​Platelet-Rich-Plasma FAQ's:

​ Who's A Good Candidate For PRP?

Dr. Laurel will consult with you personally so that you can determine if PRP is right for you.

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma?

Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma, also known as PRP, is a high concentration of your own platelets in a small volume of plasma.

How does Dr. Laurel obtain the PRP?

Step 1: Utilizing a specialized blood collection tube, Dr. Laurel draws a small amount of blood similar to what is required for a basic lab test.
Step 2: The tube is then placed into a centrifuge which spins the blood at a very high speed, causing the platelets to separate from the other components of the blood.
Step 3: Once the platelets are concentrated into the plasma they can be applied to the patient. Activation causes platelets to release essential growth factors and signaling proteins, which are responsible for the wound-healing process.

What are the growth factors and effects?

Growth factors play an important role in many processes such as coagulation, immune response, angiogenesis and the healing of damaged tissues. Numerous proteins are contained in the alpha-granules of platelets including: 
Transforming Growth Factor (TGF)
Promotes angiogenesis, which is the physiological process involving the synthesis of new blood vessels.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)
An important signaling protein involved in both angiogenesis, promoting the growth of blood vessels from pre-existing vasculature.
Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF)
Promotes Tissue repair, cell growth, collagen production, hyaluronic acid production.
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)
Attracts macrophages and fibroblasts to the application site. Promotes collagen growth and proteoglycan synthesis and the formation of the extracellular mix, also known as fibrin mesh.
Platelet-Derived Angiogenesis Factor (PDAF)
Induces growth and generation of new vascular endothelial cells.
Platelet Factor Interleukin (IL)
Initiates and regulates some of the earliest phases of the inflammatory response, induces endothelial adhesion.
Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)
Promotion of epithelial cell growth, angiogenesis, promotion of wound healing.
Insulin-Like Growth Factor (ICF)
A growth hormone.  Promotes angiogenesis, granulation, and epithelialization.
Fibronectin
Binds extracellular matrix components including collagen, fibrin.
Collagen Stimulating Growth Factor
Activates fibroblast differentiation. Induces collagen and proteoglycan synthesis for repair of cells and growth of healthy tissue.
Keratinocyte Growth Factor (KGF)
Induces keratinocyte migration, differentiation, and proliferation

How long does the PRP process take?

The blood draw takes just a couple of minutes, followed immediately by a 10-minute centrifugation. The time involved in the application varies based on which procedure is being performed.

How many PRP sessions are required?

Dr. Laurel will create a treatment plan based on your individual needs.

Can a PRP procedure be painful?

PRP is close to a physiologic pH, which means the product is less likely to cause a stinging or burning sensation. There may be some temporary discomfort or possible redness and inflammation at the application site, but this quickly resolves.

Is PRP safe?

Since the autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is produced from a patient’s own blood, there is virtually no risk of an allergic reaction or rejection.

Why do you not list the prices online?

Dr. Laurel considers the cost of medical procedures a matter of patient privacy barring any such advertisement. We are happy to discuss pricing with our potential patients.

What Does A Typical Results Timeline Look Like?

Most Patients will see immediate results with the under-eye rejuvenation, vampire facial and vampire facelift. However, all PRP face procedures show progressive benefits over a period of three months. You cannot expect to experience the full benefit immediately.