Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy in Hair Restoration
Hair Loss
Hair loss is a very common problem among both men and women and can be extremely frustrating for patients. They have tried special shampoos and topical medicated sprays without much improvement.
How Can PRP Help With Hair Loss?
Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a minimally invasive procedure that can help men and women with hair loss. This is an exciting, all-natural (autologous) and proactive procedure to stimulate hair growth. PRP has been used for many years in other fields of medicine such as orthopedic surgery, neurosurgery and maxillofacial surgery. Many medical studies have found that this natural and simple procedure can stimulate hair growth and reduce hair thinning. The growth factors and platelets in PRP promote healing, accelerate tissue healing, promote regeneration, and help with new cell growth. PRP in hair restoration can stimulate stem cells in the hair bulb, which then leads to growth of the follicle. Inactive hair follicles are also stimulated by the platelets in PRP, causing them to transition into anagen, or growth phase, of the hair cycle.
Is PRP Safe?
PRP is a completely natural treatment. The regenerative cells and growth factors from your blood are concentrated and injected directly back into the areas of interest (i.e. the scalp). Since we are using your own blood and also a sterile and closed system, there is absolutely no chance of having someone else’s blood injected into you. Your own cells in PRP are not modified and will not cause rejection by your immune system.
Poor Candidates for PRP Are Those Who:
- Have a history of heavy smoking, alcohol and drug use.
- Have platelet dysfunction or severely low platelet counts.
- Have infections or sepsis.
- Are on blood thinners.
- Have cancer.
Losing Your Hair?
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What to Expect
Preparation for Your Procedure
You will come in for an initial consult to see if you are a good candidate. Since there are many different causes of hair loss, it is important that we meet with you to see if PRP is right for you. PRP tends to work best when used in conjunction with another modality (eg. Minoxodil, oral hair growth vitamins, etc.).
Hydrate for two days prior to your appointment and for seven days after your procedure.
Avoid dying your hair for two weeks prior and two weeks after your treatment.
Arrive 10 minutes prior to your procedure so that we can make you settled in. We will review your informed consent and a syringe of blood will be drawn from your arm. From this, your PRP will be processed and prepared. The inflammatory portions of your blood will be removed, leaving behind growth factors and platelets for injection.
Plan on being in the office for approximately an hour.
During Your Procedure
The actual injection portion of the procedure will last approximately five minutes or less. The PRP is injected in the layer of the hair follicles. This is typically very well tolerated by patients.
After the Treatment
It is normal for your scalp to feel tingly and sore after the procedure. You may notice swelling. Typically, recovery time is one to three days.
You may want to return home and take a hot shower to further vasodilate the scalp blood vessels.
How Many Sessions Will I Need?
It is recommended that you have three to six treatments separated two to four weeks apart.
How Effective Is PRP?
Results vary from patient to patient. There are few controlled trials to date, but there are case reports and anecdotal evidence that point to success of hair restoration with PRP therapy. Most patients will see an additive effect when PRP is used to compliment a separate modality (e.g. oral or topical medications to further promote hair growth).