PRP Hair Restoration

PRP Hair Restoration

What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Hair Restoration Therapy?

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is concentrated blood plasma, which contains approximately three to five times the number of platelets found in normal circulating blood. In addition, it contains platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor (TGF) and other bioactive proteins that aid in wound healing and hair growth. Growth factors in platelet rich plasma (PRP) have been used to facilitate wound healing. Recently, studies have suggested that PRP may also serve as a safe and effective treatment option for male and female pattern hair loss

Who is a Good Candidate for PRP for Hair Loss?

PRP is more effective if your hair loss is more recent. That’s because your hair follicles have more recently become dormant; they haven’t been dormant for years. It is easier to activate recently dormant, rather than long dormant, hair follicles. If that sounds like you, then PRP for hair loss could be a great option to stop your hair loss and start re-growing new hair. But there are two groups who cannot undergo PRP for hair loss:

• If you have an underlying disorder such as thyroid disease or lupus. These conditions will continue to cause hair loss over time.
• If you are taking blood thinners, PRP is not as effective.

How is PRP Obtained and Then Used to Restore Thinning Hair?

We first take a sample of blood. This blood is then placed in a centrifuge that separates out the red blood cells. These are discarded. What is left is a mix of platelets and plasma. By removing the red blood cells, the remaining plasma becomes concentrated along with higher amounts of plasma with their inherent growth factors. To create PRP takes just 20-30 minutes.

Next, the doctor injects the PRP into your scalp in the areas where the hair is thinning. The PRP hair restoration injections are very shallow, so they are not overly painful.

How Many PRP Hair Restoration Injections are Necessary?

There is no “set” number of injections. The goal is to inject all of the PRP back into the scalp in the thinning areas. Generally, this includes dozens of injections across the scalp. If you have a larger area of thinning hair, you’ll receive more injections than a person undergoing PRP for hair loss with a smaller treatment area.

When Can I Expect to Start Growing Hair?

The first step is to stop the hair loss. This happens almost immediately after PRP hair restoration injections. Real hair growth is usually noticeable after the first two to three months. Studies have shown about a 30 percent improvement in hair growth in the thinning areas after four PRP hair restoration treatments.

Will I Need More Than One PRP Hair Restoration Session?

We recommend more frequent PRP hair restoration treatments initially, gradually transitioning to maintenance. We generally recommend hair loss patients have one PRP treatment monthly for the first three or four months. Depending on how you respond, follow-up treatments every three to six months are advised. Since your hair follicles are shifting towards dormancy, it’s a good idea to consider an ongoing maintenance program from there.

What are the Risks with PRP for Hair Loss Treatment?

There is little risk of any allergic reaction to the PRP because it is derived from your own blood. Still, there can be some lingering pain at the injection sites, a small risk of infection, possible bleeding and nerve damage. These PRP hair restoration risks are very small.

Will There Be Recovery After My PRP for Hair Loss Treatment?

You don’t need to restrict your activities. You may have some residual soreness, but you can control it with over-the-counter pain medication. You can shower and wash your hair immediately, but you should hold off blow-drying, coloring, or curling for one to two days after your PRP for hair loss treatment. If you are ready to restore your hair, call us for a consultation 650-941-8888

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