Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy in Ocala, FL
PRP promotes hair growth, skin rejuvenation, and reduction in scars.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is one of the leading areas of aesthetic medicine that uses the body’s own cells to stimulate skin rejuvenation, new hair growth, wound healing, improved sexual function, and tissue regeneration.
PRP Therapy is a process in which a patient’s own blood is drawn for the harvesting of a high concentration of platelets and then injected or applied directly to the skin.
These treatments have exploded in popularity in recent years as patients have experienced excellent, non-surgical results with little to no side effects and no downtime following the procedure. Hair regrowth and rejuvenated skin are now possible with PRP therapy at Carlyle Dermatology.
Question and Answer with Dr. Locke about Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP):
What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?
The blood drawn from a vein in the body is referred to as “whole blood.” Whole blood consists of red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets all suspended in plasma. Plasma is the liquid component of blood made up of mostly water.
From this sample of your own whole blood, specialized equipment and technology are used to harvest the platelet portion of your blood. This portion is referred to as “platelet-rich plasma” and contains the growth factors that are responsible for rejuvenation.
How does the process work?
When you come into the office on the day of your procedure, a sample of your blood will be drawn from a vein in your arm. This sample will then be processed to obtain the platelet-rich portion. This process takes about 15 minutes. Once the highly concentrated sample is prepared, we will begin the procedure of either injection or topical application of the PRP (depending on which cosmetic concern we are targeting). Administering the PRP will take approximately 5 minutes. For patient comfort, we offer a sedation option (PRO-NOX™) which makes the procedure virtually painless. Following the procedure, there are minimal restrictions as you may go back to your normal daily activities.
What are the properties of platelets that make them so effective?
Platelets secrete more than 300 active substances – many of which are growth factors that have amazing healing and regenerative properties. Platelets contain both dense granules and alpha granules. The alpha granule component of platelets secretes the protein growth factors:
- Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF)
- Transforming growth factor (TGF)
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)
- Epidermal growth factor (EGF)
- Fibroblast growth factor (FGF)
- Insulin-like growth factor (IGF)
These growth factors encourage cellular growth and transformation, collagen production, generation and repair of blood vessels, increased time in the growth phase of hair follicles, and tissue repair.
By using technology to isolate and concentrate the platelets, these benefits can be packaged into a small volume of plasma and delivered to the treatment area with speed and efficacy.
Can PRP be combined with other cosmetic treatments for the most optimal result?
Yes. While PRP therapy alone typically produces excellent results, patients often find enhanced results when PRP is combined with additional cosmetic treatments. At your cosmetic consultation, Dr. Locke will listen to your concerns and discuss treatment options including combination treatments that will help you achieve your goals.
What are the side effects of PRP?
PRP therapy is extremely safe as it uses ONLY your own blood for its natural healing properties. PRP is well tolerated by patients with very little side effects. Some patients may rarely experience temporary pain, mild bruising, pinpoint bleeding, or swelling at the injection site.
What is PRP used for?
PRP therapy can be used for:
- Male and female pattern hair loss
- Alopecia areata (localized hair loss)
- Skin aging (facial rejuvenation of the skin)
- Scars
- Stretch marks
- Male and female sexual wellness
- Wound healing
Who should NOT get PRP?
Most patients are good candidates for PRP therapy. However, if the following conditions apply to you, you should not get PRP therapy: acute and chronic infections, certain skin diseases (i.e. lupus, porphyria), current cancer diagnosis, current use of chemotherapy, blood disorders, anti-coagulation therapy (Aspirin, Plavix, coumadin or other blood-thinner medications), recent use of oral steroids, pregnant or breastfeeding. Please note, this is not a comprehensive list. Please discuss your complete medical history with your physician during consultation before deciding if PRP is right for you.
Who will administer the PRP treatments?
Dr. Locke performs all cosmetic and surgical procedures in their entirety at Carlyle Dermatology. Learn more about her highly sub-specialized procedural training here.
Is PRP therapy painful?
Most patients do not experience significant pain or discomfort with PRP therapy. However, we are proud to offer our patients a safe and effective way to control discomfort and anxiety during cosmetic and surgical procedures with our PRO-NOX™ Nitrous Oxide Delivery System. With this system, YOU are in control and administer the gas yourself depending on your pain level. You breathe in the oxygen and nitrous oxide mixture, and it takes effect in seconds. This offers you immediate relief from pain and anxiety and allows for quick recovery. To learn more about this pain control option, click here.
Why should you get your PRP treatments at Carlyle Dermatology?
Board-certified Dermatologists are the top experts in hair, skin, and nails and are, therefore, the best suited to evaluate and treat your concerns in these areas. In addition to being a board-certified Dermatologist, Dr. Locke has advanced fellowship training in the surgical and cosmetic areas of Dermatology which uniquely qualifies her as the most skilled in this field.
At Carlyle Dermatology, we are committed to providing safe, ethical, and no-pressure aesthetic services to all of our interested patients.
If you are interested in learning more about Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy and other ways to achieve your optimal skin health, please call today for a cosmetic consultation with Dr. Maren Locke, (352) 509-6105.