Month: December 2022

Even the tiniest changes can dramatically affect your beauty and skincare routine.

Medically reviewed by David Nazarian, MD — Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Medical Director of PRP Treatment Beverly Hills.

PRP and Ultherapy are different aesthetic approaches. Ultherapy uses focused ultrasound energy for specific FDA-cleared cosmetic indications, while PRP is an autologous blood-derived treatment used or studied for selected skin and other indications.

Ultherapy is non-invasive, while PRP involves blood collection and injections or microneedling. They are not interchangeable treatments and neither should be described as erasing wrinkles or producing permanent results.

The two procedures also have different benefits and drawbacks, affecting your treatment choice if you’re considering both. Let’s take a closer look at how each one works, their differences, and who should decide which based on specific concerns about aging skin or hair loss!

Differences Between Ultherapy vs PRP

This chart will help you learn more about the differences in procedure, skin concerns, costs, and benefits to make the best decision.

Ultherapy vs PRP- Difference & Similarities

Ultherapy and PRP can help achieve facial rejuvenation. Still, there are some critical differences between the two methods that you should know about before committing to one or the other.

Read on to learn how these treatments compare to make the right choice for your skin and beauty.

Consultation with Dr. Nazarian, MD: $450

Credited toward your first treatment

Labs and imaging ordered when needed

• PRP from $800 per session
• PRF from $1,100 per session
• Discounted 3-session packages on every treatment
• See the full PRP and PRF price list
• 4 tubes of blood drawn per session, more than many clinics use; 10 to 15 cc of PRP obtained
• 4-ingredient numbing cream
• 6-needle injector used for hair treatments
• Providing PRP therapy since 2008

Book Appointment

Procedure

The Ulthera System is FDA-cleared for several aesthetic indications, including lifting the eyebrow, lifting lax tissue under the chin and on the neck, improving lines and wrinkles of the décolleté, and improving the appearance of skin laxity in certain other body areas. It uses focused ultrasound energy rather than injections.

The outcome is expected to last up to two years or longer when combined with other treatments like lasers or injectables. It is a non-invasive treatment that uses intense ultrasound waves to lift and tighten skin on the face and neck by stimulating collagen production.

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma and is a medical treatment that involves taking a small amount of your blood and spinning it in a machine to separate the platelets, which are rich in growth factors. Those platelets are injected into the skin to promote healing and new cell production.

Cost

PRP is an injectable treatment that contains your blood, plasma, and platelets. They are harvested from your body with a small needle and injected into the skin to rejuvenate it.

The procedure takes approximately 45 minutes and will cost $400-$1000 per session, depending on the clinic and the number of areas you want to treat.

Ultherapy, on the other hand, It’s typically done in fifteen-minute sessions. There are no incisions or downtime with Ultherapy, so you can resume your daily activities immediately.

The procedure takes approximately 15-90 minutes, depending on how many areas you want the procedure on, and costs $1,000-$3,000 per session.

Concerns Treated

As a cosmetic procedure, Ultherapy can help improve the appearance of sagging skin in the face and neck (known as the turkey neck), as well as sagging jawline and cheeks. It also helps reduce wrinkles by delivering a controlled amount of energy to tighten loose skin, making it appear firmer and more youthful.

PRP has been used or studied across several fields, including hair loss, some musculoskeletal conditions, and selected aesthetic uses. The quality of evidence varies by indication, so it should not be described as a universal regenerative treatment.

Longevity

Duration varies for both treatments and depends on the indication, device or preparation, treatment protocol, anatomy, and individual response. There is no universal evidence-based duration that applies to every Ultherapy or PRP treatment.

How both treatments can be repeated as many times as needed. With this being said, it is recommended that you follow up with your physician for an evaluation post-procedure.

Side-effects

There are few side effects to Ultherapy, but patients have reported discomfort in their neck and face during the treatment and a feeling of heaviness in the area that was treated.

Ultherapy does not require injections, but treatment should remain within the device’s cleared indications and appropriate patient selection. Reported side effects can include redness, swelling, pain, bruising, and transient nerve-related effects.

Because PRP is prepared from the patient’s own blood, allergic reactions to the platelet product itself are uncommon. Injection-related risks can include bruising, bleeding, infection, pain, nerve or vascular injury, and reactions to anesthetics or antiseptics used during the procedure.

Other common side effects include rashes, redness, and itching in the injected place for a few days following the treatment sessions.

Who Should Avoid

Both procedures have established safety considerations and should be performed in appropriately selected patients by qualified clinicians. Risks differ because the technologies and treatment areas are different.

However, suppose you are pregnant, a breastfeeding mom, having any intensive physical treatments like chemotherapy, or are on blood thinners such as Warfarin. In that case, none of the procedures may be your best option.

However, conclusive evidence is needed that one procedure will yield better results. It’s always better to speak with a professional. Call us to help you choose one!

FAQ

How is the procedure of PRP different from ultherapy?

PRP draws blood from the patient’s arm and then spins it in a centrifuge to isolate the platelets and plasma components. The cells are then injected into the desired area for treatment. Whereas ultherapy is done with intense, high-focused ultrasound energy on the affected area.

Is there anything better than ultherapy?

There is no single treatment that is universally “better” than Ultherapy. Alternatives may include RF microneedling, laser or other energy-based treatments, injectables, skincare, or surgery depending on whether the primary concern is laxity, texture, wrinkles, pigmentation, volume loss, or another issue. RF microneedling and lasers address different tissue depths and concerns than focused ultrasound, so treatment selection should follow an in-person evaluation rather than a simple one-to-one comparison.

Final Thought

Here’s what you need to know about Ultherapy vs PRP to help you decide. There are many things to consider when choosing between Ultherapy and PRP treatment options, and there’s no one right answer.

The best option will be to visit my chamber to get more detailed insights about the best option for you. I will analyze your condition and suggest proper planning.

For treatment-specific information on PRP-based facial rejuvenation, visit our PRP Facial with Microneedling service page.

Surgery, injections, and other treatments can sometimes cause scars, sores, and bruises that you can avoid with platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP). However, PRP won’t provide any quick outcome, as it requires a few sessions to see the complete results.

But what is the result of PRP after 3 months?

PRP can treat many physical conditions- like hair loss, aging, ortho, dental, etc. Within or after three months, you are probably done with the entire treatment and can expect to get your desired results. However, if any side-effect is seen, you must contact your doctor.

Want to know more? In this guide to PRP after three months, you’ll learn what to expect after receiving a PRP treatment and what you should do during the recovery process.

What to Expect After 3 Months of PRP

Here are some most common PRP treatments’ expected results after 3 months. Remember, these results might vary from person to person.

Facial Rejuvenation

It is essential to know what to expect after 3 months of PRP to rejuvenate the face. This will help you know if your treatment is working and how long it will take to get the full effects of PRP on facial rejuvenation.

If you are still experiencing symptoms like itching or redness around the injection site or sores on your skin, this may be a sign that something is wrong. See your doctor or dermatologist as soon as possible so they can diagnose what’s going on.

Hair Loss

In three months, hair will stop shedding, and the new hairs will start to grow in. At this point, you should see some regrowth around the edges of your hairline.

However, it’s important to remember that PRP won’t work for everyone and if your hair loss continues after three months or worsens, then it’s not a good idea to continue with PRP treatments.

Consultation with Dr. Nazarian, MD: $450

Credited toward your first treatment

Labs and imaging ordered when needed

• PRP from $800 per session
• PRF from $1,100 per session
• Discounted 3-session packages on every treatment
• See the full PRP and PRF price list
• 4 tubes of blood drawn per session, more than many clinics use; 10 to 15 cc of PRP obtained
• 4-ingredient numbing cream
• 6-needle injector used for hair treatments
• Providing PRP therapy since 2008

Book Appointment

Benefits of Using PRP Treatments for Hair

PRP therapy is one of the most popular non-surgical treatments for damaged or torn tissue. While this treatment is safe and appropriate for most, there are many benefits to PRP hair therapy.

The first benefit of PRP therapy is that it helps with hair growth and scalp issues. If you suffer from a balding scalp or have areas on your head where your hair just won’t grow, you may want to explore other options than traditional medical practices. PRP therapy has been shown in studies to stimulate hair growth on certain parts of the head as well as promote increased thickness and density.

In addition, because PRP therapy promotes collagen production, it also strengthens weak or thinning hair follicles, preventing them from becoming completely dormant. There is no need to undergo surgery to receive these benefits.

Dentistry

After three months of PRP treatments, your teeth may feel better, and the gums should have healed. The gum tissue will continue to heal for up to a year.

The bone at the base of the tooth will also continue to heal for a year or longer.

Orthopedics

PRP treatment helps speed up the healing and recovery process of bones and muscles. It increases the number of cells that migrate to the injury site and strengthens the body’s natural healing response mechanisms.

After three months of PRP injections in orthopedics, patients can expect an increased range of motion (ROM) and reduced pain. They may notice that the joint is more flexible when they move it.

They should also notice a decrease in any swelling or redness before starting the injections.

After 3 Months of PRP: How to Keep Your Progress Going

After three months of PRP treatment, you may be feeling like you’ve hit your stride, but this doesn’t mean that your recovery has ended.

To ensure that you’re able to make the most of the results of your treatment, here are some things you should know about what happens after 3 months of PRP therapy and how to keep your progress going strong!

Surgery typically involves stitches and large incisions, but this isn’t necessary with PRP injections. However, PRP therapy does not require surgery, so that recovery time will be faster and more comfortable.

Follow your treatment plan

It’s essential to keep your progress going after 3 months of PRP. The best way to do this is to follow your treatment plan. This will help you maintain your progress and provide a framework for what you need moving forward.

Don’t miss any appointments

It’s essential to keep your appointments after three months, or you could avoid getting the full benefits. If you miss an appointment for hair PRP, it will take longer for your hair follicles to recover and grow new hairs. Discuss what’s been working with your provider so they can develop a treatment plan that meets your needs.

Take your medication as prescribed

Taking your medication as prescribed during and after three months of PRP treatment is important. This will help you maintain your progress while maintaining your overall health.

For example, take care of your scalp by not putting chemicals on it, like bleach or other chemical treatments that could weaken the follicles. Take a shower with mild shampoo daily to wash away any sweat or dirt that may cause an infection.

Final Thought

Let you know what to do or expect after 3 months of your PRP treatment. There might be no adverse side effects, but that doesn’t mean there won’t be any. It’s about taking every step as your doctor/aesthetician has told you. You should speak to your doctor before going through it.