Hair loss and thinning hair can be experienced by people across all genders. But, they are especially common in people in their 50s due to stress. There are hundreds of hair loss treatments available with different levels of dependability and success. One of them is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. PRP is obtained from the blood and injected into the scalp to help heal bodily tissues including hair follicles from which the hair grows.
The blood is mainly composed of red blood cells and plasma. The plasma is composed of white blood cells and platelets that are rich in growth factors. Growth factors serve as messengers that signal skin cells to function. They can help stimulate the activity of the hair follicles and promote the growth of new hair.
The Process Involved
The use of prp treatments for hair loss involves a careful process that starts with a standard blood draw from the arm of the patient. Then, the tube of blood is placed into a centrifuge where the red blood cells are separated from the plasma. The platelet-rich plasma is then injected directly into the scalp at the level of the follicles. This is a meticulous process with injections starting across the scalp, at every half inch over theaffected area. However, the entire procedure often takes less than one hour.
The Best Candidates
PRP treatments are ideal for anyone experiencing hair loss. However, they work best for people who experience early hair loss. They are best used for patients who have androgenic alopecia, a type of hair thinning that often takes place along the top of the head.
What to Expect from the Treatments?
Typically, treatments are done once every month for the first 3-4 months, and then every 3-6 months thereafter, depending on the response and the results the patient gets. After this protocol, the patient can see results within 2-3 months. Getting long-term treatment is often recommended to continuously stimulate the growth factors and stem cells associated with regrowth and stop hair fallout.
When the patient starts treatment, they often see a reduction in hair shedding, followed by early regrowth and increase hair length. PRP should be a part of a multifaceted program to treat hair thinning and loss. A dermatologist may prescribe spironolactone or finasteride to help promote hair growth and if the patient is in their post-menopausal stage. Also, it is important to keep in mind that results will look different for everyone based on blood platelet levels, overall health, and hair health.