Platelet-rich plasma consists of two elements: plasma, or the liquid portion of blood and platelets, a type of blood cell that plays an important role in healing throughout the body. Platelets are well-known for their clotting abilities, but they also contain growth factors that can trigger cell reproduction and stimulate tissue regeneration or healing in the treated area. Platelet-rich plasma is simply blood that contains more platelets than normal. PRP injections can be effective in treating male pattern baldness, both in preventing hair loss and promoting new hair growth. PRP can also aid in the stimulation of hair growth after hair transplants.

Benefits

• PRP therapy strengthens the hair.
• It increases the hair's diameter and prevents the thinning of hair.
• Injecting platelets and activating growth factors can increase the blood supply to the hair follicles and thicken the hair shafts.
• It has been found effective in increasing the density of hair.
• Studies have revealed that PRP therapy effectively treats androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata.
• According to a review published in the International Journal of Women’s Dermatology, PRP is a promising treatment for hair loss, but its effects may vary because the injection techniques and session intervals differ from one clinic to another.
• PRP therapy is a safe procedure as no cuts or incisions are required.
• Since an individual’s own blood is used in PRP therapy, there is no risk of allergies.
• PRP treatment promotes the growth of hair transplants and serves as an enhancement for other cosmetic procedures.

How does it work?

• Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a 3-step procedure in which blood is drawn from a person’s arm and put in a centrifuge, after which three layers are formed, namely, platelet-poor plasma, platelet-rich plasma, and red blood cells. 
• The platelet-rich plasma, thus obtained, is injected into regions of the scalp where hair growth is less. 
• There is some evidence that PRP therapy can be effective against hair loss, but more research would be required to conclude that PRP therapy is among the best treatments for hair loss.

Preparation before treatment

• At least five days before your procedure, discontinue anti-inflammatory medications.
• One week before your procedure, discontinue any blood-thinning herbs or supplements.
• One to two weeks before your procedure, discontinue systematic steroids
• At least one month before your procedure, stop steroid injections
• On the day of your procedure, eat a full, healthy breakfast and drink plenty of water.

Aftercare

• Avoid applying ice or heat to the injection site for the first 72 hours post-procedure
• Don’t take a hot bath or go to a sauna for the first few days post-procedure
• Avoid consumption of any alcoholic beverages for 2 days post-procedure
• Avoid baths for the first 24 hours following your procedure
• Avoid smoking

Cons

• Platelet-rich plasma therapy for hair loss can have side effects like tenderness and swelling on the scalp, pain and temporary bleeding at the injection site, headache, and itching of the scalp.
• PRP therapy is also not recommended for individuals who smoke or drink and take blood thinners.
• Although platelet-rich plasma therapy is beneficial for hair growth, it has not been proven effective for hair loss, as research in this field is limited. More research is required to determine the best candidates for PRP therapy. There is no conclusive evidence about the factors defining PRP therapy's efficacy for hair loss.

Success rate

PRP shouldn't be viewed as a stand-alone treatment for problems with hair loss. It has been demonstrated to be effective in 70% of patients with medications and other topical therapies.

Specialist To Visit

The International Cellular Medicine Society recommends that a doctor offering PRP therapy has either participated in a formal training course or extensive one-on-one training with an experienced doctor.

Faqs

1. What is Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy?

Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy, or PRP, is a medical treatment that initiates hair growth. In this therapy, plasma from one’s own blood is used to catalyze hair growth. After extraction, PRP is specially prepared by spinning down the blood cells to a high concentration. This highly concentrated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is injected topically into the scalp.

2. How does Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy work for hair regrowth?

The primary purpose of using PRP in hair restoration is to stimulate inactive or newly implanted hair follicles into an active growth phase. With a derma roller, mesogun, or insulin syringe, plasma is injected into the scalp. The platelets stimulate the stem cells located in the Dermal Papilla as well as other structures of the hair follicle, which boosts their growth.

3. What can you expect after the treatment?

Platelet cells accelerate the rate and degree of tissue healing and regeneration and the formation of new cellular growth. So, you can expect new hair growth along the existing hairline along with improved texture, health & overall density.

4. What should you look for while looking for a dermatologist for PRP therapy?

The dermatologist you would consult for the therapy must have rich experience in successful PRP procedures. Make sure that only FDA-approved therapy kits are used for treatment and that the therapy is conducted in a safe & carefully controlled environment.

5. Are there any side effects of PRP treatment?

During the procedure, the cells from your own blood are injected back into your scalp so that your immune system does not reject it. Owing to this, there is no chance of any side effects, infection, or allergy. However, there might be temporary mild redness, bruising, or headache.

6. How long does one session take?

At Clinic Dermatech, it takes around 30-45 minutes for a single PRP session. So, you can visit your nearest Clinic Dermatech branch during your lunch hours and resume work after the procedure.

7. How many treatment sessions does one require to see effective results?

Generally, 3-4 sittings are required after a gap of 1 or 2 months, as suggested by the dermatologist. You can notice visible results after 3-4 months of treatment.

1. Is there any follow-up care during PRP therapy treatment?

There is no downtime. Just avoid using shampoo on your hair 12 hours after the procedure. Other than preventing aspirin-type products, there is no follow-up care.

2. Can PRP be combined with other Hair loss treatments?

It can be combined with a hair transplant or any other hair loss treatment. PRP’s mechanism of action is different and is completely safe to combine with other therapies. Based on your exact condition, our expert dermatologists at Clinic Dermatech can advise the ideal treatments that can be used in combination with PRP to fetch better results.