Hair loss is a common issue affecting people all over the world. For example, research shows that more than 36% of Canadian men experience hair loss of some form or another in their lifetime. Various treatments for hair loss are available, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is one of the most innovative. Keep reading to discover why it could be the ultimate solution. What is PRP therapy?PRP therapy is a form of treatment that uses your own blood, or specifically the plasma within the blood. One of the most well-known forms of PRP therapy is the “vampire facial”, which can increase collagen production and cultivate smoother, younger-looking skin. How does PRP therapy work?PRP therapy treatment begins with taking a blood sample from one part of the body (often the arm), then inserting it into a centrifuge. This machine spins the sample at incredibly high speeds to separate the platelet-rich plasma from red blood cells. Platelets are tiny cells within the bloodstream. Whenever you cut your skin, platelets bind together to fix damaged vessels and form blood clots to stop you from bleeding. Once the plasma is separated, it is placed in a needle and injected into a specific area — in this case, the scalp. The plasma releases powerful growth factors that can increase the number of cells performing skin repairs at the injection site. How does PRP help treat hair loss?Injecting platelet-rich plasma into the scalp can boost circulation and encourage a better supply of blood to the affected follicles. That may promote more active growth and leave hair looking thicker. Hair loss can affect different areas of the scalp depending on the cause. Common hair-loss sites include the crown and the hairline. Regardless of the factors causing hair loss, it’s crucial that you undergo a thorough consultation with a trained treatment provider before you try PRP therapy. They will be able to assess your scalp, discuss your hair loss, and explore how PRP therapy could restore hair growth. After the consultation, you will have a clearer idea of how the process works and what to expect. What causes hair loss?Hair loss can be caused by a number of factors. These include: Family historySadly, men and women may inherit baldness. One of the most common types of hair loss is male- or female-pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia), which causes gradual thinning across the scalp. Pattern baldness often begins with a receding hairline, thinning at the crown, bald spots elsewhere, or a combination. This can be a particularly difficult form of hair loss to deal with, especially when it reaches its most extreme stages. Hormonal fluctuationsHormones can have a major impact on hair growth. Women may start to lose their hair following pregnancy and during menopause, as the female body undergoes significant hormonal fluctuations during both events. Hair loss related to menopause, for example, is caused by a drop in estrogen levels. Medical conditionsVarious medical conditions can lead to hair loss. Alopecia is a well-known condition that causes hair to fall out in patches on the scalp or other areas of the body. It occurs when the immune system sees hair follicles as a threat and mistakenly attacks them. According to the Canadian Dermatology Association, around 2% of the population experience alopecia in one form or another during their lifetime. The extent of hair loss can vary from one type of alopecia to another. For example, alopecia totalis is a particularly severe form of alopecia that affects the entire scalp. Individuals living with alopecia totalis will develop complete baldness on top of their head. However, alopecia universalis extends beyond the scalp and can strip the entire body of all its hair. Medications and treatmentsCertain medications and treatments can trigger hair loss, such as those for heart problems, cancer, and high blood pressure. Hair may start to grow back after treatment ends, though that might not always be the case. Extreme stressCortisol levels in the body increase when you feel stressed, and chronic cases can prompt cortisol to hinder hair growth. Such extreme stress could be caused by an illness, severe shock, or major physical injury. Stress-related hair loss is usually temporary. Tight hairstylesRepeatedly wearing hair in an extremely tight style, such as cornrows, can cause traction alopecia. These styles pull on the hair constantly, which leads to shedding in one or more areas. What should you expect with your PRP for hair loss?Whatever the cause of your hair loss, PRP therapy may be able to help promote new, stronger regrowth. You may feel daunted by the prospect of undergoing any type of treatment for hair loss, but PRP therapy involves only injecting your own blood back into your body (just in a different form). Your pre-treatment consultation is a crucial opportunity to discuss your hair loss and what the treatment can do for you. If you have any concerns you want to address, the consultation is the perfect time. The process is usually quite fast, and should take no more than one hour (though that can vary). You will need a series of PRP therapy sessions, typically spaced around one month or so apart, to achieve your hair growth goals. As with almost any type of treatment for hair loss, PRP therapy carries a risk of potential side effects. These include:
All potential side effects can be discussed during your consultation for your peace of mind. PRP for hair loss may not be right for you if you are currently taking blood thinners or smoke heavily (which can impair circulation). Book your PRP for hair loss consultation at Astra MedicarePRP for hair loss may be an effective way to restore hair growth on your scalp, using your own blood. At Astra Medicare, all PRP treatments are only performed by a Registered Nurse (RN) with access to the latest facilities. To book your PRP for hair loss treatment, get in touch with Astra Medicare today.
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Here Is How Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) Improves Hair LossHair loss affects people of different genders, ages, and hair types. This may be a temporary issue that results from illness, medication, extreme stress, hormonal fluctuations, or other causes. Or it can be a permanent condition that leaves the scalp partially or fully bald. For example, according to the Canadian Dermatology Association, male pattern baldness, a genetic condition inherited from relatives, affects around half of men. And about 40% of females experience some level of hair thinning by the time they turn 50, typically due to a combination of genetics and hormones. Regardless of the factors contributing to hair loss, it can be an incredibly difficult process to experience. Fortunately, more treatments are available than ever today — including platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. But what is PRP therapy, how does it work, and how can it improve hair loss? We’ll answer these questions and more below. What is Platelet-rich Plasma Therapy?PRP therapy is an increasingly popular treatment for hair loss, though it’s also used to treat:
One of the most well-known types of PRP treatments is the “vampire facelift”, which can create smoother, more youthful-looking skin. PRP therapy revolves around platelets, a critical component of your blood alongside red and white blood cells. Platelets are essential for promoting healing, stopping bleeding after an injury, and repairing damaged cells. If you cut yourself anywhere on your body, platelets will arrive at the site and start repairing the tissue right away, though the healing process could still take days. The platelet-rich plasma contains more platelets than naturally found in blood, as well as essential growth factors and proteins to increase the speed of healing. The PRP process begins with a medical professional drawing a sample of your blood with a needle. Next, they will place the blood into a machine known as a centrifuge: this will rotate the sample at high speed to separate the platelets and plasma from the rest of the blood’s components. The medical professional will then take the platelets and prepare them for injection back into the patient’s body. With regards to PRP therapy for hair loss, the platelets are injected into areas of the scalp where hair has begun to fall out. A medical professional will examine your scalp thoroughly before your treatment to identify the area, or areas, most in need of attention. How Does Platelet-rich Plasma Improve Hair Loss?As PRP therapy boosts the number of cells undertaking repairs in the skin, it’s believed that it can cultivate stronger, healthier hair growth following a course of injections. PRP treatments can also be highly beneficial following a hair transplant procedure. Transplantations involve harvesting hair follicles from the back and sides of the head, which are typically unaffected by pattern baldness and other types of hair loss. These donor follicles are implanted into areas with thinning hair on the scalp, such as the hairline or crown. The two most popular types of hair transplant available are Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE). During FUT, surgeons cut a sample of tissue from the back of the head to harvest follicles, while FUE uses follicles sourced from multiple areas instead. Injecting platelet-rich plasma into the scalp after a hair transplant can contribute to effective results by:
It’s believed that PRP therapy can improve circulation at the injection sites, ensuring that follicles receive healthier blood flow and the nutrients they need to function properly. It may also reduce inflammation surrounding follicles. If you plan to try transplantation to restore hair on one or more areas of your scalp, PRP therapy may be the ideal complement to your surgery. Not only can it encourage faster recovery, it could also leave you with better hair growth down the line. Are There Any PRP Side Effects I Need to Know About?One of the biggest advantages of using PRP therapy for hair loss is that only your own blood is injected into your scalp, so there’s no risk of contracting a communicable disease from the treatment. It’s a safe procedure with the potential to promote healthier, denser hair growth. However, potential side effects are a key consideration with any procedure involving needles. Possible effects include:
It’s crucial that you make the medical professional performing your PRP therapy aware of any bad reactions you may have had to past injections, and if you’re currently taking any medications that could cause blood thinning. Furthermore, tell them if you’re nervous about having an injection — they should talk you through the procedure and help set you at ease for a more relaxing experience. Astra Medicare’s PRP therapy is a painless procedure performed by registered nurses in a comfortable, relaxing environment. How Much Will I Pay for My PRP Therapy for Hair Loss?Prices vary depending on the number of areas treated, the size of those areas, and other key factors. However, Astra Medicare is committed to delivering the highest standard of service at competitive prices. This applies to all of our treatments, including PRP therapy for hair loss. Prices will be discussed with you during your consultation to ensure you make a fully informed decision and feel satisfied with the cost of your treatment. How Can I Book a Consultation to Discuss My PRP Therapy for Hair Loss?Astra Medicare provides PRP therapy, and an extensive range of other treatments, at our Brampton clinic. All PRP treatments are performed by registered nurses for your peace of mind. Our team is happy to discuss your treatment and answer any questions you may have about PRP therapy. We offer 10% off on select PRP treatments for new patients, so book your free consultation now! Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy: 7 Things You Need to Know About PRPPlatelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments on the market. Not sure what it is? The name might seem intimidating at first, but don’t worry — PRP is simpler than you probably expect. And it could be just what you need to tackle your sagging skin, hair loss, or other cosmetic issues! How? And what results can you expect to see? Read on to discover everything you need to know about the power of PRP! PRP Uses Your Own Blood to Stimulate Skin RepairDon’t like the idea of having foreign substances injected into your body? That could put you off trying other treatments designed to combat common signs of aging. But that’s not an issue with PRP. Why? Because this treatment uses a sample of your own blood to improve your skin’s appearance. Yes, really! It’s all about the plasma. This is a crucial part of your blood, filled with proteins (or “factors”) that perform essential functions — including cell growth support. That means injecting PRP into tissue stimulates production of healthy new cells and encourages healing. Your skin will look younger and smoother over time. Here’s how it works:
You’ll need multiple sessions to achieve your ideal results, but you’ll talk this through with your nurse before treatment. PRP Can Help With Hair LossThe average person sheds between 50 and 100 hairs a day. That’s not a problem when new strands grow to replace them. But conditions like male pattern baldness and alopecia areata cause hair to fall out in greater numbers than usual. And new hairs won’t take their place. Fortunately, PRP therapy can restore healthy growth naturally by repairing cells in the scalp. You might prefer this option over more invasive ones, such as hair transplant surgery. PRP Boosts Skin ElasticityCollagen and elastin keep your skin thick, tight, and firm. But your body stops producing both as much as it used to with age — creating sagging skin. The older you get, the saggier your skin will start to look, especially around the chin, cheeks, and neck. But platelet-rich plasma therapy stimulates collagen and elastin with your own blood, so it’s a fantastic way to improve your skin tone and texture without surgery. Sagging areas should feel more youthful after a series of PRP injections. Speak to your nurse about the spots you want to focus on before your treatment begins. They’ll explain the process and help you understand what results to expect. PRP Improves the Appearance of WrinklesAlong with sagging skin, wrinkles and fine lines are another common sign of aging. They’re more visible on some skin types than others, such as dry skin. Wrinkles form when your skin gets thinner and loses its elasticity (hello, collagen and elastin!). But other factors can increase the visibility of wrinkles and trigger their development earlier than you might expect. These include:
PRP stimulates tissue repair and helps to rejuvenate skin. That means wrinkles should be less noticeable after you complete the recommended course of sessions. PRP Reduces the Visibility of ScarsDo you have scars in areas you can’t (or struggle to) cover up? Scarring on the arms, legs, face, or neck may all be more visible than you’d prefer, especially in warmer weather. But PRP therapy could improve the appearance of your scars and make them harder for people to see. Plasma injected into your body repairs damaged tissue cells and replaces them with new, healthy ones. Your skin should look smoother, and your scars will be less noticeable than usual. PRP Can Make Stretch Marks Less NoticeableStretch marks are a natural result of fast changes in the shape of your skin. Maybe you’ve had a baby, or lost a lot of weight through diet and exercise. Whatever the cause, stretch marks can be difficult to accept if they’re in an easy-to-see spot. And even though stretch marks tend to fade over the years, they can still seem very noticeable to you. Sounds familiar? You can try PRP treatments to address stretch marks on your stomach, legs, or buttocks. They’ll revitalize the skin and make stretch marks harder to see. PRP Results Can Last for MonthsYour PRP injections will need a little time to take effect. Your skin won’t look totally different after a single session — you’ll require several to get the best results. How long will it take to see a difference? You’ll probably notice positive changes within a few weeks or months, whether that’s increased hair growth or less-visible wrinkles. How long do they last? It varies, but patients can enjoy lasting improvements for as long as 18 months after they complete their series of treatments. Your nurse will explain what results you can expect based on your goals, your skin, and other important factors. How to Book Your First PRP Therapy Session in BramptonFeel inspired to try PRP? Want to talk to an experienced expert about your options before you commit? Astra Medicare is here to help! All treatments are performed by registered nurses supervised by a medical doctor for your complete peace of mind. Relax and leave our specialists to work knowing you’re in the best hands. We use cutting-edge facilities for the most professional, efficient PRP therapy in Brampton. Your treatment will start with a free, no-obligation consultation — the perfect opportunity to talk about your skin, your objectives, and your concerns. And we’ll answer questions on any of our other treatments, including massage, laser spider vein removal, Clear + Brilliant, and more! Book your PRP consultation and take the first step towards smoother, healthier skin today! What I Wish I Knew About PRP TreatmentIn the past few years, Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) has become a popular treatment for combating the signs of aging. It’s a non-surgical option that utilizes cutting-edge technology and techniques to create visible improvements in the skin. But what is PRP, how does it work, and what results can you expect? These are questions people may wish they’d asked before trying this state-of-the-art treatment — so we’ll answer them for you in this post. How PRP treatment worksPlatelet Rich Plasma treatment is designed to help your body repair damage using its own substances — specifically, the blood. The plasma within your blood is made up of platelets, rich in growth factors. Plasma itself consists of glucose, clotting factors, proteins, and hormones. PRP involves taking a sample of blood from your arm as you would for any standard blood test, and separating the platelets in a centrifuge. This spins the blood at very high speeds to cause the platelets to shift away from each other. The separated plasma is removed and prepared to be injected back into the body, in one or more target areas. As the plasma releases growth factors, it stimulates and boosts the number of cells performing repairs within your skin. As a result, PRP treatment can lead to enhanced elastic and collagen production — making your skin more elastic, firmer, and youthful. That’s why it’s used commonly to:
PRP treatment is commonly used to enhance the appearance of the skin on the face, hands, and neck. However, it suits other needs, too:
What should you expect during your PRP treatment?First and foremost, there’s no need to worry about discomfort during PRP therapy — there’s little to none. This is a simple procedure based around injections, and we use the safest, latest equipment for your total peace of mind. The risks of experiencing any side effects as a result of your PRP therapy are incredibly slim, but we want you to be aware regardless. As PRP is an autologous treatment (relying on substances taken from you directly), the danger of experiencing an allergic reaction as you might from certain other medications is significantly reduced. Other side effects may include:
Again, you’re unlikely to be affected by any of these, but we want to draw your attention to these potential side effects and help you make an informed decision. What will happen before my PRP treatment?It’s crucial that you know exactly how your PRP therapy will unfold, from the moment you step into the treatment room to the moment you leave. We’ll discuss the process with you at length during your consultation, and determine whether PRP therapy is the right option for you based on your goals, health status, etc. However, typical recommendations for anyone preparing to undergo our PRP therapy include:
Certain recommendations may vary from one case to another, but generally, we advise you to follow the steps discussed above. How long will my PRP treatment take?Your PRP therapy session should take no longer than an hour and a half, though it may run longer or shorter (so allow at least a couple of hours, just in case). Typically, it takes around half an hour to take a sample of your blood and process the platelets, preparing them to be reinjected into your system. Another half hour or so may be required to inject them and bring the treatment to a close, though it could take less time than this. We’ll be able to offer a more accurate timeframe during your consultation, but use the above as an approximate guideline when planning your schedule. What happens after my PRP procedure?The average recovery time after a Platelet Rich Plasma injection tends to fall within three or four hours, but it could vary from case to case. You may experience some swelling, tenderness, or bruising shortly after the injections, though they will pass fairly quickly. If you want to minimize any swelling or bruising that might occur, apply cold packs to the treatment areas gently. Avoid washing these areas for at least 24 hours, and stay out of direct sunlight. Skip hot showers and baths, too. You should allow the treatment area(s) to rest and recover immediately after your PRP therapy. You will likely be able to continue with your usual or planned activities following your session, such as going back to work (unless you have a physically-exerting job) or shopping. Over the following weeks, you should notice positive changes to the skin in the treated areas. This may include tighter skin, less-visible wrinkles, and a better appearance overall. We’ll provide you with any further advice on the day of your treatment, and will be available to answer any questions you may have. That brings our post on what you need to know about PRP treatment before you try it for yourself to a close. We hope it answers all of your questions, but if not, you know where to find us. Ready to book your own PRP therapy session or just want to learn more about your options? Get in touch with our team today! What is Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) and What can it do for You?Platelets are blood cells performing multiple roles in your body:
Astra Medi Spa’s PRP therapy revolves around using plasma (liquid blood) which has been augmented to carry many more platelets than it normally would. As a result, an area of skin affected by a specific issue or condition will be given a higher concentration of those all-important growth factors, to look and feel better than ever. How do PRP Treatments Work?During PRP therapy, a sample of your blood will be taken and the platelets inside will be separated from the other cells using a centrifuge. This spins them at a high speed until they’re ready to be injected into the target zone, with as much as 10 times more platelets than occurs naturally. Using PRP Treatments for Healthier-looking SkinAstra Medi Spa’s specialists use PRP to harness your own healing power and improve various cosmetic conditions, including: Fine lines / wrinklesFine lines and wrinkles are the most recognizable signs of aging. They can be pretty difficult to accept, especially if you feel you’re starting to develop a few more than you should. We’ll inject platelet-rich plasma into the target area(s) of your face to reduce the visibility of these wrinkles, stimulating production of collagen and elastin. You’ll look rejuvenated and more youthful following the number of treatments required. Dark circlesDark circles make you look more tired — and, sadly, older — than you might actually be. Fortunately, we can inject PRP into the skin under your eyes to ease dark circles over time, which makes a great complement to treating other signs of aging. Acne scarsHave acne scars you want to make less noticeable? They’re a common side-effect of this irritating skin condition, and PRP therapy sessions will make a visible difference to your scars in the long run. This saves time covering them up with foundation or applying creams. Stretch marksStretch marks caused by fluctuations in weight or pregnancy may be targeted with Platelet-rich Plasma treatments too. These affect the stomach, thighs or other areas of the body, and might be visible enough to affect your self-image. How can you Arrange your Own PRP Treatment?Our PRP therapy is a fantastic solution to help boost the skin’s look and feel, creating a more youthful aesthetic. We know Platelet-rich Plasma treatments sound fairly daunting, but we’ll answer any questions you may have before and during your in-depth consultation. Our team’s dedicated to giving you all the details you need to know before you sign up for any of our PRP sessions. Want to schedule a consultation for your own PRP therapy at Astra Medi Spa in Brampton? It’s quick and easy — so get in touchwith our friendly team today! |
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