PRP Therapy in Charleston, SC
PRP therapy is an effective cosmetic treatment for facial rejuvenation and hair restoration. Dr. Brian G. Widenhouse, board-certified plastic surgeon, and his experienced staff at Port City Plastic Surgery are ready to provide PRP therapy treatments to men and women living in and around Charleston, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and neighboring communities in South Carolina.
What is PRP Therapy?
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy was originally developed and used on injured athletes to repair damaged muscles, tendons, ligaments and joints. The procedure involves withdrawing a small amount of the patient’s own blood and injecting it into the area to be treated.
Each injection releases a flow of growth factors into the treated area, which stimulates a dramatic increase in the repair and reproduction of cells in that area. Continued research into PRP therapy has demonstrated healing properties far beyond its original uses.
When used on the face, PRP therapy can rejuvenate the look of your whole face, repairing scars and filling in age-related lines and wrinkles. It’s also been proven to be helpful in hair restoration. It appears to trigger new hair growth naturally and improves the health of each hair follicle by increasing the blood supply which tends to increase the hair shaft thickness.
How Much Does PRP Therapy Cost in Charleston?
As with most treatments, the cost of PRP therapy can vary from patient to patient, depending on the area or areas being treated and how many sessions you require to achieve your desired results. All the details will be thoroughly discussed during your initial consultation.
Some insurance companies will cover PRP therapy, and others will not, so you’ll need to check your insurance to be sure. For this reason, we offer financing to assist our patients in covering the cost. We also accept payments by cash, check, and major credit cards.
Benefits of PRP Therapy
There are numerous, widely diverse benefits to PRP therapy. Some of the more common benefits include:
- Faster recovery time and enhanced healing after trauma
- Reduces scarring and swelling
- Decreases bruising and blood loss
- Increased skin volume
- Improves skin texture
- Increases new hair growth
- Nonsurgical, noninvasive, 100% natural
- Uses your own blood platelets, eliminating the risk of allergic reaction
- Little to no downtime
Who is the Ideal Candidate for PRP Therapy?
If you’re an adult in reasonably good health, chances are you’ll be a good candidate for PRP therapy. There are some types of skin issues, liver or blood disorders and certain medications that could affect the decision to use PRP therapy. It is not recommended for pregnant women or patients with an active infection.
What Should I Do Before PRP Therapy?
You may be encouraged to increase your fluid intake the day before treatment. You should discontinue any blood thinning product at least seven days before PRP treatment. You may also be asked to stop taking multivitamins and any anti-inflammatory medications, including over-the-counter products, at that time.
In most cases, it’s recommended to avoid consuming any alcohol and stop or limit smoking for three days prior to PRP therapy. Detailed pre-treatment instructions will be given to you during your initial consultation.
How Long Does It Take to Perform PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy involves a three-step process that includes withdrawing a small amount of your blood, spinning it in a centrifuge for about 15 minutes to separate the platelets, and then injecting them into the area to be treated. While each case is unique, depending on the areas treated, the procedure typically takes about an hour or less from start to finish,
What to Expect After PRP Therapy?
You may be asked to limit sun exposure for a couple of days following PRP therapy treatment. It’s also recommended not to use any blood thinners for at least a week, and to avoid alcohol and smoking for at least the first three days following treatment. Anti-inflammatory medications should still be avoided for about seven days following your PRP session.
You may experience some tenderness and mild swelling around the injection sites for a few days, but that should dissipate quickly on its own. Specific post-procedure instructions will be given to you for your individual needs. on
Will I Have Scars After PRP Therapy?
No, PRP therapy is noninvasive and will not leave scars.
When Will I See Results from PRP Therapy?
Seeing results from PRP therapy can vary from person to person, depending on the area treated. Some will see visible results after the first treatment, while others may not notice results until they’ve had two or three treatments, particularly with hair restoration. PRP therapy for other conditions may exhibit noticeable results much more quickly.
What Are Possible Complications of PRP Therapy?
There are very few risks or side effects associated with PRP therapy, primarily because it uses your own blood. There is no risk of an immune or allergic reaction, and any risk at all, such as a local infection or pain at the injection site, is very rare.
How Long Will the Results of PRP Therapy Last?
Depending on the type of PRP therapy you have, the results may be permanent. In other cases, you may need periodic maintenance sessions in order to sustain your desired results.
If you’d like younger looking skin or you’re concerned about thinning hair or hair loss, you may want to consider PRP therapy. Just contact our office, and we’ll be glad to schedule a consultation. Our offices provide services for residents living in Charleston, Daniel Island, Mount Pleasant, Summerville and neighboring areas in South Carolina.