While hair restoration surgery has come a long way, there are several nonsurgical methods that effectively address hair loss and promote regrowth that have risen to prominence in recent years.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, hair-strengthening supplements and prescription treatments (like Finasteride and topical Minoxidil) are all viable solutions to stop hair loss in its tracks. When combined, these three strategies offer complementary strengths that act as a barrier against losing that hairline and bringing thickness so you can retain your crown.
Thinning and balding aren’t always a symptom of a deeper health concern but they can still be a distressing experience for both men and women. The key is to identify and address the root cause as soon as possible before the cosmetic effect becomes permanent.
For years, Platelet-Rich Plasma injections have been used to effectively accelerate the healing process for trauma injuries, joint injuries and orthopedic surgery. These injections are now also used to treat female and male pattern baldness, helping to prevent hair loss and to promote the growth of new hair.
Hair loss occurs when a follicle is starved of its blood supply. PRP injections work, in this case, by reconnecting follicles with a blood supply and increasing the thickness of the hair shaft. The first cosmetic result patients often notice is minimized thinning and shedding within a month or so of their session. The full results of these injections can take up to 6 months to surface if a patient is looking for hair regrowth.
Each PRP for Hair Restoration session begins with a blood draw from the arm. The sample is then placed into a centrifuge and spun for 15 – 20 minutes where the blood is sorted into three segments: platelet-poor plasma, platelet-rich plasma and red blood cells.
The PRP substance is loaded into a specialized syringe before being injected into the scalp in 25 – 35 key locations, namely the crown, temples and along the hairline. The platelet-poor plasma is then massaged back into the scalp, resulting in a cooling effect, and the red blood cells are safely discarded.
Our providers recommend at least 3 complete sessions, spaced one month apart, for noticeable results. To maximize these positive outcomes, patients can undergo up to 6 total sessions within 12 months — any more than that is considered unnecessary. After this first cycle is complete, we recommend annual or biannual PRP sessions to retain results.
Once the follicle has been reconnected to its blood supply, it’s important for these hairs to come back even better than before. This is where nutrition plays a critical role. Medical-grade collagen supplements, topical hair enhancement serums and Nutrafol can all be used to regrow stronger follicles. Of these options, we specifically endorse the use of Nutrafol due to its clinically-proven ability to improve hair thickness.
This supplement provides the vitamins and minerals necessary to regrow hair at maximum strength, including marine collagen, biotin, vitamin D, zinc, selenium and iodine. But beyond the nutritional benefits, many Nutrafol products possess a number of specific ingredients to stop common root causes of hair loss and thinning without some of the sexual side effects found in various prescription treatments.
Prescription hair loss medications like Finasteride and Minoxidil can help to prevent further hair loss and maintain the results of other hair restoration treatments. Finasteride works by preventing testosterone from turning into DHT (dihydrotestosterone); too much DHT in the body can be to blame for hair loss. Topical Minoxidil is a vasodilator that widens blood vessels and allows more flow to the follicle. Minoxidil has also been proven to shorten the “resting” phase of the hair life cycle and kickstart the anagen (or growing) stage.
In recent years, an abundance of subscription-based prescription providers have risen to prominence, which has helped drive down the cost of the generic versions of these medications and make them more readily available for purchase online.
Some prescription hair loss solutions carry side effects including erectile dysfunction, depression, anxiety and a decrease in sexual desire. Finasteride, specifically, can potentially increase the risk of high-grade prostate cancer in men aged 55 and older by 17%. It is crucial that you speak with your primary care physician before starting one of these medications, and that you continue to monitor potential symptoms for the first months of treatment.
We do not prescribe Finasteride or topical Minoxidil at Donaldson Plastic Surgery because these are considered long-term prescriptions. These decisions are best made by a patient’s PCP who has a greater understanding of their unique medical history. Our providers may make the suggestion to patients and will defer that decision to their family doctor.
Stacie Isler, MS, PA-C, is a leading aesthetic provider in Columbus, Ohio. Throughout her tenure with Donaldson Plastic Surgery, she has helped thousands of patients feel more comfortable in their own skin through a variety of nonsurgical treatments, including PRP for Hair Restoration, Botox, fillers and laser therapy solutions.
Stacie remains dedicated to learning the newest techniques in the world of cosmetic procedures and passing this knowledge to patients everywhere to help them make decisions along their own confidence journeys.
Laser therapies (like Halo, BBL, skin resurfacing and acne scar reduction) have proven effective for patients seeking advanced skincare solutions that go beyond an over-the-counter product. We’re going to dig deeper into the benefits of adding PRP for laser treatments to a session, along with how this upgrade can improve the overall patient experience by reducing the recovery period, improving aesthetic results and bolstering those amazing results.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become an increasingly popular addition to aesthetic skin treatments due to its ability to naturally enhance the healing process and improve overall cosmetic outcomes. PRP involves using the patient’s own blood to extract nutrient-rich platelets, which are then concentrated and injected back into the body or placed onto the skin after the treatment is completed.
PRP has been successfully used in various medical fields, including sports medicine, sexual wellness, orthopedics and hair restoration, and is now being incorporated into laser skin treatments.
“The PRP is all the good stuff — all of the growth factors that stimulate collagen production, promote cell growth, efficiently repair the micro-injuries made during the treatment and help those results really shine after the recovery process.”
-Claire Hinkle, PA-C
Yes. Recent research indicates that properly-timed PRP usage can aid in cell regeneration and wound repair processes after laser treatments and microneedling. It can also minimize adverse symptoms, including erythema, edema and crusting.
Yes. Limited studies have shown that fractional carbon dioxide lasers, combined with platelet-rich plasma treatments, resulted in a significant increase in patient satisfaction with their cosmetic results, specifically when it comes to combatting photoaging and treating wrinkles.
There is not much in the way of published academic studies when it comes to PRP’s effect on the longevity of results. However, our providers have seen, first-hand, longer-lasting positive outcomes when PRP was added to treatment. This could be due to the plasma’s healing properties and growth factors, but this could also be correlated with patients who are more dedicated to their skincare regimen and tend to strictly adhere to post-treatment protocols designed to preserve results.
For maximum efficacy, providers apply platelet-rich plasma to the treated area and massaged it into the skin almost immediately after the treatment is completed. The PRP is left to sit for about 20 minutes. A soothing balm may then be applied to help reduce swelling and improve comfort.
Claire Hinkle, PA-C is an esteemed aesthetic provider at Donaldson Plastic Surgery. Her nonsurgical specializations include laser skin therapies, Botox and filler injections. Claire has spent more than 7 years immersed in the world of plastic surgery and head and neck surgery recovery, assisting thousands of patients through this vulnerable time in their lives. With her rich history in the postoperative experience, she aims to help even more patients recover faster and bolster their cosmetic outcomes.
Cosmetic procedures, aesthetic treatments and plastic surgery are on the rise in the Black community, but that begs the question: why were reported rates so low in the first place? This trend — or lack of one — goes back to the history of research and education on aesthetic procedures.
When treatments like injectables were first introduced, initial research was only done with white patients. This led to uncertainty over what was effective for Black people. Additionally, the technology of some treatments has proven to not be safe for darker skin.
This combination of factors has led to misconceptions about surgical and non-surgical aesthetic procedures that are still standing. However, getting extra boosts of confidence from visiting the world of aesthetics is for everyone!
This is an excellent option for removing hyperpigmentation, acne scars, and other unwanted spots from dark skin. Microneedling does not target skin color, rather it uses a series of tiny needles to manually create micro-injuries in the skin. It goes deep enough to meet the dermis but it does not go into it; otherwise, this would cause scarring, which is a common and valid concern.
Instead, the micro-injuries stimulate growth factors in the area, which overturns the cells and rejuvenates the complexion.
Morpheus8 is one of those treatments that is known by name because it sets the standard for all radiofrequency devices on the market. It has built such a strong reputation in the industry because it can treat so much, and it works for everyone!
Long story short, Morpheus8 uses a system of heat and small needles to emulsify fat and aid in the production of new collagen. It doesn’t rely on targeting skin pigment, so patients with darker and lighter skin can all enjoy tightened skin, reduced texture, minimized hyperpigmentation and a contoured face and body.
Chemical peels are not skin bleaching. Medium-depth peels only treat the top layer of the skin. They will not penetrate deep enough to impact the melanin, so you’ll see brighter — not whiter — skin.
Depending on the depth of your peel, your aesthetician may recommend applying your post-peel cream or repair cream more generously if you have darker skin. After the chemical peel, dark skin is more susceptible to developing hyperpigmentation if they don’t adequately protect their skin post-treatment by applying enough of their after-treatment skincare.
Halo lasers are safe for any skin color. Halo lasers are fractional which means that they penetrate small areas of the skin to focus on resurfacing. Because they are creating micro-injuries in the skin, you’ll see
BBL lasers, on the other hand, are not safe for dark skin tones because their technology targets pigment, including acne scars, sunspots, age spots, freckles, etc. It was designed to find much darker pigment compared to its background. The laser picks up dramatic differences in tones. It cannot decipher between dark skin and a dark spot on the skin.
Laser hair reduction uses BBL technology, so this is also not safe for darker skin tones. Again, that is because the laser cannot tell the difference between dark skin and dark brown or black hair. Laser hair reduction is also not an option for people with light skin and blonde hair.
You shouldn’t have to give up hair thickness or growth because of wearing a protective hairstyle. The point is to maintain your hair, but sometimes that tightness can cause hair loss. A great non-surgical solution for this is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for hair restoration.
By using your own unique growth factors, our injectors are able to target areas of hair loss or thinning. You won’t have to deal with all-over hair growth from a vitamin or the inconvenience and invasiveness of surgery. PRP is quick and effective, especially among women patients and when combined with Nutrafol hair growth supplements.
Yes! Botox is safe and effective for darker complexions, and this aesthetic treatment in particular is gaining popularity within the Black community.
It is true that darker skin tones are less affected by signs of aging than lighter skin tones. Black people have more melanin in their skin, which protects against UV rays. If you don’t have much natural melanin and don’t wear enough sunscreen, then you will be more likely to develop wrinkles and other skin conditions. This is where cosmetic Botox can help!
You’ve put in years of work to raise your kids (maybe oftentimes going unrecognized), and now it’s time to take back your favorite parts of who you are that might have gotten lost along the way.
A Mommy Makeover is a sequence of cosmetic surgeries that is completely customized to you, your body and your unique goals — as it should be. Everyone is different. You shouldn’t feel wrong for wanting to see a surgeon who has experience with patients who look like you! Dr. Jeffrey Donaldson is responsible with how he works to minimize the appearance of scars and the way beautifully contours the body to look natural but still within the requests of the patient.
Your surgeon and patient care team must be mindful of post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation and respond accordingly to guarantee your best outcomes. Together, your team will work to help you reclaim your confidence and live life as the best version of yourself — from the initial planning stages, to the day of your procedure, through the surgical recovery phase and beyond.
Stacie Isler, PA-C is an esteemed aesthetic injector, PRP expert and laser treatment specialist. Her advanced techniques and incredible results are the product of decades of practice, hard work and her natural eye for aesthetics. With great experience in surgical and aesthetic spaces, she finds genuine joy in helping people smile a little brighter by enhancing their beauty.
The quest for great skin leads us to interesting places. Some folks are willing to try putting bee venom on their faces to stimulate collagen production, while others find themselves Google searching places they can pick up snail slime to reduce free radicals. At Donaldson Plastic Surgery, we pride ourselves on staying on top of budding beauty trends before they become mainstream so we can help our patients determine if something is right for them, wrong for them or just outright wacky!
One skincare “fad” that has surfaced in recent years is derma rolling. We feel comfortable in saying that this one actually works but it does depend on your expectations and what exactly you’re trying to accomplish with the handheld device.
Dermarolling works by using a system of tiny stainless steel or titanium needles to glide over the outermost layer of skin and penetrate the surface. The micro-channels created by the needles allow for topical medical-grade skincare to penetrate past the first layer, making them more effective
“Your skin is a barrier and it is doing its job. Healthy skin keeps things out but we really want these great medical ingredients to go into the skin. The Environ dermal roller creates these tiny microchannels after you just roll it on the skin. After that, I’ll put on my serums and maybe a mask – depending on what I’m feeling that day.”
-Aesthetic Experience Director Jill Hawkins in a recent interview with AmSpa’s Medical Spa Insider podcast
Perhaps the most instant benefit of using a derma roller is its exfoliation capabilities. Every stroke with the tool removes dead and dull skin cells, making way for new cells to form and shine. Out with the old, in with the new!
Our biological reparative processes can do some amazing things! When using a derma roller on the scalp or beard area, you’re essentially creating micro-tears near existing hair follicles. To heal these “injuries,” the body sends nutrient-rich blood to the site which promotes hair growth.
As the derma roller glides across scars or stretch marks, it breaks down the larger clumps of collagen that sit on the top layer. Your body, then, goes into its reparative process which increases blood flow and collagen production, resulting in smoother skin.
It is important to remember that the size of needles you should use depends heavily on your unique circumstances. Lighter scars and blemishes call for 1mm needles, whereas deeper scars typically require 1.5mm needles to see an impact.
These little tools are pretty versatile, as you can see! While you may be inspired to get rolling, it’s important to remember that derma rollers vary wildly in quality.
We were able to quickly find one on Amazon for as little as $8 but with low-cost options like these come some safety concerns. There is a risk of breakouts and even bacterial infections if you cannot easily and comprehensively clean your roller or if it is built using low-quality metals. Some value brand rollers quickly become dull which drastically reduces their efficacy. You also need to make sure that the length of the needles is right for you and your specific skin care goals.
We endorse derma rollers because they put control back in the hands of our patients. They work great as a preventative skin care measure and show some decent effectiveness in mild situations. Proper usage can also prolong the great results you experience from the non-surgical procedures we perform. That said, we do not recommend the use of needles longer than .2mm because they may cause bleeding, which is what causes collagen induction and this should only be done at a medical practice by a provider.
There is also a stark difference between at-home derma rolling and professional-level treatments. Our providers have access to medical-grade technology that is more effective than what you can pick up in stores or on Amazon. These experts also routinely undergo rigorous training to ensure they’re always using the most advanced techniques the industry has to offer. Their dedication to the craft is matched only by how diligently they work with each patient to deliver incredible, more sustainable results.
While retail derma rollers can remove dead skin cells and lead to some increased collagen production, nothing compares to the potency and power of microneedling. This treatment is completely customized to your skin and uses longer needles to get deeper into the skin, resulting in more collagen, more elastin, more blood flow and an all-around more noticeable end result – without having to remember to roll every 3 days (wait or was it once every week?).
The body responds to this treatment and works to heal these micro-wounds. In doing so, new blood vessels are formed in the impacted area and collagen production is ramped up – sometimes by up to 400%.
Dermaplaning involves the use of a surgical blade to remove the entire top layer of skin, including dirt, dead cells and “peach fuzz.” This is often followed up by a revitalizing chemical peel or other relaxing facial treatment. And don’t worry: we uncover all areas of the skin. By getting that layer out of the way first, we prime your skin to take in the full infusion of nutrients.
Derma rolling can help smooth out fine lines, reduce acne scars and fix hyperpigmentation but it often requires months of diligence to get desired results. Even then, you may not see exactly what you want. Halo™ Laser Skin Resurfacing is an innovative anti-aging option that uses two different lasers to help you reach your goals within 2 to 5 days of treatment. Not only does Halo work faster, but the results also last substantially longer with less upkeep.
Many patients come across derma rolling as they’re researching ways to either maintain their current hair or stimulate new growth. While the tool can provide some assistance around the edges, it helps to have some extra firepower behind your efforts! One way to do that is by using your own platelet-rich plasma to reinvigorate dying follicles. Trained hair restoration specialists can safely extract your blood, centrifuge it to sort out the various components and inject the nutrient-dense plasma back into areas of thinning to help you retain what you’ve got – and even inspire some additional growth.
Our experts are on standby to help further explain the proper technique when it comes to derma rolling and the benefits that can come from routine usage. Looking to skip the daily routine and jump right into incredible results from any of our medspa treatments? We can help you out there, too!
Aging, pregnancy, weight gain (or loss), hormones, genetics, medical conditions, lifestyle factors, and sun exposure can all contribute to drooping skin. Treatments for tightening the skin, however, are more difficult to identify. Reversing the skin’s natural processes can be challenging, but there are several truly effective skin tightening solutions at Donaldson Plastic Surgery that you should know about.
Whether a treatment will be effective or not varies from person-to-person, depending on two things: the level of skin laxity (mild, moderate, or severe) and the overall elasticity of the skin. For example, an individual in their 20s or 30s with mild or moderate loose skin will have relatively higher skin elasticity and, therefore, will be more likely to see loose skin improve over time with regular non-invasive treatments.
Moderate to severe skin laxity is more common among individuals in their 50s or 60s. This population is more likely to have relatively lower skin elasticity, so their skin may be less responsive to non-surgical treatments. In this case, surgical skin tightening may be a more effective path to correct your concerns.
No matter your concerns or what level of loose skin you have, we have the tools to help you address it. Our team of experienced aesthetic specialists is here to help you identify what level of treatment is right for you to tighten loose skin of the face, neck, and body — all the way from result-driven products to our surgical skin tightening procedures.
Our Medical Aestheticians Tatjana and Nikki recommend a combination of at-home care and professional Medspa treatments to correct mild to moderate loose skin on the face, neck, and body. Listed below is a powerful collection of medical-grade skincare products that you can use to improve skin elasticity, visibly improve the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles, and combat signs of aging.
All of these products, including the facial and body rollers, are available for purchase by phone or in person.
Non-invasive skin tightening treatments are more targeted and go deeper to address the underlying causes of mild to moderate loose skin. Morpheus8, specifically, uses radiofrequency and fine surgical pins to melt fat, smooth skin, minimize the appearance of cellulite, reduce oil production and stimulate new collagen and elastin formation. Skilled Morpheus8 providers can dial in device settings to reach deeper layers of skin for greater, more controlled results. This treatment can be performed on the face, neck, chest, arms and legs — just about any part of the body with loose skin, scars, stretch marks, hyperpigmentation and other common skin concerns.
Ultherapy is a non-surgical skin tightening and lifting treatment that uses ultrasonic energy to send waves deep within the skin that stimulate collagen production. Because it works on a deeper level than other treatments, Ultherapy is a great preventative treatment for individuals seeing the beginnings of aging skin, rather than a fix to severe sagging or wrinkling. It is primarily intended to lift and tighten the skin of the brow, chin, jowls, neck, and upper chest, but can also be used to target other specific areas of concern.
Halo Laser Skin Resurfacing is a hybrid fractional laser treatment that addresses a number of visible skin concerns and offers skin tightening benefits by inducing collagen production in the healing process. For patients with mild to moderate skin laxity, Halo can result in more youthful, tighter-looking skin. Although the Halo laser is not primarily for skin tightening, patients usually see and feel a skin tightening effect. Wrinkles and fine lines are addressed with Halo, as well as other signs of aging, problematic skin texture, scarring, and sun damage. Other benefits of Halo include minimal downtime and a noticeable improvement of skin a just a couple of days. You can schedule Halo with Adrienne, Paige, Stacie, or Claire.
Renuvion (also known as J Plasma) is a minimally-invasive procedure that uses a combination of radiofrequency energy and helium gas to virtually tighten the skin of the face, neck, and body. A wand emitting the stream of energy is gently passed underneath (in some cases overtop) the dermal layer to cause contraction of the skin. Results can be seen immediately, but dramatically improve over time. See what one patient has to say about her chin liposuction and Renuvion results with Dr. Sieffert!
Botox and fillers are not “skin tightening treatments,” but they do offer benefits that address signs of mild to moderate skin laxity, which is why we include them here.
Aging skin can cause wrinkles, folds, and droopiness to form, which can be corrected using minimally-invasive injectables like Botox and dermal fillers for the face. Botox works by softening the appearance of fine lines and wrinkles in the skin by relaxing the muscle underneath that causes the crease to form. Fillers restore volume under the skin to an area where volume has been lost and skin has begun to droop or fold as a result (ex. the jawline, or nasolabial folds and marionette lines). Neither injectable treatment is used to reverse skin laxity, but they can help to improve common concerns associated with it.
To successfully treat more significant loose skin, surgery is usually the best option.
With the following skin tightening procedures, excess skin is removed surgically and the remaining skin is then re-draped tighter than before. This option is the gold standard for patients who have moderate to severe skin laxity as a result of aging or weight loss but can be ideal for mild to moderate skin laxity and stretch mark concerns, as well.
Here are some of our most effective surgical solutions performed by Dr. Donaldson & Dr. Sieffert.
A tummy tuck is a procedure in which excess skin and fat are surgically removed from the abdomen (and the underlying muscles tightened) to improve its contours. Stretched skin in this area will not always retract on its own, making surgery the only option to return the abdomen to its original form.
Anyone who has undergone pregnancy or weight loss, or who just simply struggles with excess skin of the belly, can benefit from this kind of surgical tightening. Scarring for a tummy tuck is minimal and easily concealed with undergarments or bathing suits, and our tummy tuck patients are thrilled with their results. Their only regret is they wished they had done is sooner!
A body lift, or circumferential body contouring, is a procedure in which excess skin of the entire abdominal front, back, and sides is removed for a tighter trunk. Usually performed on individuals with severe skin laxity of the body, this procedure is common amongst individuals who have undergone significant weight loss and are left with excess skin as a result. A body lift can also encompass surgical tightening of multiple areas including the arms, chest, upper and lower back, buttocks, and thighs — the surgery is always customized to address the patient’s concerns.
Arm lifts and thigh lifts are procedures in which sagging excess skin of the upper arms and thighs is removed, often solving cosmetic concerns of the colloquial “bat wings” and sagging skin of the inner thighs and above the knee. They can be performed individually or together, depending on a patient’s wishes. These two areas are very likely to loosen with age, so the majority of arm and thigh lift candidates simply wish to see their extremities restored to a more youthful-looking state. Scarring is likely to be visible in these areas, so please discuss your concerns with your surgeon prior to surgery.
Facelifts and neck lifts are also common amongst individuals with concerns of drooping skin. As exterior representations of how we present ourselves to the world, the areas of the face and neck are often ones of prime importance — but, unfortunately, they can be some of the first areas to show the effects of aging. In a facelift and/or neck lift, excess skin is excised by your surgeon and the skin is laid tauter than it was before. Specific areas like the lower or upper face can be targeted, as in the case of a brow lift. Scarring is very discrete and easily concealed.
Upper and lower blepharoplasty, or eyelid surgery, are surgical procedures in which excess skin of the upper and lower lid is carefully removed, and the remaining skin joined back together for younger, fresher-looking eyes. If you have what some might describe as overly-hooded eyes, or suffer from large bags underneath, you are likely a good candidate for an eyelid lift. Sometimes fat pads in the lower eyelid may also be removed to reduce puffiness. The procedure is straightforward and scarring is virtually invisible.
As a full-service plastic surgery practice, we are always uniquely equipped to offer each patient a customizable treatment plan, completely attuned to you. Our two board-certified plastic surgeons & our team of highly-trained non-surgical and aesthetic experts work closely together to recommend the right treatments that will help you reach your goals, and we take great care to vet the technology we use to offer the safest and most effective treatments available. We are intensely focused on delivering realistic recommendations and achieving beautiful outcomes.
If you’re curious to learn more, please submit your contact information below. Our friendly team of aesthetic coordinators will reach out to answer your questions and help you schedule your personalized consultation.
Advanced Microneedling with PRP — A.K.A. the “Vampire Facial” — is a popular facial that actually lives up to its lore! If your skin is feeling dull and lifeless, then this treatment may be exactly what you need to re-vamp your natural glow. Check out everything you need to know about this newfangled approach to Microneedling.
Microneedling is a cosmetic treatment that uses small micro-needles to penetrate the skin. The “Vampire Facial” is a form of Advanced Microneedling that also uses an extracted component of your own blood to enhance the effects of the treatment.
It is important to know that the treatment referred to as the “Vampire Facial” IS microneedling, but a more advanced form of it. Instead of infusing the skin with a serum, we perform Advanced Microneedling with PRP to utilize your own blood cells (PRP, or platelet-rich plasma) to directly initiate tissue growth and collagen production.
Both Microneedling and Advanced Microneedling with PRP are highly effective treatments for skin rejuvenation.
We like to think of Advanced Microneedling with PRP like an all-out sprint compared to a jog — you will get to your destination, but you’ll likely get there much quicker! It is up to you and your provider during your one-on-one consultation to determine which treatment is better for you.
This treatment, commonly referred to as the “Vampire Facial”, works by using your own blood’s healing properties in combination with medical Microneedling. In Microneedling, we create a controlled, superficial injury to the skin using tiny micro-needles, which triggers a rapid healing response to “repair the damage” & flood the area with collagen. PRP contains a high concentration of platelets, growth factors, and active proteins from your own blood. When it is added to your skin during microneedling, it kick starts the collagen production process! This treatment should both be performed in a clinical setting by a highly-trained Medical Aesthetician with experience in handling blood.
Benefits of the “Vampire Facial” include reduced fine lines and wrinkles, smoother and tighter skin, improved hyperpigmentation and scarring, and improved efficacy of skin care products. Advanced Microneedling with PRP provides you with all of the benefits of microneedling while also amplifies results and lessens the amount of healing time.
Just give us a call! We hope to see you for your next treatment or skin care consultation at the Donaldson Plastic Surgery Medspa soon! Fangs for reading!
I started noticing a “maturing” hairline around age 24. At 27, there was some thinning and that’s when the insecurities started to flood in. What could I do to stop it and potentially get some of it back? I tried everything I could find (that didn’t break the bank) – dermarolling, Finasteride, collagen supplements, etc. Nothing really worked.
But at age 30, I started hearing more and more about PRP for hair restoration.
So, I scoured the Google results, YouTube videos and Reddit threads looking for “real” testimonials. What I found was twofold: one group clamored for the treatment, calling it a miracle cure (but they obviously had some additional work done); the other side baselessly claimed that PRP was a waste of money without ever actually trying it out.
I’m a real person who underwent four real sessions of PRP treatments for my hair – and this is what it really did for me!
(Full disclosure: I’m not bald. That’s not who PRP is for anyhow and it is very important to know that before going down this path.)
I was looking for a solution that would stop the thinning, mitigate the shedding and maybe even give me back some of what I lost. I can confidently say that PRP did just that. However, it didn’t just magically give me the hairline I had when I was 18!
I didn’t notice much growth after the first month, but something did change – my daily shedding decreased dramatically. Around month 2 or 3 was when the bit of regrowth started to happen. There wasn’t too much regrowth in the temple or hairline region, but the crown? The crown started sprouting new life, filling in the spaces that freaked me out when I saw pictures of myself from behind (and slightly above).
Three months after my final session, I’m still enjoying some regrowth in the crown region, increased hair growth in areas right outside of the crown and decreased shedding/loss along the hairline.
After a few conversations about my hair loss and a quick examination of what I had left/my future trajectory of loss, it was fairly obvious that I was a good candidate for PRP. From there, I went into the Donaldson Plastic Surgery office, met with Stacie and then she drew my blood.
She put the syringe into a centrifuge-looking machine where it spun for a solid 18 minutes or so. My blood was separated, essentially, into two different parts – the darker stuff that they inject into my scalp and the magical cooling, transparent plasma that they use at the end.
The needle was loaded up and it was go-time. Now, this wasn’t exactly the most comfortable thing. If your pain tolerance is low, you may opt for something called “Pro-Nox” – a VERY fast-acting sedative that you inhale. I tried it once and I felt completely normal in less than 20 minutes. It works fast and fades quickly.
Stacie covered the most prominent problem areas – the crown, the temples, the part and creases. The crown didn’t hurt all that bad, but the temples were tough. Luckily, they also gave me a stress ball to squeeze and they really don’t care if you curse while they get the job done. When there was about 25% of the syringe left, Stacie asked if I was comfortable enough to continue and if there were any areas she wanted me to double up on. We kept going, adding a bit more into the front hairline.
Recovery actually begins when you’re in the chair. They take the leftover clear plasma that was centrifuged out at the beginning and place it all over your scalp. There are no words to describe how relieving that feeling is. Once this was done, I was out the door and ready to face the day. The whole ordeal took about 45 minutes or so.
A word from the wise: bring a banana (or something else with a bunch of sugar) and a ton of water with you. I was on the keto diet during one of my sessions and the loss of blood left me in a weakened state.
The good folks at Donaldson suggested I supplement my treatment with a few bottles of Nutrafol. These are, in my words, a blast of every vitamin that could possibly help your hair grow – faster, stronger and just more. They are some pretty large pills and they will also make your nails grow quickly but I believe the one-two punch of these and the PRP injections did everything I needed it to do.
PRP is NOT a miracle cure for male pattern baldness nor is it going to give you a glorious Mario Lopez hairline. PRP IS an amazing option for people noticing moderate thinning in the crown and a receding hairline! It really helps to stop the bleeding and even fills in some of the gaps. I would take PRP injections once every six months forever if it meant keeping my hair and not having to take a daily pill that can carry some hefty side effects.
Speaking of which…
If you’re a guy over the age of 25, you’ve probably been inundated by advertisements for solutions to hair loss. Every podcast, commercial break and Internet ad is designed to blanket a large demographic of dudes, hoping to poke at just enough insecurities to get someone on some hair retention supplement for life.
We know the brands. We know the game.
Well, I bit the bullet and tried one of the pill-based options for about 9 months. The results were fairly negligible, but the side effects were downright disastrous for me. One of the most talked about negative effects is on sexual wellness – that didn’t happen. What did happen were these intense, hours-long panic attacks and bouts with anxiety that didn’t really clear up until six months of ditching the prescription.
As noted earlier, I’m not exactly bald – I’m just losing some of what I’ve got and I want to keep what I have forever. With Finasteride as a no-go, I dug for other options. PRP started showing up in hair loss threads, so I decided to give it a shot. Another option is full on hair transplant surgery, which I may consider in the distant future.
For now, I’ll be happy with the recovery and, most importantly, the halting of hair loss that PRP has given me!
PRP for Sexual Wellness, (commonly known as the “O-Shot” or the “orgasm shot”) is a rising non-surgical procedure designed to increase sexual desire and function using PRP. Known at Donaldson Plastic Surgery as PRP for Sexual Wellness, it is a simple, effective vaginal rejuvenation solution with incredible benefits. Enter Stacie Isler, our plastic surgery PA who performs PRP for Sexual Wellness and other PRP-related treatments. We asked Stacie about PRP for Sexual Wellness and how the treatment is helping Columbus, OH individuals lead more satisfying and fulfilling lives.
Essentially, PRP for Sexual Wellness (commonly referred to as the “O-Shot”) is your ticket to naturally experiencing longer, stronger, and more frequent orgasms. The platelets extracted from your blood stimulate cell growth and increase blood flow back to the areas we want to reinvigorate. This leads to greater sensitivity and an increased ability to reach (and maintain) arousal and lubrication.
If you are seeking more fulfilling sexual encounters, then the PRP for Sexual Wellness treatment will definitely be worth the trip. Our patients (and even members of staff) who have received the treatment describe it as very effective. They are surprised that such a quick treatment can have such a powerful outcome and the speed at which they began to notice the onset of results.
Better sex can result in more restful sleep, lowered stress levels, better overall mood, increased personal confidence, and deepened relationships with the ones you love. That said, sexuality and desire are complicated concepts, also informed by elements of social, emotional, psychological, environmental, and biological factors. Stronger, faster orgasms are possible outcomes with the “O-Shot”, but overall sexual satisfaction depends on your unique situation.
We don’t just focus on a single part. We treat all of you. As clinicians and individuals, we value your sexual health and wellness, just as we value the mental, physical, and emotional health of all of our patients. We understand that health and happiness are intimately tied; if you are feeling your best, it reflects in all areas of your life. That’s why we focus on result-driven solutions like PRP for Sexual Wellness, as well as diVa, diVaTyte, and labiaplasty, as a part of our mission to improve overall confidence.
Are you ready to enjoy the benefits of PRP for Sexual Wellness? Meet with me, Stacie, to discuss how we can help you!
Stacie Isler is a Physician Assistant, aesthetic injector, wife, and mother. She understands the common struggles of moms who want to feel like their old selves, and she finds fulfillment in helping women reclaim their confidence. Stacie specializes in PRP technology and stands behind its science-backed regenerative abilities.
Our practice was recently featured on Fox 28’s local broadcast of Good Day Marketplace to share all about PRP for hair restoration, a promising non-surgical treatment that stops hair loss from occurring. Stacie Isler, our board-certified Physician Assistant, met up with Cameron Fontana for an up close look at the hair restoration treatment at Donaldson Plastic Surgery in Columbus, OH.
Life’s too short to worry about thinning hair! At Donaldson Plastic Surgery, we are solely focused on achieving the natural results you want with minimal downtime. Give us a call at 614-442-7610, or request a one-on-one consultation with our hair restoration experts today to learn more about PRP.
