For men of any age, caring for your health and wellness is vital. You’re more likely to feel and look better if you take care of yourself, whether that means exercising more, eating healthier foods, or learning to meditate.

But if you’re looking for a little extra help, you have plenty of amazing and innovative treatments to choose from. And including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and IV therapy are two of the most exciting treatment types on the market.

Depending on which treatment you choose, you can rejuvenate your skin, cultivate a more youthful look, boost your immune system, or even improve your sexual performance.

Which PRP treatment or IV therapy is best for you? Below, we’ll explore the options available at Astra Medicare to help you find the right one.

PRP for Skin Rejuvenation, Hair Loss, and More

PRP treatments are a fantastic way to boost your health and wellness. If platelet-rich plasma is new to you, it’s a little simpler than it might seem.

It all starts with a registered nurse taking a sample of your blood. Next, they run your sample through a centrifuge: this amazing machine spins at incredible speeds to separate the platelets from other components within your blood. This process creates a platelet-rich plasma ready for injection back into your bloodstream.

Why? Platelets carry vital growth factors that stimulate reproduction of cells and regeneration of tissue, both valuable for healing. As a result, PRP treatments increase the number of skin cells performing repairs.

That’s why they can improve the appearance of your wrinkles (fine and deep) in treated areas. They can also promote collagen and elastin production to increase the elasticity of skin.

PRP treatments can target specific aspects of your appearance you might want to improve, including dark circles under your eyes. PRP is also helpful in scar revision for acne and surgical scars, as well as stretch marks.

Additionally, PRP treatments can fight hair loss. Injecting platelet-rich plasma into the scalp helps blood and nutrients reach hair follicles, stimulating better hair growth.

Another option is the Vampire Facial. By combining PRP injections with microneedling, the Vampire Facial can rejuvenate your appearance by:

• Creating firmer skin
• Reducing the visibility of wrinkles
• Improving skin texture and tone
• Boosting collagen production (to help with sagging skin)

The results of a Vampire Facial can last from 12 to 18 months, depending on your age and skincare regimen.

P-Shot PRP Treatment to Boost Your Sexual Performance

Erectile dysfunction and loss of libido can be severely difficult for men in any age group. Sexual problems may affect a man’s self-esteem, intimate relationships, and general quality of life. There are a number of common causes, including:

• Decreasing testosterone levels
• Psychological problems (anxiety, stress, depression)
• Medication
• Substance abuse
• Diabetes

Fortunately, men experiencing low libido or erectile dysfunction can try a range of treatments today, including Astra Medicare’s Intimate Injectables.

The P-Shot is a men-only PRP treatment: platelet-rich plasma containing strong growth factors is injected into multiple areas of the penis. It can improve circulation, stimulate stronger erections, and enhance sexual performance in men affected by erectile dysfunction. In some cases, men have found that the P-Shot also cultivated better sexual stamina, sensation, and penis length and girth.

The results of the P-Shot tend to become noticeable after just a few days, and should reach their peak after three months or so. The benefits can last for one year or more.

Glutathione IV for Healthy Skin

Glutathione is a powerful antioxidant and can help fight free radicals that damage cells. It’s important for: building and repairing tissue; producing essential proteins and chemicals; and overall functioning of the immune system. But glutathione also inhibits production of melanin, the substance responsible for skin pigmentation.

The body produces less glutathione with age, so injecting it into your body can bring your glutathione levels to a healthy point.

By inhibiting melanin production, our Glutathione IV treatment may help your skin become lighter and healthier. It can create a more balanced skin tone, which is ideal if you have hyperpigmentation due to sun damage or hormonal fluctuations. Our Glutathione IV treatment also improves the appearance of blemishes, freckles, and liver spots.

Vitamin C IV Therapy

Vitamin C is vital to help the body heal faster and fight off viruses/bacteria. It can increase energy levels too.

However, the body can’t produce its own vitamin C, which is why some people take it as a supplement. But any oral supplement has to pass through the gastrointestinal system, which reduces its nutritional value.

As our IV therapy injects vitamin C directly into the bloodstream, it bypasses the digestive stage and your body absorbs more of it.

If you’re feeling a little rundown, the vitamin C IV therapy may give you more energy, boost your immune system, decrease your toxicity levels, and even encourage collagen production to strengthen your skin.

IV Vitamin Cocktails

You can choose from a wide range of IV Vitamin Cocktails to suit your personal needs. Options include:

• Skin Rejuvenation & Brightening: Combines Glutathione and vitamin C.
• Pure Energy Boost: A mix of minerals, vitamins, and amino acids to increase energy levels.
• Immunity Booster: Helps make the immune system stronger and boost energy levels.
• Brain Booster: Micronutrients and amino acids for improved brain function and focus.
• Stress Relief: A calming treatment to reduce stress levels.

IV Vitamin Cocktail treatments are provided by trained health care experts, and we can recommend the right one for you during a consultation.

Choosing the Best PRP Treatment and IV Therapy for You

PRP treatments and IV therapy can leave you looking and feeling revitalized. Whether you want to increase your energy levels, reduce stress, create a more balanced skin tone, boost your immune system, or improve your sexual performance, there’s a treatment for you.

Astra Medicare’s team provides a wide range of PRP treatments and IV therapies for men’s health and wellness. Get in touch today to schedule your consultation.

In Canada, erectile dysfunction affects an estimated 3 million men aged 40 and above. It can be an incredibly difficult condition to experience at any age, and can be caused by many physical and psychological issues.

Fortunately, men struggling with erectile dysfunction have access to more treatment options now than ever. Some of the more well-known and widely available treatments are Viagra and Cialis.

However, one of the most innovative options is the P-Shot, a form of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy.

A P-Shot treatment can help men enjoy more stimulating sexual experiences with a partner, but how does it work? And how long does it last?

In this post, we’ll cover everything you need to know about the P-Shot PRP treatment and its effect on erectile dysfunction.

What is the P-Shot?

The P-Shot is a type of PRP therapy. If this term is new to you, PRP involves extracting plasma with a high platelet count from your blood. Plasma mainly consists of proteins and water, and it carries blood cells through your body. Platelets are essential for creating blood clots and healing.

How does PRP work? A blood sample is taken, then inserted into a centrifuge. This spins the blood at a high speed to separate red blood cells, plasma, and platelets. The platelets are injected back into the body to stimulate its natural healing process, repairing cells and tissue.

PRP therapy can be used in different ways, including aiding recovery from injuries and the popular vampire facial.

During the P-Shot treatment, the platelet-rich plasma is injected into multiple areas of the penis to improve circulation and promote stronger erections. The P-Shot can also boost sexual performance in men affected by erectile dysfunction caused by various factors (see below).

Sensation and sexual stamina may both improve after the P-Shot treatment. Some men have also found their penis length and girth has improved too.

If a man has struggled to achieve and maintain an erection for some time, a successful treatment can be a welcome relief for both them and their partner.

What Causes Erectile Dysfunction?

According to the Medical Council of Canada, erectile dysfunction occurs when a man cannot achieve and maintain an erection of “sufficient rigidity for sexual intercourse more than 75% of the time”.

Erectile dysfunction may be caused by a wide range of physical issues and psychological conditions. These include:

• High cholesterol
• Heart disease
• Obesity
• Diabetes
• Some prescription medications
• Smoking tobacco
• Low testosterone
• Treatment for enlarged prostate or prostate cancer
• Atherosclerosis (blocked blood vessels)
• Alcohol and drug abuse
• Surgeries affecting the spinal cord or pelvic region

Certain psychological factors can cause erectile dysfunction, including:

• Stress
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Relationship issues (e.g. weak communication)
• Other mental health conditions

Whatever the cause, it’s vital that men experiencing erectile dysfunction speak to a healthcare provider. They may be able to confirm a cause and recommend suitable treatments.

What Can Men Expect After P-Shot Treatments?

The P-Shot is available as part of Astra Medicare’s Intimate Injectables treatments, along with the O-Shot. While the P-Shot can lead to stronger arousal and satisfaction in men, the O-Shot is designed to improve female sexual experiences by increasing lubrication and tightening the opening to the vaginal canal.

Couples may find that the P-Shot and O-Shot treatments allow them both to share better sexual experiences together. For example, men affected by low testosterone and loss of libido can become more sexually stimulated after P-Shot treatments, and women frustrated by a lack of vaginal lubrication can expect more powerful intercourse after O-Shots.

Men may also find that adopting a healthier lifestyle (e.g. stopping smoking, getting more exercise) and discussing medications with their healthcare provider helps to improve their sexual performance.

When Will the Results of a P-Shot Treatment Start to Show?

The time it takes for men to see an improvement in their erectile dysfunction can vary from person to person. But it’s common for men to notice the first improvements, however minor, within just a few days of the P-Shot treatment.

However, the full results of the P-Shot should peak after approximately three months, and these effects can last for a year or more. The long-term outcome, though, may differ depending on how a man’s body responds to the treatment.

Astra Medicare’s team will be available to chat before and after your P-Shot, so you can reach out if you have any questions or concerns.

How Many P-Shot Treatments Do I Need?

One P-Shot treatment is usually enough to create positive results, but follow-up treatments are available for when those initial effects start to wane. We’ll discuss subsequent treatments and provide you with personalized advice during your pre-treatment consultation.

Who Provides the P-Shot Treatment?

Men may not find the prospect of receiving injections in their penis appealing (to say the least), and that can make it difficult to prepare for the P-Shot treatment. The same is true of women considering the O-Shot. However, at Astra Medicare, the P-Shot is always performed by licensed, highly trained health care experts.

We understand that anything related to sexual intercourse and intimate areas of the body can be uncomfortable to discuss with a stranger. That’s why our health care experts will discuss the treatment with you in detail beforehand during your personal consultation. You will have a chance to ask any questions you have about the P-Shot, its effects, and PRP in general.

How Much Does the P-Shot Treatment Cost?

The price of the P-Shot treatment can vary. We know that the cost is a key factor to consider before you try any treatment, so our health care experts will only provide you with a price after assessing your personal requirements during your consultation.

Schedule Your P-Shot Consultation Today

The P-Shot PRP treatment is an innovative technique for stimulating stronger erections and enhancing sexual performance in men affected by erectile dysfunction. By taking a sample of blood and injecting the platelets back into your body, Astra Medicare’s health care experts can help men of any age combat erectile dysfunction.

Contact our team to schedule your consultation at Astra Medicare today.

InMode’s VTone is a state-of-the-art device designed to treat urinary incontinence. Keep reading to find out how it works, what causes urinary incontinence in women, and more.

How common is urinary incontinence?

Urinary incontinence affects around 10% of the Canadian population (up to 3.3 million people). While 16% percent of men aged 40 and older experience urinary incontinence, it affects 33% of women in the same age group. Only around one quarter of those affected mention it to their doctor.

What causes urinary incontinence?

Weakened pelvic floor muscles can cause urinary incontinence, as they provide the bladder and urethra with essential support. Weaker muscles need to work harder to prevent urine from leaving the urethra until a woman is in a position to urinate comfortably. The stress placed on the bladder and urethra may lead to leakage.

Pelvic floor muscles are typically weakened by pregnancy, childbirth, and menopause. But other causes include being overweight, nerve damage, surgery (e.g. hysterectomy), and various medicines (including diuretics).

Urinary incontinence in women is split into two types:

Stress urinary incontinence (SI)

SI refers to accidental urine leakage triggered by coughing, exercising, laughing, and other physical actions. Women affected by SI may be likely to leak urine multiple times a day with simple motions, which can make working, enjoying sports, socializing, or any number of other activities difficult.

Urge incontinence

With urge incontinence, women tend to experience a sudden need to urinate followed by a leak. Some women may have enough time to get to a bathroom before the urine leaves their urethra, but the urge can strike several times a day. It may even happen while sleeping or when hearing the sound of running water.

What is VTone?

VTone is part of InMode’s innovative EmpowerRF multi-functional platform. EmpowerRF was created to provide unparalleled women’s wellness therapies using the latest technologies. It offers:

• Intravaginal electrical muscle stimulation (EMS)
• Sub-dermal fractional microneedling and coagulation
• Electrical muscle stimulation (EMS)
• Volumetric deep heating with bipolar radiofrequency (RF)

VTone delivers intravaginal electrical muscle stimulation along with neuromuscular re-education. It is a handheld probe, around the size of a standard tampon, shaped for gentle, precise insertion into the vagina.

How can VTone help with urinary incontinence?

InMode’s VTone is a non-invasive way to build stronger pelvic floor muscles. The probe is inserted into the vaginal canal, and when activated, it releases electrical pulses. These stimulate involuntary muscle contractions, which cause the pelvic floor to become tighter and more toned over a number of treatment sessions.

As a result, the VTone can improve muscle fibers that have become weak and overstretched (e.g. through childbirth). You should notice improved tightness in your pelvic floor area, which can improve both SI and urge urinary incontinence considerably.

How long does a VTone treatment session last?

VTone is a non-invasive, fast, painless treatment performed with no need for anesthesia, unlike surgery. Your treatment should be complete within around 30 minutes.

How many VTone treatments will you need?

The exact number of treatment sessions you’ll need to reduce your urinary incontinence may vary, but most women complete their course within six to eight sessions. It depends on the specifics of your urinary incontinence, how weakened your pelvic floor muscles are, and other personal factors.

However, you should notice a significant improvement within a couple of weeks of your final session.

Overall, a course of treatments should last no longer than three months. An annual treatment is recommended to maintain the VTone’s results. 

What other benefits does VTone offer?

VTone also offers the following three benefits:

A non-invasive treatment means no downtime

Downtime is one of the major issues people need to consider when undergoing cosmetic surgery. The body needs to recover from the physical changes created during the treatment, as well as the anesthesia used.

The length of recovery times varies depending on the type of surgery performed and its severity. A patient may need to stay in hospital for a day or more before they can go home, and then they might have to spend days or even weeks recuperating. That can affect their ability to work and stay on top of personal responsibilities.

Fortunately, as VTone is non-invasive, you don’t need to worry about preparing for downtime and rearranging your schedule. The VTone treatment is designed to be as comfortable as possible, and while some women may feel a little sore the next day, this is usually no worse than the muscular discomfort caused by trying a new type of exercise.

You can schedule your VTone treatments around your usual commitments, including work, childcare, and social activities.

Improved sensations during sexual intercourse

The vagina changes in different ways with age. It can become more dry than before due to a lack of natural lubrication, caused by reduced estrogen levels during the menopause. This can make intercourse uncomfortable for both people, and requires artificial lubricant to fend off dryness.

The labia also start to become looser with age. That’s because the body produces less collagen and elastin, both of which keep the skin taut. This can also make intercourse more difficult and less satisfying, as can the thinning of vaginal tissues.

But a series of VTone treatments will make vaginal tissues stronger and improve lubrication (by boosting blood flow to those tissues). You may be in a better position to enjoy a more stimulating, fulfilling sex life after VTone treatments.

VTone can be used alongside other cutting-edge treatment technologies

As VTone is part of InMode’s EmpowerRF multi-functional platform, it can be used alongside other technologies to deliver multiple wellness therapies.

For example, the Morpheus8 device combines microneedling and radiofrequency energy to promote collagen production. This can create firmer, smoother skin and reduce the visibility of wrinkles.

Schedule a consultation for VTone treatments

If you’re concerned about urinary incontinence, Astra Medicare’s team is here to discuss InMode’s VTone treatment today.

To learn more about how VTone treatments can help you, contact our expert team to schedule a consultation.

What is cystic acne?

Cystic acne is a more severe form of acne that creates large pimples, filled with pus, beneath the skin. Cystic acne tends to show as red bumps, which often ooze pus or become crusty. This condition can be painful, difficult to live with, and may lead to scarring over time.

Cystic acne forms on the face, chest, neck, back, and other areas of the body. As with other forms of acne, cystic acne is most visible on the face and neck.

What causes cystic acne?

Cystic acne is caused by a mix of oil, dead skin cells, and bacteria clogging pores. This creates an infection below the skin, which leads to the formation of pus-filled cysts. Bacteria will spread if an acne cyst pops, which can cause breakouts in surrounding areas.

Hormone changes may lead to cystic acne, such as increasing testosterone, which stimulates production of sebum, an oil produced naturally to keep skin lubricated. Other potential causes of cystic acne include:

• Excessive sweating
• Medications
• Cosmetics that clog pores
• Squeezing pimples (increases the risk of bacteria spreading)

Despite what some may believe, acne does not mean a person has poor personal hygiene. If anything, it’s possible that washing too vigorously can leave the skin too dry and prompt it to create more sebum, increasing the likelihood of clogged pores.

How can cystic acne affect people’s professional journeys?

The Canadian Dermatology Association reveals that more than 80% of people affected by acne are aged 12 to 24. In some cases, the acne will clear up by the time teenagers reach their twenties, but the condition can persist well beyond then. In fact, around one-quarter of teenagers with acne will still have it by the time they reach 25 years of age.

According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, women account for three-quarters of adult acne. This is often due to hormonal changes (e.g. during menstrual periods, pregnancy, and menopause).

Whatever the causes, acne (especially cystic acne) can have a lasting impact on a person’s life. For example, a New York Times article from October 2021 revealed the emotional toll that acne can take on adults. It cited a number of studies into adult acne, including one from 2021 that found acne-prone adults felt less confident in the workplace because of their condition, with low self-worth named as a common result of breakouts.

Participants in the study also shared that few of their peers had acne, which made them feel more isolated, and that having visible acne might make colleagues or seniors believe they were younger than they were. That could cause concern that they have less experience and are less professional overall.

The New York Times article also referred to individuals who feel embarrassed by their acne when meeting clients at work, or even on Zoom calls.

Acne may appear skin deep, but adults experiencing the condition in their twenties, thirties, and beyond may find that it has a strong impact on their lives and careers. Fortunately, treatments can help to improve acne-prone skin, keep breakouts at bay, and even restore confidence.

What treatments are available for cystic acne?

Various treatments designed to treat acne (and often other skin conditions) are available. These include facial treatments and specially formulated skin care products.

Here are some treatments that could improve your cystic acne:

Facial treatments

A professional facial treatment can rejuvenate skin and fight acne. Some fantastic options include:

Hydrafacial

A facial consisting of three steps — cleansing, extracting, and hydrating. Deep cleansing and exfoliation reveals a new layer of skin. Extractions strip impurities from pores, while hydration introduces bespoke ingredients that nourish the skin.

Acne Basic S.O.S.

The Acne Basic S.O.S. is a purifying treatment designed to remove impurities and perform a deep cleanse of the skin to calm different types of inflammation. The high-frequency technology brings more oxygen to the treated skin to improve texture, tone, and acne.

Microdermabrasion

During microdermabrasion treatments, an abrasive device is used to gently but effectively remove the skin’s top layer. This can remove dead skin cells and give treated skin a more youthful, fresher look.

That’s why microdermabrasion may improve the look of cystic acne and fight its formation.

Astra Glow Treatment

The Astra Glow is a treatment exclusive to Astra Medicare. It revitalizes acne-prone skin, decreases hyperpigmentation, and reduces the visibility of wrinkles.

PRP

For anyone with scars caused by cystic acne, a platelet rich plasma (PRP) treatment may create smoother, healthier skin. It uses your own blood’s healing capabilities to rejuvenate the skin, encourage healing, and promote new tissue growth.

Your treatment provider will take a small amount of your blood, then place it into a centrifuge to separate platelets from the red and white cells. Finally, the remaining serum is injected into one or more areas of the face scarred by acne.

Skin care products

The following skin care products can help fight cystic acne:

Vivier Acne Treatment System

The Vivier Acne Treatment System is a two-step kit that includes Medicated Wash and Acne Treatment Lotion.

Both products in the kit can stop breakouts and contribute to healthier skin with a balanced tone.

Astramed Skin Perfect

The Astramed Skin Perfect antimicrobial cleanser purifies and revitalizes the skin. It removes dead skin cells, sebum, and impurities, which reduces the risk of pores becoming clogged. It can also cover imperfections and visibly decrease the signs of severe acne.

Eltraderm Calm Rebalance Soothing Gel

The Eltraderm Calm Rebalance Soothing Gel is formulated to minimize inflammation and redness to decrease the likelihood of breakouts.

How to schedule a consultation for acne treatment in Brampton

Cystic acne can have a lasting impact on anyone who experiences it at any age, particularly adults. But if you’re concerned about how cystic acne is affecting your life and work, Astra Medicare offers a wide range of treatments to prevent breakouts and minimize their visibility.

Get in touch now to schedule a consultation at Astra Medicare in Brampton, Ontario.