PRP

What is PRP?  It is Platelet Rich Plasma

There are two main components that are found in your blood: plasma and red blood cells. Plasma is composed of both white blood cells and platelets, and platelets are known for being rich in growth factors such as Platelet Derived Growth Factor (PDGF). Growth factors are tiny proteins that work to accelerate wound-healing and trigger the skin cells to function.

Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a new(ish) treatment that has been gaining worldwide popularity in recent years for numerous treatment applications in healing orthopedic injuries to improving skin and Hair. Today, PRP is a medically and scientifically-back option for treating and reversing the effects of androgenic alopecia and other forms of Hair loss.

How Does PRP For Hair Loss Work?

PRP for hair loss is a minimally-invasive injectable procedure in which a small amount of your blood is extracted, processed and injected directly into the areas of concern on your scalp. These injections help to stimulate the hair follicles and promote new hair growth presumably by growth factors activating stem cells and immature follicles redeveloping into mature / terminal hair and by increasing the blood supply to the hair follicles. Over several months, the PRP will begin to take effect by increasing the total hair count, hair thickness and the longevity of the growth phase of the hair growth cycle.

Who Is A Candidate For PRP?

While anyone experiencing symptoms of hair loss can be a candidate for PRP injections, those who are in the early stages of hair loss tend to have a better response to PRP, as it is easier to re-stimulate the hair follicles before the condition progresses further. During your initial consultation, board-certified dermatologist will identify the underlying cause of your hair loss to determine whether you will benefit from PRP injections.

PRP therapy is often just a single part of a multifaceted hair restoration program, which can include topical and  oral medications. These treatments are effective for men and women.

What To Expect From PRP Injections?

PRP therapy is a minimally-invasive and straightforward procedure that is completed in three easy steps. First, a small amount of blood will be drawn from your arm to be used for the injections. In the second step, the blood sample is put into a machine known as a centrifuge, which rapidly spins the blood to separate the plasma from the red blood cells and additional blood components. Next, the separated PRP is administered directly into the affected hair follicles.

These injections are generally well-tolerated by patients, but a topical numbing cream may be applied if you are concerned about discomfort. Depending on the extent of your hair loss, the process can be completed in as little as 30 minutes. Since PRP therapy uses your blood, there are very few risks or side effects associated with this therapy, and no downtime is required after your procedure.

When Can I Expect Results From PRP?

For the most optimal results, it is recommended that patients receive PRP injections once a month for the first three months then at the sixth month and then every six to twelve months. Men and Women who follow a regular treatment regimen will likely start seeing results within  three to six months of their initial injections. Most women and men will first observe a decrease in hair shedding, followed by early signs of hair regrowth and longer hair length after about six months of therapy. Receiving PRP injections on a long-term basis will provide lasting results of longer, thicker and fuller hair especially combined with medical therapy from your Board Certified Dermatologist.