PRP Therapy: Hair loss treatment
Avoiding complex health issues such as allergy need to be identified during the early stages in order to experience the optimum results. Allergens and pollens cause major problems due to which proper health benefits are not realized.
PRP therapy for hair loss is a three-step, non-surgical treatment designed to stimulate natural hair growth and improve hair thickness. Using the patient’s own blood, the process involves drawing, processing, and re-injecting platelet-rich plasma (PRP) into targeted areas of the scalp. This method enhances blood flow to hair follicles and thickens hair shafts for visible improvement.
Steps of PRP Therapy:
- Blood Collection: A small amount of the patient’s blood is drawn and placed in a centrifuge.
- Separation: The centrifuge spins the blood, separating it into three components:
- Platelet-poor plasma
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP)
- Red blood cells
- Re-injection: The PRP, rich in growth factors, is injected into areas with hair thinning or loss using a fine needle.
Advantages of PRP Therapy:
- Non-surgical and minimally invasive procedure
- Quick and relatively painless sessions (lasting about 60 minutes)
- Safe and reliable with no major downtime
- Encourages natural-looking results
- Boosts hair density and health
How PRP Works:
PRP contains active growth factors and proteins that enhance hair follicle health, improve blood supply, and encourage the growth of thicker, healthier hair. It can be used as a standalone treatment or in combination with hair transplants to achieve better results.
Considerations:
While PRP therapy is effective for both men and women, multiple sessions may be required to achieve optimal results. Costs can vary depending on the number of treatments needed, and some patients may opt to combine PRP with hair restoration surgeries for enhanced outcomes.
This cutting-edge technique not only offers a fuller, healthier head of hair but also restores confidence by delivering natural and long-lasting improvements.
PRP therapy comes in four types, each tailored to specific needs and conditions:
1. Red or Leucocyte-Rich PRP
This type contains concentrated white blood cells and platelets. It is primarily used in orthopedic treatments and sports medicine to address underlying conditions. The combination of platelets and white blood cells promotes healing and tissue repair effectively.
2. Amber or Leucocyte-Poor PRP
Amber PRP is rich in platelets but has minimal white blood cells. It focuses on enhancing collagen production, stimulating the extracellular matrix, and activating fibroblasts. This type is particularly effective for treatments requiring tissue regeneration and skin repair.
3. Autologous Conditioned Serum
This variation contains highly concentrated white blood cells and growth factors. Its anti-inflammatory cytokines (special proteins) are particularly useful for pain relief in conditions like knee osteoarthritis.
4. Platelet Lysate
Platelet Lysate is packed with growth factors but lacks white blood cells. It is the preferred choice for addressing androgenetic alopecia and female pattern hair loss. Additionally, it is employed in various other therapies to stimulate targeted tissue growth and repair.
Each type of PRP therapy is chosen based on the patient’s specific requirements, ensuring optimal results for hair restoration, tissue regeneration, and pain management.
Here are several advantages of choosing PRP therapy for hair growth:
1. Minimally Invasive Procedure
PRP therapy is a non-surgical treatment requiring minimal intervention. It can be easily performed in a dermatologist's office, ensuring a quick process and recovery.
2. Scar-Free Treatment
Since PRP involves only the use of a needle to extract and reintroduce blood, it eliminates the need for incisions or sutures, leaving no scars or marks behind.
3. Highly Effective
Globally recognized by dermatologists and hair specialists, PRP is known to address a wide range of hair issues. Results often become noticeable within three months of starting the treatment.
4. Safe and Risk-Free
This treatment is among the safest options for hair restoration. Since it uses the patient’s own blood, there is no risk of infections or allergic reactions, making it highly reliable.
5. Convenient and Time-Efficient
PRP therapy involves no downtime. Patients can visit the clinic at their convenience, undergo the procedure, and return to their daily activities immediately afterward.
6. Minimal Discomfort
Being non-surgical, PRP causes very little discomfort, depending on the patient’s pain tolerance and the area being treated.
7. Customizable Treatment
PRP therapy can be tailored to the individual. The dermatologist assesses the scalp, evaluates the extent of hair loss, and creates a personalized treatment plan.
8. Natural-Looking Results
PRP therapy works by stimulating dormant hair follicles, targeting the root causes of hair loss, and promoting natural hair growth without introducing external agents, ensuring authentic, natural results.
Are there any major side effects of PRP treatment?
As such there is no major side-effect of this treatment as own blood is injected into the patient but there is mild discomfort and a very little risk of bleeding and infection.
Which conditions can be treated with PRP?
Other than hair fall, various other problems can be treated including osteoarthritis, muscle tear, tendon and ligament injuries, rotator cuff injuries, lumbar spinal disc pain, cervical facet joint dysfunction, and TMJ.
Can I combine any other treatment with PRP?
The answer is yes! Generally, treatments are combined to give patients better results and quicker healing.
Who should stay away from PRP injections?
Pregnant women, cancer patients, or anyone who has blood clotting disorders are advised not to go for PRP treatment. However, there are various other treatments that they may receive.
Do I need to take rest after the procedure?
There is no downtime of this procedure, you can resume your routine work and go to the office if it doesn't involve strenuous activity but it is advisable to take a couple of days' rest post-treatment.
What are the things to take care of for the best PRP outcome?
- Though it has very little downtime, it is advised to take a couple of days' rest after the procedure. It ensures proper healing and the best outcomes.
- Don't touch or rub the injected area and avoid bathing and swimming for at least eight hours after the treatment.
- Avoid strenuous activities and workouts and apply ice or heat at the injected site for three days after the treatment.
- Take only those medications that are approved by your expert for the week post-treatment.
- Do not apply any ointment, lotion, or cosmetic product at that site for at least 6 hours.
- Avoid taking alcohol or smoking for at least 3 days as it delays the healing process.
How to prepare my body for PRP injections?
There are certain do's and don'ts to be followed to make your body PRP-ready.
- Stop consuming any steroid medications 3 weeks before.
- Don't take any vitamins or supplements that cause blood thinning the week before.
- Hydrate yourself, feed well, and take sound sleep the day before as well as the same day.
What is PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy is a procedure involving drawing one's blood and placing it in a machine to separate the fluid into different densities. The one with rich plasma is taken and injected in the desired area.
Results
