PRP platelet-rich plasma therapy is a revolutionary treatment for many different conditions, including hair loss. It uses your own blood to stimulate follicles and promote new growth. It’s a quick, virtually painless procedure performed in multiple sessions, with very little downtime.
Platelets are a component of blood that contains proteins and other cells, such as stem cells and cytokines, that help your body heal itself. They contain a variety of growth factors, which are important for cell regeneration and growth. When injected into the scalp, the growth factors accelerate hair regrowth, thickening and strengthens existing healthy follicles. They also stimulate dormant follicles to return to the active growth phase.
As a minimally invasive, non-surgical treatment, prp hair therapy can be done on its own or in conjunction with other treatments such as laser hair restoration and topical products. It can also be used as a supplement to hair transplant surgery to help your results look more natural.
The PRP procedure starts with a small sample of your blood, which is then spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from other components of your blood. This allows the medical professional to extract and concentrate the platelets, which can be injected back into your scalp in targeted areas. The entire process may take about an hour, and several sessions are recommended.
Your provider will use a thin needle to inject the PRP into your scalp. Once injected, the growth factors in your blood will naturally encourage new hair growth by stimulating dormant follicles into the active growth phase, and by increasing blood flow to the scalp, which can nourish dead follicles and reactivate them.
Unlike most other hair restoration treatments, PRP is a completely natural treatment. It doesn’t introduce any foreign substances into the body, and because it uses your own blood, there is little to no risk of infection. There is also no downtime required after a session, and you can resume your normal activities immediately after.
PRP can be effective for men and women with all types of hair loss, including male-pattern alopecia and female pattern thinning. However, it is best for those who have not yet lost all of their natural hair. It is not suitable for people who have extensive balding or bald spots, nor is it recommended for patients with autoimmune diseases that affect your blood clotting abilities.
PRP hair therapy is most often performed in a series of three monthly sessions, followed by a maintenance appointment every six months. However, your doctor will recommend a specific schedule that is based on your individual needs and goals. Most patients experience noticeable results before their third PRP session. However, it can take up to 12 months for full results to appear. Once your results are achieved, they can last for up to a year or more. PRP treatments are a great option for those who want to add volume, thickness, and shine to their hair, or for those who are looking to slow the progression of hair loss.