problems with their heart, or a mental health condition like depression or anxiety. Fortunately, the eligibility criteria for platelet-rich plasma injections are much less strict, and almost every candidate who has scars or suffers from the negative effects of aging is a good fit.
Before approving you for treatment, we will have a look at your medical record to determine whether this method is a good fit. We will ask you about past treatments and whether you’ve ever had a negative reaction. Unless you have a serious medical emergency, are currently pregnant or breastfeeding, or have an active infection at the treatment site, it’s likely that we will allow you to participate.
A Pleasant and Hassle-Free Experience at the Clinic
At the initial consultation, your provider will discuss how many sessions are necessary. Depending on your cosmetic issue, you might need to come to see us two to four times. Each appointment only takes around 30-45 minutes, and you can leave straight away. While some people prefer to take the rest of the day off after their treatment, others go straight back to work or their regular activities.
When you get to the clinic, your provider will draw your blood and spin it in a centrifuge to extract the beneficial platelets and plasma. Then, they will double-check your cosmetic concern and mark the injection sites. Before your PRP is injected, your skin will be numbed, either through a local anesthetic or a numbing cream. As the substance is injected, most patients feel a sensation, but they don’t experience pain.
Suitable for Hair Restoration
One of the biggest problems related to aging is hair loss. It affects more than 50% of the population, and while men are likely to lose all their hair, women often experience thinning as they age. If you’ve noticed the first signs of hair loss, you should come to the clinic as soon as possible. PRP treatment is a great way of restoring the function of your hair follicles, but it is much more effective when the condition is addressed early.
Suitable for Skin Restoration
The second big cosmetic change people experience as they grow older is related to the skin. Since the body produces smaller quantities of the structural proteins collagen and elastin, patients develop fine lines and wrinkles, and their tissues begin to sag. When PRP is applied to areas that experience these symptoms of aging, the healing process is stimulated, and the skin becomes smoother and tighter.
Similarly, skin issues like chickenpox and acne scars, which can affect patients of all ages, can be resolved with platelet-rich plasma. Because the conditions that caused the scars are unlikely to recur, this type of treatment is permanent, and patients won’t have to come back to the clinic once their sessions are over.
Minimal Down Time Required
Many people put off getting treated because they believe that they will have to spend a lot of time preparing for their session, attending appointments, waiting at the clinic, and recovering from their treatment. But when you opt for platelet-rich plasma, this isn’t the case. Because the method is nonsurgical, you won’t have to do very much before and after your sessions.
Your provider will speak to you about substances you take on a regular basis. If you consume alcohol, nicotine, or blood-thinning drugs and supplements, you might have to pause them for several weeks. What’s more, you shouldn’t do strenuous exercise for about 48 hours after your treatment to avoid heating up the skin too much. Other than that, you can return to your normal routine right away.
Long-Lasting Results
Unlike some other cosmetic treatments, which have to be applied to the face or body every day, platelet-rich plasma produces long-lasting results. After the initial sessions, patients who got treated for acne scars can benefit from permanently smooth skin, and they don’t have to return to the clinic. People suffering from hair loss might need to have maintenance sessions once every three to six months.
Those getting treated for skin conditions need fewer appointments. In some cases, PRP treatment for wrinkling and sagging skin can last for 12-18 months, so annual maintenance sessions are enough. When you consider that each appointment only takes 30-45 minutes, the time expenditure required to keep your skin smooth and maintain a thick head of hair is minimal.
Can Be Combined with Other Methods
Many patients either don’t want to participate in cosmetic surgery or aren’t eligible for invasive treatments like a facelift or a hair transplant, even if they experience significant issues related to aging. Fortunately, a combination of PRP and other methods can work just as well. Here at the clinic, we can come up with a comprehensive treatment plan that allows you to regain your smooth, youthful look without surgical intervention.
In addition to PRP, many of our patients opt for an injectable such as a dermal filler, which can further reduce the appearance of wrinkles, augment the lips, and increase the volume in the cheeks. Others choose a facial or a HydraFacial to get rid of pores and other impurities. Those who have excess hair can get it permanently removed with laser hair removal, and those who have muscle tension can get a relaxing and rejuvenating massage.
Regain Your Thick Hair and Smooth Skin with PRP
Platelet-rich plasma is a completely natural substance that comes from the patient’s own body and is therefore extremely unlikely to cause allergies or other side effects. It is a great way to treat the negative symptoms of aging, which include hair loss, wrinkling, and sagging skin. However, it is also appropriate for patients who suffer from acne or chickenpox scars.
If you’re worried about the appearance of your skin or hair, you shouldn’t hesitate to reach out to your local providers. PRP treatment is technique sensitive, so it’s best to opt for a clinic with qualified providers and a good reputation. Get in touch with us now at Mountain State Cosmetic Surgery in Beckley, WV to schedule an appointment. Our esthetic specialists will be pleased to meet with you and discuss your cosmetic concerns.
