Hair loss has been a nightmare for many, and there can be many reasons rapidly causing it. Indeed, it can affect a person’s self-esteem, and quality of life as hair loss becomes an issue from a social interaction standpoint. Thankfully, a proven treatment is gaining popularity among those who wish to take control of their hair loss, which is called PRP (platelet-rich plasma) hair restoration.
How Does PRP Work For Hair Restoration?
First of all, it is vital to be aware of platelets’ role in healing. The blood drawn from the patient’s own blood comprises four components: red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. Among these components, it’s the platelets that specifically promote the growth of the cell.
The platelet in PRP is the part of the blood that is isolated and injected into the hair follicle. This concentrated injection of clear platelet serum produces growth factors beneficial to hair growth and contributes to collagen production and tissue regeneration.
How Does PRP Activate Hair Growth?
The platelets derived from the blood have to regenerate and heal because they can release and activate growth hormones when injected into the scalp. As a result, the scalp will start producing new hair strands and protecting the existing ones by strengthening the hair follicles.
Moreover, the platelets contain the following:
- Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF) involves fibrin formation, blood vessel growth, and cell regeneration.
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)- is involved in forming new blood vessels.
- Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2)- is also involved in blood vessel formation and the generation of specialized cells that rejuvenate and heal.
- Transforming Growth-Factor-Beta (TGF-b)- is involved in bone metabolism in the body and matrix formation between cells.
- Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) stimulates collagen proliferation, cell growth, and blood vessel formation.
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF)- provides necessary physiological regulation in nearly every cell.
What Benefits Does PRP Hair Restoration Provide?
PRP offers several benefits for hair restoration treatment over traditional treatments, which include:
- It’s a natural treatment since it uses the patient’s own blood.
- The procedure of PRP hair restoration is less invasive than other treatments and does not require surgery.
- The PRP treatment is a relatively quick and easy procedure with little downtime afterward.
- This hair restoration is affordable and covered by most insurance plans.
- The PRP is more effective than traditional treatments in many cases.
Who Are Good Candidates For PRP?
Those with androgenetic alopecia can definitely benefit from PRP hair restoration. Also, those suffering from diffuse hair loss that affects the entire scalp, rather than just the hairline or top of the scalp, can significantly benefit from this. In fact, PRP therapy is often a welcomed addition to a nonsurgical hair restoration strategy.
Moreover, PRP therapy is also a helpful tool for patients receiving hair transplants. The treatment can be used to complement the surgery by accelerating healing and new hair growth following the procedure. PRP can also increase hair density in the common donor sites along the back and sides of the scalp before patients undergo hair transplantation surgery.
What Happens During PRP Therapy?
The procedure consists of a three-step process, which starts by drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood and put into a centrifuge (a device that separates the blood into its base components). This process separates the blood into three parts: red blood cells, platelet-poor plasma, and platelet-rich plasma. The last of these three components is going to be isolated.
After the platelet-rich plasma is pulled up into a syringe, it is then carefully injected into targeted areas of the scalp. Although the treatment is painless, a numbing cream might be used in case of a sensitive scalp. The required injections would depend on the extent of the hair loss and how much hair restoration the patient hopes to achieve.
How Soon Can I See The Result?
The results are not seen immediately after the PRP hair restoration procedure, so it is best to set realistic expectations about how soon hair growth will occur. In general, PRP therapy requires at least three treatments 4–6 weeks apart, with maintenance treatments scheduled every 4-6 months. The patient might begin to notice new hair growth until several weeks after the third session, but this is entirely normal.
Is PRP Effective For Hair Loss?
The key ingredient when it comes to PRP therapy is consistency. In most cases, results are promising, but they require efforts that are consistent. Typically, patients wouldn’t be able to see any notable results yet in one treatment.
In addition, two or three sessions don’t also guarantee results for some patients. To emphasize, a specific gap is needed between each treatment session in case of multiple sessions are recommended. However, patients can easily observe results within 2-3 months of the treatment in most cases.
Even though there is insufficient research on PRP for hair loss, the available research shows an excellent success rate. ACCORDING TO SOME STUDIES, the PRP therapy has proven successful in about 70% of the patients. That said, patients should see PRP for hair loss before and after images to get an idea of the results.
How Can I Make PRP More Effective?
- Do a high-intensity cardio exercise.
- Make sure only to eat a diet rich in green leafy vegetables.
- Don’t smoke, drink or do drugs.
- Increase B-vitamins and hydrate.
- Avoid non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Follow the post-procedure routine.
What Are The Possible Side Effects And Risks Of PRP?
Since the PRP solution consists of a person’s own blood components, there are few risks of reacting to the solution itself.
However, PRP treatments for hair loss don’t come without their side effects, which include:
- swelling
- mild pain at the injection site
- headache
- scalp tenderness
- itching
- temporary bleeding at the injection site
Before the procedure, it’s a must to report all medications taken to the provider, including supplements and herbs. PRP will not be recommended at the initial consultation if the patient is a heavy smoker, on blood thinners, and has a history of alcohol or drug misuse.
Additionally, the following conditions might also be rejected for treatment if diagnosed:
- low platelet count
- cancer
- chronic liver disease
- chronic skin disease
- acute or chronic infections
- hemodynamic instability
- hypofibrinogenemia
- platelet dysfunction syndromes
- metabolic disorder
- thyroid disease
- systemic disorder
- sepsis
What Are The Aftercare Tips To Follow After The Procedure?
PRP has no downtime, so it’s an ideal procedure even during the lunch hour. If soreness is felt, the standard over-the-counter (OTC) pain relievers can take care of it. Aso, it is crucial not to take any anti-inflammatories since they will disrupt the intended effect of the PRP.
If mild swelling is experienced, note that this is normal and part of the process. Until the following day after the procedure, do not wash the hair. There are no limitations on styling, although waiting a day or two to use blow-drying or heated tools to minimize the discomfort if the scalp is tender.
The Bottom Line
Thanks to its effectiveness and affordability, the number of people taking PRP treatment for hair growth is constantly rising. Scinature Aesthetics offers PRP Hair Restoration, which uses a patient’s own blood cells to accelerate healing in a specific area and stimulate the rejuvenation of the hair follicles. SciNature is committed to helping you look your best by using natural-looking results supported by medicine, science, and aesthetics.
