PRP stands for “platelet-rich plasma.” The procedure consists of drawing your own blood, usually from your arm, spinning it down into three layers in a centrifuge, and injecting only the best plasma rich in platelets into your scalp through micro-needling. If you can get routine blood tests done by your doctor and you are immunized regularly, PRP treatment won’t be too different from what you are already used to.
Platelet-rich plasma therapy involves creating regenerative plasma using platelets derived from the patient’s blood. Platelets are small cells that are vital in the natural cell regeneration process that trigger tissue repair, cell renewal, and collagen production through the release of growth factors and cytokines. Platelet alpha granules, one of the cellular components of platelets, become activated in this process. Upon activation, numerous proteins are released, including:
PRP therapy for hair loss works by injecting regenerative plasma made from platelets derived from a patient’s blood into their scalp to promote hair growth and thickness. This process is triggered by the platelets inside the plasma releasing growth factors into the scalp and increasing the blood supply for hair follicles.
PRP therapy can be used on different areas of the body as well, such as helping to repair ripped tendons and tissue.
The process of PRP therapy starts by drawing the patient’s blood so it can be put into a centrifuge, a lab device that separates fluid components. Depending on where you receive treatment, a different amount of blood can be taken.
While in the centrifuge, the blood sample will separate into different components, including the platelets needed for PRP therapy.
A health care professional will take the necessary components from the centrifuge and create the plasma needed for the injection.
After the plasma has been prepared and loaded onto the state-of-the-art injection device, it is ready to be injected into the patient’s scalp.
Unlike other facilities, our procedure does not require numbing. And for those uncomfortable with injections, we offer Pronox to make the process a more pleasant one. Additionally, there is little to no wait time needed for the patient after the injection—they can resume their normal life as quickly as they need to.
The PRP procedure comes in more than one dose. It is a series of injections carried out over a period of weeks and redone over several months, so you will begin to see changes as you progress through the treatment. What you may notice are as follows:
Although PRP for hair procedures can help a wide array of patients with different hair loss-related conditions, there are a few groups that have been more widely studied and have noticed the best and most effective results. These groups are the following:
Those suffering from androgenic alopecia. This condition is also known as male/female pattern baldness. Women can also experience hair loss and can be treated alongside men. Those suffering from more recent hair loss. This is because the longer your condition persists, the less likely it is that treatment will work, though it may still produce some beneficial results.
Although it is never a guarantee that you will qualify for this procedure, you should talk it over with a certified dermatologist to determine whether PRP therapy is the right choice for you. If it is decided that you are a prime candidate for the procedure, then you should expect to go through this regimen:
Three PRP injections over a period of four to six weeks
Regular maintenance injections every four to six months
If you follow these appointments and stick with the procedure, you may notice some positive results that will leave you feeling confident and happy again.