Frquently asked questions
Everything you need to know about MSK & PRP therapy, aesthetic medicine, and IV hydration — including transparent pricing. Still have questions? Call or text 778-771-3713.
01
Regenerative Medicine
Musculoskeletal & PRP Therapy
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and orthobiologic treatments for joints, tendons, hair restoration, and more.
What is PRP therapy and how does it work?
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a regenerative treatment that uses your own blood to accelerate healing. A small sample of your blood is drawn, spun in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and growth factors, then injected precisely into the target area.
Platelets contain powerful healing proteins that signal tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and stimulate new cell growth — making PRP effective for joint injuries, tendon conditions, hair loss, and skin rejuvenation.
What's the difference between standard and advanced (high-quality) PRP?
The difference comes down to platelet concentration and purity. Standard (medium-quality) PRP is effective for most MSK conditions and uses a single-spin preparation. Advanced (high-quality) PRP uses a more refined preparation process, yielding a higher platelet concentration with fewer red blood cells — this is preferred for complex joints, larger areas, or cases where we want to maximize the regenerative signal.
Dr. Chawla will recommend the right tier based on your diagnosis and treatment goals.
Platelets contain powerful healing proteins that signal tissue repair, reduce inflammation, and stimulate new cell growth — making PRP effective for joint injuries, tendon conditions, hair loss, and skin rejuvenation.
What is PRF and how is it different from PRP?
PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) is the next generation of PRP. Unlike PRP, PRF is spun at a lower speed without anticoagulants, producing a fibrin matrix that acts as a slow-release scaffold for growth factors. This means the healing signals are released gradually over days to weeks rather than all at once.
PRF is particularly popular for hair restoration and facial rejuvenation because of its sustained release and the richer growth factor profile it delivers to tissue.
What is the Exosome add-on and is it worth it?
Exosomes are nano-sized extracellular vesicles that carry regenerative signals between cells. Our exosome add-on uses photo and thermo-activated PRP — a process that activates the platelets using light and heat to enhance their regenerative output before injection.
It’s a $300 add-on to any PRP or PRF session and is particularly recommended for hair restoration, facial rejuvenation, and complex joint cases where maximizing the regenerative environment matters.
What conditions can PRP treat?
PRP is used across a range of musculoskeletal and aesthetic conditions, including:
- Knee osteoarthritis and joint pain
- Rotator cuff tendinopathy and shoulder injuries
- Tennis elbow / golfer’s elbow (lateral/medial epicondylitis)
- Plantar fasciitis and Achilles tendinopathy
- Hip pain and labral irritation
- Hair loss (androgenetic alopecia)
- Facial rejuvenation and skin quality
How many sessions will I need?
MSK / Joint PRP: Typically 2–3 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. Some patients respond well to a single session; others with more significant pathology may benefit from a full series.
Hair PRP / PRF: Typically 3–5 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions every 3–6 months to sustain results.
Dr. Chawla will outline a personalized protocol at your initial consultation based on imaging, clinical findings, and your goals.
Is PRP painful? What's the recovery like?
Most patients experience mild discomfort during the injection, which lasts only seconds. Local anaesthetic is used to minimize pain. Mild soreness or swelling at the injection site is normal for 24–72 hours after treatment — this is part of the healing process.
Most patients return to light activity within 1–2 days. Strenuous exercise or heavy loading of the treated area is typically restricted for 1–2 weeks.
Is PRP covered by insurance or MSP?
PRP injections are currently not covered by BC MSP or most provincial health plans, as they are considered elective / regenerative procedures. Payment is private pay at the time of the appointment.
Some extended health benefit plans may offer partial reimbursement under a “physician services” or “specialist” category — we recommend checking with your insurer directly. A receipt can be provided for submission.
Do I need a referral for a PRP consultation?
No referral is needed. You can contact the clinic directly to book a consultation. Bringing any relevant imaging (X-ray, MRI, ultrasound) and prior treatment notes will help Dr. Chawla design the most accurate treatment plan for you.
Some extended health benefit plans may offer partial reimbursement under a “physician services” or “specialist” category — we recommend checking with your insurer directly. A receipt can be provided for submission.
02
Physician-Administered
Aesthetic Medicine
What's the difference between Botox and Dysport?
Both are botulinum toxin type A neuromodulators that temporarily relax muscles to reduce wrinkles. The main differences are in formulation and spread. Dysport tends to diffuse slightly more, making it a good choice for larger areas like the forehead. Botox is more targeted, making it ideal for precise areas like crow’s feet or brow sculpting.
Both produce excellent, natural-looking results. Dr. Chawla will recommend the right product based on your anatomy and goals at your consultation.
How many units will I need?
Unit needs vary based on muscle mass, gender, and the area being treated. As a general guide:
- Forehead: 10–20 units
- Frown lines (11s): 20–25 units
- Crow’s feet: 10–15 units per side
- Brow lift: 4–8 units
- Lip flip: 4–6 units
An accurate unit estimate will be given at your in-person assessment — you’ll always know the cost before any treatment begins.
Why is there a difference in price between a nurse and a doctor?
Both our Advanced Nurse Injector and Dr. Chawla are highly trained and experienced injectors. The premium for physician administration reflects Dr. Chawla’s medical training, anatomical expertise, and ability to manage any rare adverse events on-site. Many patients choose the physician option for complex areas, first-time treatments, or when combining with other medical services.
Either way, all treatments are supervised within a physician-led clinic.
How long do results last?
Botox / Dysport: Results typically last 3–4 months. With regular treatments, some patients find results lasting longer over time as muscle memory softens.
Dermal fillers: Lip fillers typically last 6–12 months. Other filler areas (cheeks, jawline) can last 12–18+ months depending on the product used and your metabolism.
Is there downtime after filler or Botox?
Botox / Dysport: Minimal to no downtime. Avoid lying flat, touching the area, or heavy exercise for 4 hours post-treatment. Results appear within 3–7 days and are fully visible at 2 weeks.
Lip filler: Mild swelling and bruising is common for 3–5 days. Final results are visible at 2 weeks once swelling settles. Avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol for 24 hours post-treatment.
Lip filler: Mild swelling and bruising is common for 3–5 days. Final results are visible at 2 weeks once swelling settles. Avoid strenuous exercise and alcohol for 24 hours post-treatment.
What aesthetic services does Dr. Chawla offer beyond Botox and fillers?
In addition to neuromodulators and fillers, Dr. Chawla offers PRP and PRF facial rejuvenation treatments (including the “vampire facial”), hair restoration, and skin quality treatments. These regenerative options are a great complement to, or alternative to, traditional injectables for patients looking for natural, growth-factor-driven results.
Ask about PRP / PRF options when booking your consultation.
Do I need a consultation before my first treatment?
Yes — a brief consultation is required before your first aesthetic appointment. This allows Dr. Chawla to assess your anatomy, understand your goals, discuss realistic expectations, and provide an accurate treatment plan and cost estimate. Consultations are typically 15–20 minutes and can be conducted in-person or virtually. Follow-up check-ins after treatment are free of charge.
Ask about PRP / PRF options when booking your consultation.
03
Wellness & Medical
IV Iron & Hydration Therapy
What is an IV iron infusion and who needs one?
An iron infusion delivers iron directly into your bloodstream through an IV, bypassing the gut entirely. This makes it significantly faster and more effective than oral iron supplements — especially for people who have poor oral iron tolerance (nausea, constipation) or significant deficiency.
Common candidates include people with iron deficiency anemia, those who haven’t responded to oral supplements, individuals with GI absorption issues, or athletes with chronically low iron affecting performance.
What's the difference between Monoferric and Venofer?
Monoferric (ferric derisomaltose) is a high-dose formulation that can often fully replenish iron stores in a single infusion over 20–30 minutes. It’s ideal for significant deficiency or when you want to minimize the number of clinic visits.
Venofer (iron sucrose) is a lower-dose option, typically given over multiple sessions. It’s well tolerated and often used for milder deficiency or specific clinical situations.
Dr. Chawla will determine which formulation is appropriate for you based on your bloodwork and clinical history.
Do I need bloodwork before an iron infusion?
Yes — a physician assessment is required before any iron infusion to confirm your diagnosis, determine the correct iron formulation, and calculate the appropriate dose. Recent bloodwork (CBC, ferritin, transferrin saturation) is very helpful and will speed up this process considerably. If you don’t have recent labs, Dr. Chawla can order them at your assessment.
Is the iron medication cost covered by my benefits?
The $150 administration fee (intro) covers nursing care, supplies, and monitoring. The iron medication itself (Monoferric or Venofer) is billed separately and may be covered by your extended health benefits under your drug or medication coverage. We recommend checking with your insurer — many plans do cover IV iron when prescribed by a physician.
How do I book a wellness IV drip? Do I need a doctor's appointment first?
No referral is needed for wellness drips. Here’s how it works:
- Submit an inquiry form — our team reviews it within 1–2 business days
- You’ll be booked for a short physician review to confirm you’re a candidate and choose the right drip for your goals
- You’ll receive a booking link to choose your appointment time
- On infusion day, a registered nurse administers your drip with the physician on-site
How long does a wellness drip take?
Most wellness IV drips take 45–60 minutes. The Longevity Drip (which includes NAD+) may take slightly longer. You’ll be comfortable in a monitored clinical setting throughout. Many patients use the time to relax, read, or work on their phone.
Are there any side effects from IV drips?
IV drips are generally very well tolerated. Mild and temporary side effects can include a warm sensation during infusion, a slight vitamin taste, or minor bruising at the IV site. Serious adverse reactions are rare and are why physician supervision is important — our team is trained to monitor and respond if needed.
You’ll be screened before your appointment to ensure you’re an appropriate candidate.
Which drip is right for me?
Each option is tailored to a different goal:
- Fatigue, general wellness, migraines: High Dose Myers Cocktail ($220)
- Immune support, travel prep, post-illness: Immunity Boosting Drip ($250)
- Detox, energy at cellular level: Mitochondrial Boost + Detox ($250)
- Longevity, brain health, anti-aging: Longevity Drip ($275)
Not sure? Dr. Chawla will review your goals and recommend the best fit at your pre-appointment assessment.
You’ll be screened before your appointment to ensure you’re an appropriate candidate.
