PRP is generally well-tolerated, but some discomfort is possible since it involves injections. Here’s what you can expect: The first step involves drawing a small amount of blood, which feels similar to any routine blood draw and is usually not painful. When the PRP is injected into the treatment area, you might feel some discomfort. However, many clinics apply a numbing cream beforehand to minimize any pain. The sensation is often described as a mild sting or pressure.

How Many Appointments Will I Need?

The number of PRP appointments you’ll need depends on what you’re treating and your specific goals. Here’s a general idea: Hair Restoration: Usually, you’ll need 3 to 4 sessions spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. After that, maintenance sessions every 6 to 12 months are often recommended to keep the results going strong. Facial Rejuvenation: Most people need 1–3 sessions with 4–6 weeks in between for skin treatments. Some people do a touch-up session every 6–12 months to maintain the glow. Injury Recovery: If you’re using PRP for healing, 2–3 treatments are typically done, spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Dr. Shastri will work with you to figure out the right plan based on your needs, so it’s a good idea to discuss it during your consultation!

How Long Until I See the Results?

How long it takes to see results from PRP depends on what you’re treating, but here’s a rough timeline: Hair Restoration: You’ll likely start noticing hair growth and thickness after about 3–6 months. Full results can take up to 12 months as the hair follicles continue to respond and improve over time. Facial Rejuvenation: For skin treatments, you’ll see some improvement within 3–4 weeks as collagen starts to build up. Results will continue to improve for a couple of months as your skin gets healthier and smoother. Injury Recovery: If you’re using PRP to heal an injury, you may start feeling better in 2–4 weeks, but it could take a couple of months to feel the full benefits. In general, PRP delivers gradual, natural-looking results that keep improving over time.

Can I Combine PRP with Other Procedures?

Yes, you can combine PRP with other treatments, and it’s actually a great way to boost results. Here are a few popular combos: Microneedling + PRP: This is a favorite for skin rejuvenation. Microneedling creates small channels in your skin, allowing the PRP to penetrate deeper and work even better, helping with texture, fine lines, and overall skin health. Botox or Dermal Fillers + PRP: PRP can be paired with Botox or fillers to smooth out wrinkles, refresh your appearance, and improve skin quality and texture. Hair Restoration + PRP: If you’re getting a hair transplant or other hair treatments, PRP can help promote hair growth and speed up recovery. Laser Treatments + PRP: Combining PRP with lasers can enhance skin tone, texture, and collagen production, giving you even better results. It’s always a good idea to talk to Dr. Shastri in Chicago to see what combination works best for you and your goals!

What Are the Risks Associated with PRP?

PRP is generally safe, but like any treatment, there are some risks to consider: Discomfort: You might feel some pain or soreness at the injection sites, but it’s usually short-lived. Swelling or bruising: Some people experience swelling or bruising, especially after the injections, but it tends to go away in a few days. Infection: While rare, there’s a small risk of infection since the procedure involves needles. Allergic reactions: Since PRP uses your own blood, the chances of an allergic reaction are very low. However, if you’re sensitive to numbing agents or other materials used, that could cause some irritation. Varying results: PRP doesn’t always give the same results for everyone. Some people may see slower or less noticeable improvements. PRP is considered a low-risk treatment, but before undergoing the procedure, discussing any concerns with Dr. Shastri at KSMD Facial Plastic Surgery in Chicago is a good idea.

Chicago, IL

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Introduction

Introduction to Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a super cool, non-surgical treatment that can boost your skin, hair, or recovery—using nothing but your own blood! Whether you’re looking for smoother skin, thicker hair, or faster healing, PRP works by tapping into your body’s growth factors to give you fresh, natural results. Dr. Karthik Shastri at KSMD Facial Plastic Surgery in Chicago, IL, will walk you through the whole process, making sure you’re comfortable and pumped for what’s ahead.

What is PRP?

PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma, is a treatment that uses your own blood to help stimulate healing and rejuvenation. It works by drawing a small amount of your blood, processing it, and then injecting it back into areas that need a boost. This helps promote collagen production, improve skin texture, and enhance cell regeneration. PRP is used for facial rejuvenation, hair restoration, and even vaginal rejuvenation. It’s a natural, non-invasive way to tap into your body’s healing power for some pretty impressive results.

Close-up of a young woman with a light-brown complexion, eyes closed and a serene expression. She holds her loose dark hair with both hands, wearing a black sleeveless top. Soft lighting and a neutral cream background highlight her features. - PRP in Glenview, IL

What Are the Benefits of PRP?

PRP offers a variety of benefits due to your body’s natural healing powers. Some of the key benefits include:

Skin rejuvenation
Hair restoration
Natural and safe
Minimal downtime
Non-surgical
Faster healing

Who Are the Best Candidates for PRP?

The best candidates for PRP are generally individuals who are looking for a natural, non-invasive solution to rejuvenate their skin, encourage hair growth, or speed up recovery from injury.

Here are some ideal candidates:

People with mild to moderate hair loss
Those seeking skin rejuvenation
People with injuries
Individuals who prefer non-surgical options
Healthy individuals

Consultation and Assessment

What’s the first step?

The first step is to book a consultation with Dr. Shastri! You’ll chat about your goals and any questions you have and see if PRP is the perfect fit for you. Dr. Shastri will walk you through the whole process so you know exactly what to expect. It’s your chance to get excited and make sure you’re all set to take the next step toward glowing skin, thicker hair, or faster recovery!

What to Expect on the Day of a PRP Treatment

On the day of your PRP treatment with Dr. Shastri, the focus is on the procedure itself. After numbing the area, Dr. Shastri will carefully inject the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into the targeted spots. For facial treatments, PRP is injected just under the skin to help boost collagen and improve texture. If you’re having PRP for hair restoration, Dr. Shastri will inject it into your scalp to stimulate the hair follicles. You might feel a little pressure or a slight prick, but the numbing cream helps keep you comfortable. Depending on the treatment area, the procedure usually takes around 30 minutes for facial treatments and a bit longer for hair restoration. Dr. Shastri will make sure the injections are done evenly and carefully for the best results, with minimal downtime afterward.

PRP Recovery

After your treatment with Dr. Shastri, you may notice some redness, swelling, or mild bruising in the treated area. This is completely normal and should go away within a few days. If you had a facial treatment, you might feel some tenderness or slight puffiness, but it usually clears up in a day or two. Your scalp may be a little sore for hair restoration, but it’s nothing major.

You can resume most of your regular activities right after the treatment, but to prevent swelling, avoid intense exercise for the first 24 hours. If you have PRP on your face, also avoid heavy skincare products or makeup for a couple of days. Dr. Shastri will provide detailed aftercare instructions to ensure proper healing.

How Much Does PRP Cost in Chicago, IL?

The cost of PRP treatments in Glenview and Chicago can vary depending on several factors, such as the specific type of treatment, the provider’s experience, and the clinic’s location. On average, you can expect to see the following prices:

Hair Restoration PRP: Typically, this ranges from $1,500 to $3,500 per session. Since multiple sessions are often recommended, the total cost can add up.
Facial Rejuvenation PRP can range from $600 to $1,500 per session.

It’s always a good idea to schedule a consultation with Dr. Shastri in Chicago to get an accurate quote!

Why Choose KSMD Facial Plastic Surgery?

Dr. Karthik Shastri is a top facial plastic surgeon in Chicago. He is known for his exceptional skill and dedication to achieving beautiful, natural results. With years of specialized training and dual board certifications, including a distinguished fellowship at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Dr. Shastri has mastered a wide range of procedures, including facelifts, rhinoplasty, and skin cancer reconstruction.

At KSMD Facial Plastic Surgery, Dr. Shastri focuses on providing individualized care in a comfortable, welcoming environment.