PLATELET RICH PLASMA (PRP) FOR HAIR LOSS
What is PRP?
Platelet Rich Plasma is a substance that is thought to promote healing when injected. Researchers have produced PRP by isolating plasma from blood and concentrating it. The idea is that injecting PRP into damaged tissue will stimulate your body to grow new, healthy cells and promoting healing.
It was established two decades ago to be an effective medical treatment in the specialty field of oral medicine, sports medicine and orthopaedics. In hair restoration evidence supports PRP therapy as a promising treatment option to promote hair growth. While PRP is in the early stages of scientific research, PRP is not meant to replace currant FDA approved therapies such as DHT blockers (Propecia) and minoxidil. Other treatments for hair loss can include laser, medications and hair transplantation.
Where can it be used?
It can be used for hair loss, tendon injuries, acute injuries, post-surgical repair and osteoarthritis.
PRP for Hair Loss
It is normal for everyone to shed some hair every day, but excessive hair loss can become big concern for both men and women. It can start with a just a few hairs falling out, or shedding when you comb your hair. Causes of hair loss are complex and can be inherited, or due to medications, underlying medical conditions or hormonal. Sometimes, this excess hair loss can progress to baldness.
At Best Health Hair Clinic, we perform PRP therapy as a proactive therapeutic option for male and female hair loss. PRP is an exciting non-surgical therapeutic option for patients who require stimulation of hair growth for hair loss conditions. Good results have been reported for PRP, although these vary from person to person.
How does it work?
For the growth of hair, hair follicles have to be healthy. Hair follicles survive on the nutrients from your blood supply. PRP consist of your own blood plasma concentrated with 3-5 times the number of platelets found in normal circulating blood. These concentrated platelets contain protein and growth factors which attract stem cells, help stimulate hair follicle growth, increase circulation to hair follicles and decrease inflammation.
The procedure
Firstly 20ml of blood will be collected from a vein, similar to having a routine blood test. The blood is collected and placed in a special container containing anticoagulant. The container is then placed in a machine called a centrifuge where your blood is spun very fast for approximately 6 minutes. When the centrifuge has stopped spinning, your blood components have now been separated. The concentrated platelets have been separated from your normal whole blood. The PRP, abundant in growth factors, is then injected into the scalp where hair thinning is present. There are no restrictions after the procedure.
How many treatments do I need?
Initially treatment is recommended every three months for the first year for maximum benefit, thereafter we would recommend treatments once or twice a year to maintain the benefits. PRP can also be used alongside hair transplantation to encourage the new hair to grow.
PRP is a safe procedure and side effects are minimal. These will be discussed with you fully prior to the procedure by the doctor.
