PRP · Richmond Hill
Platelet rich plasma uses growth factors concentrated from your own blood to stimulate skin regeneration and hair restoration. Nothing foreign, nothing synthetic. Just your own biology, concentrated and pointed in a useful direction. Yes, it involves a blood draw. Most patients find it considerably less dramatic than they expected.
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a concentration of platelets and growth factors derived from your own blood. A small blood draw is centrifuged to separate the platelet-rich plasma from red blood cells. The resulting plasma contains a high concentration of growth factors including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), and epidermal growth factor (EGF), among others.
These growth factors play a key role in tissue repair and regeneration. When introduced into the skin or scalp in concentrated form, they stimulate fibroblast activity, promote collagen production, encourage new blood vessel formation, and in the case of hair loss, reactivate dormant follicles and extend the active growth phase of existing ones.
PRP is autologous, meaning it comes entirely from your own body. There is no risk of allergic reaction or rejection. It is one of the most natural regenerative treatments available in aesthetic medicine, and its applications have expanded significantly as the research base has grown.
"PRP works best as a regenerative foundation, not a standalone fix. Combined with the right treatments at the right stage, the results are meaningful. Used on advanced hair loss with the expectation of a full restoration, the results are a difficult conversation. We have that conversation at consultation, before the blood draw."
When injected into the face, PRP stimulates collagen and elastin production, improves skin texture and tone, and enhances overall skin quality. The effects are gradual and cumulative, typically becoming most visible over six to eight weeks after treatment as the growth factors drive cellular repair.
PRP for the face works best for patients who want to improve skin quality rather than add volume or reshape features. It is particularly effective for patients with dull, thin, or crepey skin who are looking for a natural approach to regeneration. It also works well as a complement to other treatments, where the growth factor stimulation enhances and extends the results of biostimulators or energy-based treatments.
At Skin Trek we offer two PRP options for the face: standard PRP injection and Natural Gel, a more concentrated preparation that also incorporates fibrin to create a gel-like consistency. The gel form provides a slightly more sustained release of growth factors and can also function as a very soft, natural tissue filler in areas with fine hollowing.
Natural Gel (also referred to as PRF gel or platelet rich fibrin gel) is prepared differently from standard PRP. The centrifugation speed is lower, which preserves fibrin and a higher concentration of platelets. The fibrin acts as a natural scaffold, slowing the release of growth factors over days rather than hours and providing a mild volumising effect alongside the regenerative benefits.
It is particularly useful in delicate areas like the tear trough and under-eye zone, where it provides a soft, natural improvement with minimal risk of the complications associated with HA filler in that area. It is not a substitute for filler in patients who need meaningful volume correction, but for patients with mild hollowing and poor skin quality, Natural Gel can be an elegant solution.
PRP for hair loss is one of the most evidence-supported non-surgical treatments for androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) in both men and women. Injected into the scalp, the concentrated growth factors stimulate blood supply to hair follicles, reactivate follicles in the dormant (telogen) phase, and extend the active growth (anagen) phase of existing hairs.
The mechanism is particularly relevant to androgenetic alopecia because the follicle miniaturisation that characterises this condition is driven partly by reduced blood supply and growth factor signalling to the follicle. PRP addresses both directly.
Results are gradual and require patience. Most patients notice reduced shedding within the first one to two months. Visible improvement in density typically becomes apparent at three to six months. A course of three treatments spaced four to six weeks apart is the standard starting protocol, followed by maintenance treatments every six to twelve months.
PRP is most effective in patients with early to moderate hair loss where follicles are still present but miniaturised. In areas of complete follicle loss, PRP cannot regenerate what is no longer there. This is an important candidacy conversation we have at consultation.
Treatment begins with a blood draw of approximately 20 to 30ml, which takes a few minutes. The blood is placed in a centrifuge and spun to separate the plasma. Depending on the protocol, this takes 8 to 15 minutes. The resulting PRP or Natural Gel is then prepared for injection.
For facial treatment, the skin is cleansed and topical anaesthetic applied. PRP is injected using a fine needle or microneedling technique depending on the area and goal. For hair treatment, the scalp is cleansed and a series of small injections are made across the treatment zone using a fine needle. A topical anaesthetic is applied beforehand to maximise comfort.
Post-treatment, mild redness and swelling are normal and typically resolve within 24 to 48 hours. There is no significant downtime. We recommend avoiding strenuous exercise, alcohol, and direct sun exposure for 24 hours after treatment.
Prices are before tax. 13% HST applies. A course of 3 sessions is recommended for hair loss treatment.
How many PRP sessions will I need?
For hair restoration, the standard starting protocol is three sessions spaced four to six weeks apart, followed by maintenance every six to twelve months. For facial rejuvenation, one to three sessions depending on the degree of skin quality concern and the goals. We discuss a realistic plan at consultation.
Is PRP painful?
The blood draw is a standard venipuncture. Most patients find this the least interesting part of their day. For facial injection, topical anaesthetic is applied first. Scalp injections are the most sensitive component. We apply topical anaesthetic and give it adequate time to work. Rushing that step helps nobody.
Can PRP be combined with other treatments?
Yes. PRP combines well with biostimulators, neurotoxins, and energy-based treatments. For hair loss, it is often used alongside minoxidil or finasteride to maximise results. For the face, combining PRP with Sculptra or Ultherapy can enhance and extend the results of both. We discuss combination options at consultation.
What is the difference between PRP and Natural Gel?
Both are derived from your own blood. Natural Gel uses a slower centrifugation protocol that preserves fibrin alongside the platelets, creating a gel consistency rather than a liquid. The fibrin slows the release of growth factors and provides a mild volumising effect. Natural Gel is typically used for the face, particularly in delicate areas like the under-eye. Standard PRP is used for both face and hair.
How long do PRP results last?
For skin rejuvenation, results typically last six to twelve months before a maintenance session is beneficial. For hair restoration, the maintenance protocol is individual but most patients benefit from a top-up treatment every six to twelve months after the initial course.
Where is Skin Trek located?
372 Highway 7, Unit 123B, Richmond Hill, Ontario. We serve patients from Richmond Hill, Markham, Vaughan, Thornhill, and across the GTA.
All new patients start with a free consultation to assess candidacy and discuss realistic expectations for PRP.
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