Platelet-Rich Plasma
PRP for Hair Loss
What is platelet-rich plasma (PRP)?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a solution that has been shown clinically to promote healing and regeneration when injected.
Plasma is the component within our blood that contains our platelets, special growth factors and proteins, that allow our body to heal and recover from our injuries. PRP is just a concentrated form of our own healing cells mixed with plasma.
PRP is also becoming increasingly prevalent in the setting of medical therapeutics as we learn more about its healing and rejuvenation benefits. Hair loss is only one such avenue where PRP has been found to be highly effective. When injected into the scalp of individuals suffering from androgenic hair loss. PRP has been clinically shown to increase hair growth within the treated areas.
What are the purposes of PRP injections?
Researchers are trying out PRP injections across a number of applications. Hair regeneration is just one of these potential applications. Doctors essentially inject the patient’s own PRP into the scalp to promote dormant hair re-growth and prevent additional hair loss. According to researchTrusted Source from 2014, PRP injections are effective in treating androgenic alopecia, also known as male pattern baldness.
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How does PRP work?
There are some in the medical community who believe that PRP injections affect hair regeneration by increasing both the blood flow to the hair follicle and increasing the thickness of the hair shaft. Many times, providers will magnify the effects of PRP injections by combining other hair loss procedures or medications.
The PRP Treatment:
The PRP hair loss treatment is comprised of three parts with most individuals requiring at least three treatments every 4 weeks. The extent of hair loss prior to treatment will ultimately determine the number of treatments potentially required. Although PRP treatments can help promote hair regeneration, the androgenic effect that is ultimately responsible for a person’s hair loss will be forever present. For this reason, maintenance treatments are typically required every 6-12 months depending on the severity of the individual’s hair loss.
The first step in the treatment involves blood being drawn from the individual -typically from the arm. This blood is then separated into vials and placed into a centrifuge. This is where the second step takes place. In the centrifuge, the blood is separated into its constituent components. The desired components needed to make the PRP concoction are then removed and placed into an injection syringe. The third step is simply taking this PRP syringe and injecting the PRP into the areas of the scalp that need increased hair regeneration.
On occasion, should the individual choose, adjunctive laser treatments can also be used in conjunction with their PRP injections to further enhance the overall effectiveness of the PRP treatment (additional cost may apply). The overall effectiveness of the treatments will depend greatly on the individuals overall health, age, medication use, and the duration of hair loss.
Side Effects
PRP across all medical and cosmetic therapeutics has been found to be extremely safe. Since PRP is derived from the individual’s own blood, there is really no risk of acquiring a communicable disease. The primary side effects that must be considered but remain extremely rare are:
- Infection at injection site
- Bruising at injection site
- Localized scarring
- Calcification at the injection site
Contraindications to PRP for hair loss
For most individuals, PRP treatments are safe and effective. However, there are certain situations that can make the individual a less than ideal candidate for the treatment. Some of these situations include:
- You are on blood thinners
- You are a heavy smoker
- You are on certain medications or supplements that affect platelet function (check with your doctor)
- You have certain medical conditions including but not limited to (acute or chronic infections, cancer, chronic liver disease, blood disorders, metabolic disorders, low platelet disorder, systemic diseases)
Who Should consider PRP?
Individuals who are concerned about their hair loss issues are normally already undergoing some form of hair loss treatment. In most cases, oral or topical medications like Rogaine and Propecia. More concerned individuals will typically consider hair transplant surgery. PRP hair loss treatments is another treatment option now available to those trying to fight the hair loss battle. Call our offices today to book your Free Consultation to learn more about our PRP hair loss treatment.