PRP Hair Treatment/Therapy for Hair Loss

How Does PRP Treatment for Hair Loss Work?

PRP Hair Restoration is suitable for both men and women. Androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness is a very common type of hair loss observed in both males and females. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is an autologous preparation of platelets in concentrated plasma. Although the optimal PRP platelet concentration is unclear, the current methods by which PRP is prepared report 300-700% enrichment, with platelet concentrations consequently increasing to more than 1,000,000 platelets/L. PRP has attracted attention in several medical fields because of its ability to promote wound healing. Activation of alpha granules of platelets releases numerous proteins, including platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF) and interleukin (IL). It is hypothesized that growth factors released from platelets may act on stem cells in the bulge area of the follicles, stimulating the development of new follicles and promoting neovascularization. Published medical literature from Europe and the United States confirms the safety and use of PRP therapy. PRP has been used as a medial adjunct therapy for skin and wound healing. Over the past two decades, PRP has been a highly recognized and efficient medical treatment modality in the specialty fields of oral surgery, neurosurgery, plastic and cosmetic surgery, sports medicine and orthopedics, registering positive and successful outcomes. Currently no claim can be made about its efficacy as PRP is in the early stages of scientific research in hair restoration. Currently, DHT blockers and Minoxidil are the only FDA approved therapies. The cost of PRP treatment for hair loss can be considerable, as more sessions may be needed to obtain the desired result. PRP is also being used in conjunction with some hair transplant procedures.

How PRP Hair Treatment is Performed?

Blood is drawn through routine blood testing procedure.The procedure involves drawing out one’s own blood and centrifuging it so that the plasma with platelets collects in the tube. This plasma rich in platelets and growth factors is very useful in tissue regeneration and healing. The system eliminates granulocytes which hurts tissue regeneration and wound healing. The rich concentration of platelets now has to be applied to the scalp where hair loss has begun. Therefore, preparing the scalp to receive the PRP is necessary. For this, the scalp is stimulated to activate the wound healing process. Topical anesthesia is applied on the portion of the scalp where PRP is to be injected. The highly concentrated platelet rich plasma (PRP) is then injected into the scalp. The patient’s hair is then washed and the patient may drive home without any assistance. No sedation or any medication is given during the procedure to inhibit the ability to drive or use machinery.PRP contains many growth factors that stimulate the hair follicle’s growth. PRP can be preoperative, intraoperative, or post-operative. Some patient’s chose to have PRP performed every three (3) to four (4) months as early data suggests regular or semiannual PRP treatments that may stimulate hair growth.Most doctors schedule injections at intervals of 1 to 9 months. Some improvement can be expected in the first 2-6 months. The treatments must be continued periodically to maintain any improvement.

Is PRP Therapy Safe to be used?

PRP does not pose any danger of allergy, hypersensitivity, or foreign-body reaction and it is a safe choice for many patients. PRP has been used successfully in other medical and surgical disciplines for many years. But, the decision to use PRP is a personal decision and should be made after careful research, consideration and consultation with a physician. PRP is safe and natural because the procedure concentrates the good cells from your scalp and injects them directly back into the area where it is needed. There is absolutely no chance of getting a blood infection from another human being. PRP involves using your own cells that are not modified or changed, and it will not be rejected by your immune system.Extensive clinical trials are not complete and medical data is not yet published to establish the absolute effectiveness of PRP therapy in hair restoration. PRP should not be considered a “cure” for hair loss and no guarantee can be made about its individual effectiveness. No claim of PRP efficacy in promoting hair growth can be made because there is no FDA approval that would allow such claims to be made.

How Long Does the Result of PRP Treatment Last?

Typically, one can measure improvements in Hair Mass Index months before the results are visible to the naked eye. Increases in Hair Mass Index predict how much visual improvement the patient is likely to see in the months to come. It takes six to twelve months to judge the results of PRP “visually” in the mirror or with standardized photos. Measurements are taken every three months, so the plateau phase of improvement can be tracked. When Hair Mass Index starts to decline, the patient’s next PRP is planned. With the exception of alopecia areata, the average hereditary hair loss patient can expect to need PRP with ECM is on an annual basis.

How Long Does the Treatment Take?

Depending up on the area that needs to be treated the procedure takes about only 60-90 minutes.

Does the Treatment Have to be Repeated?

The need for the treatment to be repeated depends on the requirement of the patient as well the treatment plans. The Platelet Rich Plasma therapy can be repeated till the desired result has been obtained. This means, the treatment can be repeated every 3-6 for optimum results.

Who isn’t an Ideal Candidate for PRP Treatment for Hair Loss?

Not everyone is an ideal candidate to undergo PRP therapy. Patients who have an active infection in the scalp, history of a viral infection like shingles, diabetes, any clotting disorder, or patients who are on blood-thinning medications like aspirin and immunosuppressive drugs like cyclosporine are not candidates for this procedure. Patients with a history of heavy smoking, drug intake and alcohol use are not advisable. Patients with medical diagnosis such as platelet dysfunction syndromes, thrombocytopenia, hypofibrinogenaemia, hemodynamic instability, sepsis, acute and chronic infections, chronic liver disease, anti-coagulation therapy, chronic skin diseases or cancer, metabolic and systemic disorders are also not advisable.

Does PRP Therapy hurt?

The injected area may have mild swelling; it may even be tender to touch. Swelling may go away in few hours after the procedure while tenderness may go away in a couple of days. Some patients have experienced PRP Hair Loss Therapy to be an uncomfortable process and sometimes painful when carried out under topical anaesthetic. If you choose, the procedure can be carried out under intravenous sleep sedation or general anaesthetic, where you’ll be fully asleep and will not notice the injections.