12.04.2023

How Does a PRP Shot Work?

Natural beauty treatments are becoming increasingly popular because people no longer want to expose their bodies to toxic substances. Platelet-rich plasma injections are an excellent choice because they are more effective and long-lasting than most other natural remedies. At ProMD Health in Baltimore, MD, we offer the PRP shot to people suffering from hair loss, skin problems, and visible signs of aging.

How Does a PRP Shot Work? 

Platelet-rich plasma is a substance derived from the patient’s blood. It contains platelets, which are small cell fragments that stimulate the body’s healing response. They are the first cells to arrive at the site of an injury, and they send out growth factors to encourage the formation of healthy new cells. During PRP treatment, a high concentration of platelets is injected into the treatment site. 

Although there’s no injury, the platelets encourage the production of new tissue. As a result, the treatment area is rejuvenated and repaired. For this reason, PRP injections can effectively address conditions related to aging, skin problems like rosacea or small scars, and mild hair loss. The treatment is minimally invasive, so it doesn’t cause side effects or damage the tissues. 

PRP for Anti Aging 

Some of the most common visible symptoms of aging are wrinkles and sagging skin. Although they are usually associated with older people, the first signs often appear when a patient is in their late 20s or early 30s. Many people feel distressed when they notice that their faces are changing, and they want to do everything they can to retain their youthful complexions. 

Platelet-rich plasma is one of the most effective methods of addressing wrinkles and lines. The platelets stimulate the growth of new tissues, so they can prevent and even reverse premature aging. The treatment is much more long-lasting than many other methods. After the first set of injections, patients can expect good results for up to a year at a time. 

PRP for Skin Problems 

Almost everyone has skin problems at some point in life. Acne is a particularly common condition that mostly affects people in their teens and early twenties. Unfortunately, severe acne often causes small, round scars that linger for many decades and don’t respond to topical creams. Other common skin issues are rosacea, discoloration caused by sun damage, chickenpox scars, and scars from minor accidents. 

When PRP is applied to the problem area, the skin is rejuvenated, and the blemishes disappear. As long as the underlying condition has been addressed, PRP for skin problems is permanent. Once the platelets have removed the scars or discoloration, the patient doesn’t need to return to the clinic for maintenance treatments. 

PRP for Hair Loss 

Age-related hair loss affects both men and women. While men typically start to go bald, women’s hair thins and becomes less voluminous. Aside from aging, hair loss can also be caused by stress, medication, or certain diseases. It’s hard to find a good treatment for this condition, and the options are limited. PRP is one of the best solutions because it strengthens the hair follicles and repairs damaged tissues on the scalp. 

Most patients have to come to the clinic three to six times because not all follicles are in the growth stage at the same time. After the initial set of sessions, patients start to experience thicker and faster hair growth. The longevity of the results depends on the reason why the patient is suffering from thinning hair. Typically, the results last for one year, but they might be permanent if the underlying issue that caused hair loss has been resolved. 

What Happens During the Session? 

When you come for your PRP appointment, expect to spend 60 to 90 minutes at the clinic. We start by drawing your blood and spinning it in a centrifuge to separate the PRP from the larger blood cells. Then, we numb your treatment area with a cream or local anesthetic and mark the injection sites. The injections only take a few minutes, and you can get cleaned up and leave right away. 

A few minutes or hours after the appointment, your skin will start to wake up. Keep the injection sites clean and dry for a few days to allow them to heal properly. Follow all our instructions, which are designed to help you get the best possible results. 

Is There Any Downtime Associated with PRP Treatment? 

There is no downtime associated with the PRP shot. You can leave the clinic and resume your normal routine, as long as you don’t participate in high-intensity workouts, use a hot tub or jacuzzi, or visit a sauna. If you have an office job, you can go straight back to work after your appointment. However, you might want to take the rest of the day off if your work is physically demanding. 

We’ll provide you with all the information you need to know about the recovery period when you book your appointment. In the first days after your injections, you can’t take blood-thinning substances like NSAIDs or certain supplements. Don’t expose your treatment area to direct sunlight, and wear sunscreen when you go outside. We might recommend skincare products that support the platelet-rich plasma treatment. 

How Many Appointments Do I Need?

We’ll discuss your treatment plan during your initial consultation. Usually, we recommend three to six treatments, but it depends on the reason why you’re getting PRP injections, your goals, and the current condition of your tissues. If you’re getting PRP for anti aging or a skin condition, we might suggest that you combine this treatment with microneedling or laser skin resurfacing. 

Why Choose PRP?

PRP is an extremely popular choice because it doesn’t involve surgery, a general anesthetic, or the use of harsh chemicals. This makes it suitable for a wide range of people. It is an innovative treatment that supports the body’s natural function. Because the results are very long-lasting, patients don’t have to come to the clinic very often. Therefore, this injectable is a great choice for those who have limited funds or time. 

Natural Treatment 

Patients very rarely experience side effects after PRP injections because the active ingredient is completely natural and comes from their own blood. The body recognizes the PRP as beneficial and doesn’t reject it or cause an allergic reaction. In the long term, platelet-rich plasma is beneficial because it rejuvenates and heals the tissues. Patients don’t have to worry about damaging their bodies.

Simple and Affordable 

Most people don’t have the time to spend several weeks preparing for and recovering from an invasive procedure. They are looking for a treatment that is easy to fit into a busy schedule. PRP is perfect because it doesn’t impact the patient’s ability to perform well at work and participate in their regular activities. 

It’s also much more cost-effective than other options. Many cosmetic treatments have to be administered once every month or two. Each visit to the clinic costs hundreds of dollars. Because the results from PRP last for a year or more at a time, this is a budget-friendly option. 

Most People Can Take Part 

Plastic surgery isn’t suitable for people who have health issues. That’s why minimally invasive treatments have become so popular in the last few decades. They allow everyone to improve their appearance, even people who have mild or moderate medical conditions. PRP is suitable for most people, but we still ask our patients to bring us their health records, so we can make sure that this treatment is suitable for them. 

You might not be eligible for PRP injections if you have a disease related to your blood. This is because the treatment won’t work if your body can’t produce enough platelets. You also can’t take part if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. In this case, it’s best to postpone your appointment until three to six months after your baby is weaned. That way, your body has had time to recover, and the effects of your pregnancy have worn off. 

Get Rid of Skin Problems with PRP 

Platelet-rich plasma injections can address a wide range of issues. At the clinic, we mainly use this substance to treat hair loss, skin problems, and signs of aging like wrinkles and sagging skin. The treatment is based on the body’s healing mechanism, so it’s completely natural and non-toxic. Send us a message or call us at ProMD Health in Baltimore, MD to schedule a consultation. We’ll be happy to help you achieve glowing skin with the PRP shot. 

12.04.2023
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