Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
At Atheda, we are proud to offer Photo-Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments for hair loss, skin rejuvenation, and certain injuries. PRP is retrieved from a patient’s own blood, which is centrifuged to separate growth factors from red blood cells. PRP is then activated through exposures to several different wavelengths of light.
PRP therapy is a form of regenerative medicine that harnesses and amplifies the natural growth factors found in our blood cells to help heal and rebuild damaged tissue and restore collagen and elastic fibers. Photo-Activated PRP helps support a more controlled and long-term release of growth factors and more efficient use of PRP in clinic compared to traditional PRP treatments.
Natural, Safe and Hypoallergenic.
More Enhanced PRP Treatments.
Photo-Activated PRP Treatments
We may use PRP in conjunction with other procedures or as a stand-alone treatment. The following list describes areas where photo-activated PRP is useful as an injection or topical treatments:
- Fine lines and wrinkles
- Dark undereye circles
- Acne scars
- Stretch marks
- Dry skin
- Uneven skin tone
- Surgery and burn scars
- Skin rejuvenation
- Alopecia and support to hair loss therapy
- Loss of cheek volume
- Injury recovery
Photo-Activated PRP v.s. Traditional PRP?
When the blood is taken out the body, it naturally wants to clot. Platelet activation is a crucial step that might influence the availability of bioactive molecules and therefore tissue healing. In other words, proper activation is key for PRP to work. Photoactivation of PRP involves exposures to polychromatic light prior to the treatment. The photo-activated PRP helps support a more sustained and long-term release of growth factors and efficient use of PRP in clinic compared to traditional PRP treatments. The enhanced PRP therapy allows for higher chances of satisfactory results clinically.
What Altheda Offers?
Activated PRP via SKINPEN® Microneedling
Each of our bodies has innate processes that react to injury by producing new cells and collagen to heal the damage. The activated PRP is delivered into the skin through the FDA-approved SkinPen® which is a finely-tuned micro-needling pen.
This procedure initiates your natural healing process by creating hundreds of temporary micro-channels in the skin for a PRP penetration. These “fractionated” micro-channels are created to achieve results without the use of thermal energy or chemicals applied to the skin.
Activated PRP via TriFX™ Radiofrequency-Assisted Microneedling
Unlike other microneedling technologies in the market, TriFX™ does not use needles but rather ultra-thin electrodes that thermally ablate the outer surface of the skin to reach the deep dermis. electrodes create micro-channels via RF energy to facilitate an effective PRP delivery and regenerate younger and smoother looking skin.
The RF energy heats the underlying layers of skin, causing constriction and tightening of the skin, as well as the stimulation of collagen and elastin production. Because the RF energy is delivered so deeply while works in conjunction with photo-activated PRP, it can produce faster results that are more dramatic.
Activated PRP via Direct Injection
The photo-activated PRP can be directly injected by our licensed medical professionals into the targeted areas, such as the skin, scalp, and injury sites to help address various issues. Depending on the evaluation, direct injection may be more suitable and effective than microneedling for some patients.
What Should I Expect?
What Can I Expect Before Treatment?
A consultation with us allows for an evaluation determining whether you are a good candidate for PRP treatments as we walk through details of the treatments. During the procedure, a licensed medical professional withdraws the blood, which is then centrifuged to obtain the PRP from your blood. The separated PRP is then photo-activated through polychromatic light for around 10 minutes. The activated PRP is ready to be used in your tailored injection or topical treatments. The treatment typically takes less than an hour.
What Can I Expect After Treatment?
Depending on the type of PRP treatments you get, there is some degree of redness, swelling, and minor skin sensitivity to be expected. These effects are usually temporary and should go away in a few days. You may want to avoid intense activity or direct sun exposure for about 2-3 days post-treatment, allowing any redness or swelling to diminish. Makeup should be avoided immediately after the procedure, and it’s recommended to follow the post-treatment care instructions provided by our medical professional.
Why photo-activated PRP?
More enhanced PRP treatments compared to traditional PRP therapy
Naturally stimulate growth factors and collagens in the body with your own blood
Safe for all skin types and promote effective results
PRP Treatment Near Me
Altheda Medical Center is the top and pioneer provider in greater Pittsburgh, PA, offering photo-activated PRP treatments via direct injection or FDA-approved technologies TriLift™ and SKINPEN®. We are committed to delivering the highest standard of care and treatment. Our precision approach aims to help you achieve the most natural and youthful-looking results possible.
First Time Client
How To Get Started
Schedule a Free Consultation
Talk to Our Licensed Medical Professional
Treatment Plan
Start Treatment (40-60 mins)
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Our blood contains plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. Platelets help our blood clot and produce growth factor proteins essential for healing. This procedure uses platelets from your blood to help heal and address concerns you have with your skin, scalp, or other areas on the body. Photo-Activated PRP treatments are ideal for various purposes like improving hair loss, skin rejuvenation, and helping with injury recovery.
To start this process, a licensed medical professional will draw a small vial of blood from you. Then they will place the vial in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from the red and white blood cells. This process concentrates the platelets and increases the count many times higher than usual. An important step we take further at Altheda Medical Center is that we will activate your PRP through polychromatic light exposure to help with a sustained release of growth factors; and the result is impressive. From there, it is ready to be used for your treatments.
One of the best things about PRP treatment is that almost any man or woman can be considered a great candidate for the procedure since it is a natural product of their own blood. This process is effective for all skin types and ages.
Pain during a PRP facial treatment via injection and microneedling can vary depending on individual pain tolerance. Microneedling is generally well-tolerated, but some patients might experience mild discomfort or a sensation similar to light sunburn during the procedure. If you experience intolerable pain, tell your practitioner immediately.
We recommend getting at least 3 PRP treatments spaced between 4-6 weeks for the most optimal and effective results. But, of course, this may vary depending on how well your skin responds to it. Our licensed medical professional will give you the most appropriate recommendation and assessment during your consultation.
It depends on what you want from your aesthetic or cosmetic treatments. For example, Botox best prevents fine lines, wrinkles, dynamic wrinkles, and other minor signs of aging. However, PRP rejuvenation treatments work best for patients looking for ways to naturally increase collagen production and improve the overall quality of their skin.
Botox injections work well to relax and inhibit the nerves that cause dynamic wrinkles on your face. PRP treatments will help your cells reactivate and restore your skin’s natural layers of collagen, elastin, and more.
Some patients combine PRP treatments with Botox injections in the same treatment session. The two-in-one gives powerful anti-aging results.
At Altheda, we adhere to strict sterilization protocols to prevent any risk of infection or contamination. PRP is a natural, safe and hypoallergenic product since it is directly derived from your own blood.
Visit Us Today For Your PRP Treatment
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