PRP (Platelet-rich Plasma) is a non-invasive alternative to hair loss treatment, which is prescribed for hair loss. This therapy is becoming a very popular treatment for hair loss or Alopecia treatment, which contributes to improved hair growth on the scalp. Moreover, it can also help reduce pattern baldness among males and stimulate hair growth after hair transplantation.
Why is PRP Becoming a Popular Alternative Hair Restoration Treatment?
PRP hair regrowth is becoming an option to treat hair loss because of its safety and quick results. This article will let you know all about the PRP hair treatment for reducing hair loss and stimulating hair growth.
Understanding PRP Therapy for Hair Loss
Hair loss is becoming an increasingly prevalent problem for people, with the severity ranging from thinning to bald spots on the scalp.
What is a PRP Treatment?
PRP or Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy is used in hair loss treatment to encourage growth factors. In this therapy, blood is drawn from the patient, and Platelet-Rich Plasma is extracted from the blood. The growth factors present in the Platelet-Rich Plasma injections invigorate the hair follicles and encourage new hair regeneration. Moreover, this treatment method has very limited side effects, making it a convenient option for individuals to take.
How PRP Works for Hair Treatment?
In PRP hair treatment, studies show that the growth factors are concentrated in the plasma, which might be responsible for hair regeneration. As a result of the process, you can see thicker hair regeneration, which will make your appearance more vibrant.
Who can get a PRP Treatment?
Although the PRP hair regrowth treatment is safe, not everyone can be prescribed a PRP hair regrowth treatment.
Types of Hair Loss that PRP Can Treat
The common type of hair loss that can be addressed with the PRP hair treatment is Androgenic Alopecia. Androgenic Alopecia in females and males is very common, and it is caused by a high response of androgenic hormones in the body. PRP is a good option for treating androgenic alopecia, as PRP can improve hair density, thickness, and volume.
PRP can also be a good option for treating early hair loss among people who are just losing hair. In these kinds of patients, PRP helps in thickening the hair and, in severe cases, reduces the risk of going bald. Hence, it could be an ideal option to include PRP hair treatment as a part of the grooming regime. PRP for hair loss among women is also a credible option, which is often beneficial as part of cosmetic improvement.
Who may not be an Ideal Candidate for PRP Treatment?
If you are affected by active infections, bleeding problems, or you are under medications like blood thinners, then PRP may not be an effective option to consider. Moreover, if you are anaemic and have certain issues like thyroid, PRP may not work effectively.
The PRP Hair Treatment Process: Step-by-Step Process
Platelet-Rich Plasma contributes to delivering optimal results as platelet proteins have the capacity for growth, healing, and rejuvenation. The PRP hair treatment is a three-step process, which includes planning for pre-injection consultation, the PRP hair regrowth therapy, and post-treatment procedures.
Initial Consultation
During the initial consultation phase, you have to inform your dermatologist about any underlying medical conditions you have. Doctors will need to be informed if they ask you to conduct some tests. For example, your dermatologist may ask you to check whether you have any hormonal imbalance or not. In addition to this, your doctor will carefully consider your medical history and the current medications that you take. After all these careful considerations by dermatologists, you can get approval for PRP hair treatment.
When the procedure is approved, you need to avoid using hair products like shampoo, hair gel, or hair spray at least three days before the procedure. Plus, you will also be asked to stop smoking and drinking heavily these days.
The Process of Injecting PRP
The Cytokines and certain proteins that are present in the platelet make it one of the key elements that have the capacity for growth and rejuvenating power. Therefore, platelet-enriched plasma injections are involved in a three-part treatment process to conduct the hair loss treatment.
In step 1, approximately 10 to 60 millilitres (mL) of blood is drawn from your body, preferably from your arms. After this, the extracted blood is put in the centrifuge machine.
Step 2 will involve 10 minutes of centrifugal motion, which will separate the platelet-rich plasma and red blood cells from the blood.
In step 3, the platelet-rich plasma will be extracted and drawn into a syringe. Then, it will be injected into the pre-selected areas of the scalp, where hair growth is required. Since the plasma used in the process belongs to the patients themselves, the scope of contamination and infection is reduced.
Post-treatment Care and Recovery
Unless the area of injection is irritated or sore, you will be asked to wash your hair as per the normal schedule. You will not face any drowsiness or fatigue after the procedure, as a very mild anaesthetic agent is required for the procedure.
The Effectiveness of PRP Treatment for Hair Loss
Certain case studies have proven the effectiveness of PRP for hair regrowth. However, people with underlying medical conditions like thyroid conditions can impact the outcome of PRP hair treatment.
Evidence of PRP’s Effectiveness
There is some substantial scientific evidence that suggests PRP may stimulate hair growth and thickness within the hair. Furthermore, PRP also protects the hair follicles, restricting them from prematurely shedding. The study also found that PRP has a noticeable effect on female pattern hair loss. Therefore, PRP for treating hair loss in women is an effective procedure. Another study found that PRP hair treatment triggers hair growth and develops blood supply to the hair follicle.
How Many Sessions of PRP Treatment Are Required for Optimal Results?
There is no steady schedule of PRP treatment procedure as it depends on the responses of the individuals after taking the initial PRP injection. However, for optimal results for a PRP for hair loss treatment, you can take 3 to 6 sessions of PRP treatment, spaced 4 to 6 weeks apart. These numbers can vary depending on the extent of individual hair loss cases.
The success rate of PRP hair treatment depends on multiple factors, which include the administration process of the PRP injections, the expertise of the practitioners, and the severity of hair loss. Although the success rate of PRP hair treatment is high, it can not be used as a monotherapy, meaning it should accompany other specific treatments dealing with the hair.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
Mostly considered a safe treatment option, PRP therapy can also cause some typical side effects and risks that can influence recovery.
Some Common Side Effects of PRP
Although minimal, you can face some side effects, like nausea, irritation in the scalp, mild to heavy scalp pain, scar in the injection site, and blood clotting at the site. These side effects of PRP hair regrowth are not very serious, but if any of these symptoms continue to persist, you need to consult your dermatologist.
Rare Case Scenarios and Risks
Some rare case scenarios after taking platelet-enriched plasma injection would involve mild to severe allergic reactions. This may include mild pain, redness, and swelling. Some people may experience temporary shedding of hair shortly after the treatment. Although it is an effective option for hair regeneration, it may take time. Moreover, it may also not be very effective for people with certain medical conditions like chronic disease or thyroid issues.
Conclusion
PRP hair treatment is a crucial treatment alternative for improving scalp health and rejuvenating hair growth. It is an effective procedure, but it can not ensure continued success. However, still, it is still one of the most effective non-invasive hair treatment procedures.
If you are experiencing hair loss and unregulated hair shedding, you can also opt for PRP hair treatment. However, you should consider taking the opinion of the dermatologists.
