Introducing PRP to Raw Canvas

Have you heard of PRP, microneedling, the Vampire facial? Well if you have heard of all these treatments that’s exactly what we are gonna dive into. New to Raw Canvas Skin Bar we are so excited to now offer PRP combined with our SkinPen microneedling device, say hello to a whole new glow. The Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) facial, popularized as the Vampire Facial is a treatment that uses the plasma from your blood to help stimulate skin cell regeneration in the area it’s applied. This treatment isn’t just a trend; it has real skin and hair care benefits.

Commonly referred to as the Vampire Facial, we start the treatment at Raw Canvas with a light microdermabrasion to prep the skin. Next we start the microneedling which promotes tiny channels in the skin allowing for application and absorption of PRP (platelet-rich plasma). The PRP is derived from the serum portion of the blood, which contains platelets. The platelets contain high levels of growth factors (I know how much we all love growth factors), which when applied to the skin, will stimulate cell turnover. This is a non surgical facial that essentially uses your own blood to help promote the healthy activity of your skin cells. Blood is composed of red blood cells and serum, which contain white blood cells and platelets. Platelets are rich in human growth factors, which essentially act as energy boosts for our skin and is the best source of growth factor. Key benefits are skin function optimally, increasing everything from collagen to elastin, while also bringing antioxidant and hydrating properties. 

You are properly thinking this sounds painful and while yes the treatment begins with venipuncture (a blood draw) to obtain the blood, it's relatively painless as blood is drawn through a Butterfly needle (the tiniest of needles).

Typically, the process includes the initial blood draw, then running the blood through a centrifuge to isolate the platelets. While your blood is spinning in the centrifuge you'll then receive a light microdermabrasion to prep the skin, then numbing cream is applied to the treatment area. After you are numb we will start the microneedling with our Skin Pen. As the tiny channels are created in the canvas the PRP is pushed into the canvas for absorption. This can also be performed with RF micro needling as well. 

As for recovery, it might take a day or two of downtime depending on how aggressive the treatment was on your canvas. You'll emerge from treatment a bit red, almost like a sunburn, which means post-procedure sunscreen is highly recommended and applied. Applying makeup, though, is discouraged for at least 24 hours.

Now if you're wondering if this treatment is right for you? I would say if your concerns are premature wrinkles, high levels of environmental damage, or anyone who wants an even tone and fresher appearance to their canvas, is an ideal candidate for the treatment. Multiple treatments are needed for an optimal result and typically a series of 4 treatments spaced 4 weeks apart are recommended.  

Now that I have educated you on PRP for facial rejuvenation aka the vampire facial, let’s dive into PRP for hair loss. If you are dealing with thinning hair or loss of hair in specific areas then PRP for hair loss prevention might just be the treatment to consider (or have your husband, boyfriend, partner, lover, friend, etc... consider). Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) hair loss therapy is a non-surgical treatment that involves microneedling a patient’s scalp and pushing into the micro channels a concentrated solution derived from their own blood just as we would in a facial rejuvenation (Vampire facial). There is growing evidence that this process can stimulate hair growth in many people, thus avoiding the need for a hair transplant in some cases and enhancing a hair transplant in others.

However, multiple PRP treatments are required to achieve optimum results. And unlike the Vampire Facial maintenance is also required for further growth.

So how many PRP treatments are needed for hair growth? Normally four treatments are recommended spaced 4-6 weeks apart. After the initial treatments are performed a single treatment is required every 4 to 6 month to maintain the positive effect of hair growth. Although PRP treatment has been shown to encourage hair growth and thicken hair in areas that have been treated, it will not prevent new bald areas from forming in untreated areas of the scalp. Response to PRP will differ between patients. 

At Raw Canvas Skin Bar, we use the  World PRP system and SkinPen microneedling which are both approved by Health Canada. As PRP treatment uses your own blood, there are minimal concerns for safety and no significant side effects have so far been reported. Some patients do experience discomfort in the immediate aftermath of the procedure, although most people do not report suffering any pain. It is possible that the procedure may cause some swelling and tenderness, but this should subside within one to three days.

If you have any questions about this new treatment we recommend booking in for a 30 min consultation to access your skin concerns and we will create a treatment plan specific for you.