PRP for Hair Loss
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy for hair loss is a cutting edge minimally invasive, nonsurgical technique which is shown to improve or reverse early hair loss and hair thinning. It cannot prevent hair loss but it can be used to slow down the hair loss process if treatment is started early.
Platelets and associated proteins are rich in growth factors that promote cell replication, regulate normal cell metabolism, enhance blood vessel growth and create an environment of healing and repair in the treated area.
What is PRP? How does it work? PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) comes from your own blood. Platelets contain granules that contain multiple growth factors. These growth factors can attract stem cells to the area of treatment resulting in improved blood flow and an environment of healing that can rejuvenate existing hair follicles and jumpstart hair follicles that have recently started to slow down. PRP for hair loss is sometimes referred to as hair regeneration.
Basically, platelet rich plasma makes the tissue treated act more youthful.
Are PRP for hair loss treatments for men only? No. Though we have a large male population for hair loss treatment, women are more common users of PRP for hair thinning. It is a popular hair regeneration treatment for improving and reversing thinning of hair especially along the hairline up front and on the sides.
How many sessions of PRP for hair loss are required? It is recommended that you have 4 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart initially. Depending on the degree of hair thinning or hair loss, fewer or more sessions may be recommended for hair regeneration. The initial PRP for hair loss treatment is followed by maintenance treatments every 4-6 months thereafter.
How is the PRP for hair loss procedure performed? First, a small amount of blood is drawn from your body and then centrifuged at a very specific RPM speed for a specific amount of time. We use the Eclipse PRP harvesting system which allows a 4-6 times platelet concentration as recommended for use in hair regeneration. Once the platelets are isolated, they are prepared and ready for use. Nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, is used in conjunction with topical treatments to increase comfort. The treatment takes less than 5 minutes to perform once the platelets have been prepared.
How well does it work? Since hair goes through growth cycles, the results usually take 4-6 months to see (similar to a hair transplant). Platelet Rich Plasma, or PRP, is just one tool used for the treatment of hair loss or thinning hair. Usually this is combined with topical minoxidil and finesteride (in men) in addition to microneedling and light therapy to maximize results. It does not prevent hair loss but it can slow down how quickly you lose your hair dramatically.
