PRP vs Exosomes

PRP vs. Exosomes, which microneedling add-on is best for you?

What is PRP?

PRP therapy utilizes the stem cells found in your own blood to expedite the healing process and enhance your results in a microneedling session. It involves drawing a small amount of the patient's blood, which is then centrifuged to separate and isolate a plasma solution rich in platelets. This PRP, containing concentrated growth factors, is applied to targeted areas, stimulating tissue repair, collagen production, and new blood vessel formation. The minimally invasive procedure has numerous medical and cosmetic applications and has long been used in medical and aesthetic practices, resulting in a robust body of research, and a well-documented track record of safety and efficacy. Again, with our procedure being performed by a Naturopathic Doctor, you know that you are in the best possible hands and the fact that PRP is derived from the patient’s blood minimizes the chances of allergic reactions, infections, or immune system responses, further enhancing the safety of the treatment. 

What are Exosomes?

Similar to PRP with the main difference being that the stem cells used are umbilical stem cells as opposed to using the patient’s own blood. Exosomes are applied topically after your microneedling treatment to regulate cellular processes by transporting proteins, nucleic acids, and other cellular components. This topical treatment penetrates the skin to stimulate regeneration, enhance collagen production, reduce wrinkles, improve skin texture, enhance skin elasticity, and promotes tissue regeneration in skin wounds. Exosomes can also be used to treat several dermatological diseases.

Exosomes are naturally occurring, microscopic vesicles that play a crucial role in cell communication, carrying proteins, lipids, and RNA between cells. In aesthetics, they are trending due to their ability to enhance treatment efficacy and accelerate recovery, offering a new frontier in personalized and effective skincare solutions. Produced in an FDA-compliant, ISO 7, cGMP-certified lab, we use Chronos products which embody the highest standards in exosome technology and treatments, combining reliability and cutting-edge science.

How do they compare?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and exosomes both offer effective and innovative solutions for tissue repair, facial rejuvenation, and hair restoration. 

PRP treatment has long been used to help support wound healing in soft tissue injuries and is utilized in aesthetic medicine for facial restoration and can also be an effective treatment to stimulate hair growth in Alopecia patients or those with premature balding. 

By comparison, exosome treatments have emerged as a more multifaceted solution, effectively addressing a broader spectrum of aesthetic concerns. Unlike PRP, which primarily relies on growth factors derived from the patient's blood, exosomes are nano-sized particles carrying a diverse range of bioactive molecules, including proteins, lipids, and nucleic acids, enabling them to exert more precise and targeted effects on cellular communication and tissue regeneration. Exosomes also provide a more versatile and targeted approach, delivering potent effects, a simplified application process, and the ability to address a broader range of cosmetic concerns. Additionally, administering exosomes topically significantly reduces patient downtime and avoids having to draw blood from the patient also eliminating waiting for the processing of blood-derived plasma. Overall, PRP’s reliance on the patient's own blood and growth factors means that depending on the patient's age and health, their blood/plasma may contain various amounts of growth factors, which directly impacts the efficacy of their PRP treatment. Exosomes, on the other hand, can be derived from a variety of sources and are not dependent on the patient. If exosomes are derived from perinatal tissue, for example, the exosome product comes from young, "age zero," undamaged cells that have the highest regenerative properties.

While exosomes offer greater versatility and a more refined application process, deciding on the appropriate option often hinges on specific treatment goals, practitioner preferences, and patient considerations.

CLICK HERE to book a consultation with our naturopathic doctor to determine which treatment is right for you.