Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Proven treatment Hair Loss since 2015. Multiple studies showing effectiveness.

We take a test tube of blood like they do for a lab test. We then spin the blood to get a concentrated sample of platelets.

Key to this is using the best equipment to get the most platelets. We use Emcyte equipment, which is the best in the industry. Then using a very small needle we inject the platelets into the scalp. There they stimulate the follicles to begin working again.

PRP is done as a series of 3 treatments monthly, then once per year or as needed.

WHAT IS PRP?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is concentrated blood plasma that contains up to 12 times more platelets than found in circulating blood. Additionally, PRP contains growth factors and bioactive proteins that are known to aid in healing wounds and have been shown in some early studies to promote hair growth.

PRP has been successfully used in other medical specialties such as orthopedics and plastic surgery. PRP may be of value not only in patients with pattern baldness, both male and female but also in other forms of hair loss such as telogen effluvium and alopecia areata.

HOW DO WE GET PRP?

PRP is formulated directly from your blood. Our blood is made up of red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Our platelets are responsible for initiating blood clotting and are an essential component of your body’s ability to heal wounds. Increasing the number of platelets in your plasma and applying or injecting them in a wounded area is thought to expedite the healing process. The concentrated growth factors and bioactive proteins in PRP are also thought to be an effective treatment for male and female pattern hair loss, possibly through stimulation of hair follicle stem cells.

It is important to note that not all PRP preparations are the same. Our practice uses a double-centrifuge system called the Emcyte Pure PRP System.  The EmCyte system is a “closed” system that greatly limits exposure of your blood to outside air and potential contaminants thereby greatly reducing any chance of infection. By double spinning your blood in this centrifuge, We are able to separate the components of your blood and isolate the platelet-rich plasma in much higher concentrations than other preparation systems.  As the  PRP is prepared it will be activated with a small amount of calcium solution to release the growth factors from the platelets during the injection process.

WHY SHOULD YOU GET YOUR PRP TREATMENTS with Dr Werner at La Quinta Medspa?

At La Quinta Medspa, Dr. Werner performs all of the PRP treatments himself.

The importance of who is injecting your PRP cannot be overly stressed.  After practicing skin procedures for over 25 years, Dr. Werner has a special understanding of how and where to inject PRP to achieve maximum results. During a consultation, he will determine whether or not you are a candidate for PRP treatments. During your initial consultation, Dr. Werner will evaluate the type and stage of hair loss you are experiencing to determine the most appropriate treatment options available to you.

IS PRP FOR HAIR LOSS RIGHT FOR ME?

During your consultation, Dr. Werner will determine whether or not you are a candidate for PRP treatments. During your initial consultation, Dr. Werner will evaluate the type and stage of hair loss you are experiencing to determine the most appropriate treatment options available to you.

PRP is NOT a treatment for everyone. Depending upon your age, sex, and stage of hair loss you may be a better candidate for other medical treatments or even hair restoration surgery. As your advocate, Dr. Werner will provide you with an informative discussion of the pros and cons of all available treatments so you make the proper decisions for your particular situation.

CERTAIN FACTORS THAT MAY DISQUALIFY YOU FROM TREATMENT

Please notify us of any medical conditions you have as well as any medications you take before your PRP treatments. Certain medical conditions may potentially interfere or disqualify you from receiving treatments. Also, certain medications may interfere with the efficacy of PRP treatments.

WHAT IS THE PRP FOR HAIR LOSS TREATMENT PROCESS LIKE?

PRP treatments are done in the office and take about  60-90 minutes. Approximately 60ml of your blood will be drawn and then the centrifuge process takes about 25 minutes to prepare the final 7 ml of PRP. Because PRP injections are somewhat uncomfortable most of our patients choose to have local anesthesia injections prior to the treatment. A “ring block” using lidocaine is injected in a halo-like pattern around the top of the head. Sedation is not required for PRP treatments. After the treatment area has been numbed Dr. Werner will administer the PRP treatment which takes approximately 15 minutes. After the PRP injections are complete we apply cold compresses as you relax for approximately 15 minutes before being discharged.

WHAT IS THE TREATMENT SCHEDULE?

Please notify us of any medical conditions you have as well as any medications you take before your PRP treatments. Certain medical conditions may potentially interfere or disqualify you from receiving treatments. Also, certain medications may interfere with the efficacy of PRP treatments.

HOW TO PREPARE FOR YOUR APPOINTMENT

Please wash your hair on the day of your PRP procedure. Do not apply styling products, powders, or hair spray. Please drink plenty of water before your treatment to ensure that you are well hydrated. Lastly please make sure that you have avoided aspirin, NSAID’s and other blood thinners which may interfere with the platelets for a week before your treatment.

COMBINING OTHER TREATMENTS WITH PRP

PRP can be combined with other hair loss treatments. While some patients prefer to try PRP as a stand-alone therapy this is not required. Understandably, many patients wish to do everything they can to help their hair loss and choose to be on other forms of treatment along with PRP. PRP can also be combined with hair restoration treatments like TED or topical therapies. We recommend that all patients undergoing PRP use a Laser Cap to help maintain and improve their results.

PRE-TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS

7 Days Before Treatment

  • Discontinue blood thinning agents such as vitamin E, vitamin A, Ginko, 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, Voltaren and other anti-inflammatory medications. We want inflammation to occur – as this is one mechanism by which PRP works.
  • You may use Tylenol (acetaminophen) 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.

3 Days Before Treatment

  • If possible, refrain from smoking prior to your procedure as it impacts the healing process.
  • 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 color your hair up to 7 days before the procedure.
  • 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 to make the blood draw easier.

DAY OF PROCEDURE

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

IMMEDIATELY FOLLOWING TREATMENT

  • 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 Tylenol or other Acetaminophen-containing 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 office 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, Voltaren 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.
  • 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 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.
  • Avoid resuming Minoxidil (Rogaine®), hair coloring, and straightening for 3 days.
  • 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 at least 48 hours after your treatment.

Contact the Office Immediately if any of the Following Signs of Infection Occur

  • Drainage.
  • Increased warmth at or around the treated area.
  • Fever of 101 or greater.
  • Severe pain that is unresponsive to over-the-counter pain relievers.

For more information about treatments offered at LaQuinta Medspa or to schedule a complimentary consultation, complete the form below or please call us at our La Quinta office 760.396.9353 or Rancho Mirage office 760.674.5700

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