Table of Contents
- What is PRP hair restoration?
- How effective is PRP for the treatment of hair loss?
- What to expect during the procedure?
- What to expect during recovery?
- Is PRP therapy safe?
- Does PRP hurt?
- Who is the ideal PRP candidate?
- What are the benefits of PRP treatment?
- How long should it take to see results?
- How long does the PRP treatment take?
Hair loss can strike men and women at any age, even those who are in otherwise excellent physical health. Androgenetic alopecia is a common type of hair loss, in both men and women. Hair loss can have a profound impact on the confidence and self-image of men and women alike.
There are many products on the market claiming to help stop the hair loss and boost hair growth. While some may produce moderate results, for some individuals, real results often require medical intervention.
Grafts are an option, for some patients. Grafts are, however, not always a cost-effective option. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy offers an alternative to hair grafts, but can also be used simultaneously.
So, what is PRP treatment? Is it the right choice for you?
What is PRP hair restoration?
Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP for short, uses the patient’s own blood to stimulate hair follicle regrowth. There are two main components in our blood, the red blood cells and the plasma. The plasma is the component that contains white blood cells rich in growth factors.
Growth factors signal healing and rebuilding. When it comes to hair loss, these growth factors can stimulate the hair follicles into an active cycle. This will then promote new hair growth.
Scientifically-based studies have demonstrated the effectiveness of PRP for its ability to increase the amount of head hair. Patients who research more details about the PRP procedure learn that the treatment can also boost the thickness of hair. PRP therapy can also boost the growth phase of the hair.
Your doctor will inject your plasma, rich with platelets, directly into your scalp.
The goal of the treatment to boost hair growth.
How effective is PRP for the treatment of hair loss?
Individual results can vary with any type of medical treatment. Most PRP treatment patients find that they grow back an average of 40% of the hair that they have lost. The majority of patients will also see an increase in hair density.
PRP therapy will be most successful when hair loss is still in its early stages. Those who have very little or no hair left will not benefit from this type of treatment.
Results will typically be noticeable within three months of the treatment.
What to expect during the procedure?
As with any procedure, there will be safety protocols in place. These protocols could include sterilization steps that offer patient protection during treatment.
The procedure starts with a standard blood draw from the patient. The extracted blood will then be placed into a centrifuge, for up to 30 minutes, to separate the plasma from the red blood cells. Your doctor will then inject the plasma into the scalp at the hair follicle level.
The injections will be completed in a planned and meticulous manner. The injections will be plotted across the scalp at approximately a half-inch apart.
Your doctor may opt to take an alternative approach for your treatment.
What to expect during recovery?
One of the great benefits of PRP treatment is that the procedure requires almost no downtime. Patients may prefer to spend an afternoon with cooling ice packs on the treatment area versus returning to work.
Is PRP therapy safe?
PRP may sound painful, but the truth is that there are no real risks associated with it. Some patients may have swelling, redness and some bruising but it typically resolves within a week.
Does PRP hurt?
Most patients who get PRP hair treatment tolerate the blood draws and injections without any numbing. Any discomfort that is felt will be easily controlled with over-the-counter pain relievers.
A topical ointment may also be used to numb the scalp.
Cold air or the use of ice packs can also help to minimize any discomfort.
Who is the ideal PRP candidate?
PRP therapy is typically offered only to patients who are qualified candidates for this procedure. This will help to ensure the therapy has a great chance for success.
Patients on blood thinners may not be the ideal candidate. Platelets are not as effective in those who take blood thinners.
Individuals who have underlying health concerns like lupus or thyroid disease may not be able to see the best in results.
These medical conditions can lead to continued hair loss. This type of hair loss doesn’t respond to any treatment.
Your hair loss should be recent. It’s much easier to reactivate hair follicles that have not been dormant for some time.
What are the benefits of PRP treatment?
PRP therapy is non-invasive and doesn’t bring a lot of discomfort with it. Most patients respond well to the therapy and discomfort levels.
There is no downtime and recovery needed with this type of treatment. This is a huge benefit to the busy guy on the go.
How long should it take to see results?
Results can vary between patients and will be based upon factors unique to each individual. Most will, however, start to see some results within 3 months of the treatment.
How long does the PRP treatment take?
Typically, patients can expect the procedure to take less than half an hour to complete. Patients may opt to have more than one treatment to boost the success of the treatment better. It can take up to four treatments to see the best in results.
Scheduling a consultation with a PRP treatment clinic is the best way to learn whether this procedure is the right choice to help you meet your hair regrowth goals.
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