Hair Loss Treatment PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Therapy
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is an innovative "off-label" treatment for hair loss issues like alopecia areata ('spot baldness') and androgenetic alopecia (both male and female pattern hair loss). Can you envision the potential benefits for yourself?
The three phases of Hair PRP Treatment
Retrieve Plasma
The primary objective of this first step is to collect plasma, a component found in blood. This involves withdrawing a small quantity of blood from your arm, significantly less than the amount typically donated during a blood donation.
Activation of Platelets
The platelets extracted from your blood sample are subsequently concentrated. In PRP, we utilize activated platelets due to their rich healing properties and growth factors. These growth factors play a crucial role in promoting hair growth by facilitating the development of new blood vessels and supporting the survival of hair follicles.
Injection
In the final stage of PRP, the activated platelets are injected into areas experiencing hair loss.
Advantages of Hair PRP
PRP has the potential to stimulate hair growth in various hair loss conditions, including alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia.
PRP can be integrated with hair transplant procedures or employed as a standalone treatment.
No need for oral or topical medications in the execution of PRP therapy.
PRP can contribute to the preservation of hair grafts in the context of hair transplant procedures.
Hair PRP Before and After
The following client demonstrates noticeable results within three months post-treatment.
FAQs
How effective is PRP?
The effectiveness of Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy can vary among individuals and depends on factors such as the specific hair loss condition, the individual's overall health, and the treatment protocol used. Some studies suggest that PRP can be beneficial in promoting hair growth and improving hair density, especially in cases of androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss) and alopecia areata.
While some people may experience positive results, it's important to note that PRP is not a guaranteed solution for everyone, and individual responses may vary. Additionally, the long-term effectiveness of PRP for hair loss is still an area of ongoing research, and more studies are needed to fully understand its potential benefits.
How does PRP compare to other non-surgical hair loss treatments?
PRP therapy is a non-surgical option for hair loss, but its effectiveness varies. Other non-surgical treatments include:
Minoxidil (Topical Solution): Widely used and available over-the-counter, it stimulates hair follicles and promotes growth when applied to the scalp.
Finasteride (Oral Medication): A prescription drug primarily for male pattern baldness, it inhibits the hormone DHT associated with hair loss.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Uses low-level lasers or LEDs in devices like combs or helmets to stimulate hair follicles and improve blood flow.
Hair Growth Shampoos and Topical Products: Various products claim to reduce hair loss and promote growth with added vitamins, minerals, and botanical extracts.
Nutritional Supplements: Some take biotin, vitamins, and minerals for hair health, but evidence of effectiveness is limited.
Consider factors like the cause of hair loss, individual responses, side effects, and convenience when comparing these treatments. Consult with a healthcare professional for personalized advice, as results vary from person to person.
What conditions can PRP be used to treat?
PRP therapy treats various conditions, including:
Alopecia Areata: Promotes hair growth for those with patchy hair loss.
Androgenetic Alopecia: Addresses genetic hair thinning and loss (male and female pattern baldness).
Traction Alopecia: Considers PRP for hair loss due to tight hairstyles or braids.
Scarring Alopecia: Uses PRP in specific types to aid healing and stimulate hair growth.
Hair Thinning: PRP is used to combat general hair thinning and enhance density.
Facial Rejuvenation: Sometimes employed for skin improvement, texture, tone, and collagen production.
It's important to know that PRP's effectiveness varies, and ongoing research explores its potential. Consult a healthcare professional or dermatologist before treatment for personalized advice and discussion of potential outcomes.
Is PRP just a hair loss treatment?
PRP therapy goes beyond hair loss treatment. Besides addressing hair-related issues, it's used for:
Facial Rejuvenation: Enhances skin texture, tone, and stimulates collagen production for a more youthful appearance.
Orthopedic Injuries: Applied in treating conditions like tendon injuries, osteoarthritis, and joint pain to support tissue repair and reduce inflammation.
Dental Procedures: Used in oral and maxillofacial surgeries, aiding in healing for procedures like dental implant placement and bone grafting.
Wound Healing: Applied to accelerate the healing of wounds, including chronic non-healing wounds.
While promising, evidence of PRP effectiveness can vary, and ongoing research explores its potential. Consult with a healthcare professional or specialist before undergoing PRP treatment for personalized advice and discussion of potential outcomes.
Medical Reference
1. Gentile P, Garcovich S. Systematic review of platelet-rich plasma use in androgenetic alopecia compared with Minoxidil®, Finasteride®, and adult stem cell-based therapy. Int J Mol Sci. 2020;21(8):2702. doi:10.3390/ijms21082702
2. El-Husseiny RM, Saleh HM, Moustafa AA, et al. Comparison between single- versus double-spin prepared platelet-rich plasma injection in treatment of female pattern hair loss: clinical effect and relation to vascular endothelial growth factor. Arch Dermatol Res. 2021;313(7):557–566. doi:10.1007/s00403-020-02134-6
3. Sasaki GH. The effects of lower vs higher cell number of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) on hair density and diameter in Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA): a randomized, double-blinded, placebo, parallel-group half-scalp IRB-approved study. Aesthet Surg J. 2021;41(11):NP1659–NP1672. doi:10.1093/asj/sjab236
4. Qu Q, Zhou Y, Shi P, et al. Platelet-rich plasma for androgenic alopecia: a randomized, placebo-controlled, double-blind study and combined mice model experiment. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021;20(10):3227–3235. doi:10.1111/jocd.14089
5. Rossano F, Di Martino S, Iodice L, et al. Correlation between individual inflammation genetic profile and platelet rich plasma efficacy in hair follicle regeneration: a pilot study reveals prognostic value of IL-1α polymorphism. Eur Rev Med Pharmacol Sci. 2017;21(22):5247–5257. doi:10.26355/eurrev_201711_13848