Hair loss can be a frustrating and confidence-damaging experience. Whether you’re dealing with thinning hair, receding hairlines, or complete baldness, many individuals seek effective treatments to restore their natural hair growth. One of the most promising and innovative options currently available is hair growth Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy. If you’re looking to regain a fuller, thicker head of hair, then PRP hair therapy could be the solution you’ve been searching for. Here’s how it works and how you can maximize your results with this treatment
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy?
- Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy is a non-surgical hair restoration treatment that injects platelet-rich plasma from a patient’s own blood into their scalp to encourage hair growth.
- PRP therapy is a medical treatment that boosts healing, regeneration, and growth.
- PRP, also known as platelet-rich plasma therapy, is a treatment for hair loss that may help promote and maintain hair growth.
How Does PRP Therapy Work?
- Platelets contain high concentrations of growth factors, which promote cellular regeneration and tissue repair.
- Growth factors in platelets interact with hair follicles, stimulating them to enter the active growth phase.
- PRP therapy encourages healthier, denser hair growth by harnessing the body’s natural ability to repair and regenerate.
- Activated platelets in PRP release numerous growth factors and cytokines from their alpha granules, including platelet-derived endothelial growth factor (PDGF), transforming growth factor β (TGF-β), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
Benefits of PRP Therapy
- PRP therapy can help restore hair to a healthier, fuller state, suitable for those with hair loss from menopause, post-natal symptoms, or male pattern baldness.
- PRP therapy is a non-invasive and natural solution to hair loss with minimal discomfort and downtime.
- PRP therapy has been shown to be effective in treating androgenetic alopecia, female pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, and cicatricial alopecia.
- PRP therapy can be used as a monotherapy or an adjuvant to conventional therapy or hair transplantation.
Types of Hair Loss Treated with PRP Therapy
- Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a non-scarring alopecia characterized by a shortened anagen phase and progressive miniaturization of terminal hairs into vellus hairs.
- Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most common cause of hair loss in middle-aged women, characterized by progressive follicular miniaturization and conversion of terminal follicles into vellus-like follicles.
- Alopecia areata (AA) is a common autoimmune disorder that causes nonscarring alopecia in males and females at any age.
- Cicatricial alopecia is a type of scarring alopecia caused by different inflammatory conditions, physical trauma, burn, or severe infections.
Contraindications and Side Effects
- Although PRP is a safe treatment with minimal side effects, there are some contraindications that need to be considered, including critical thrombocytopenia, platelet dysfunction, hemodynamic instability, sepsis, and local infection.
- PRP therapy is a relatively safe intervention with minimal adverse effects, including temporary and tolerable pain during treatment, mild headache, and minimal itching.
Preparation and Procedure
- The main principle of PRP preparation is to prepare concentrated platelets from the patient’s own blood.
- All PRP preparation protocols follow a generic method, starting with collecting venous blood and placing it into tubes containing an anticoagulant.
- The blood is then centrifuged and divided into three layers based on specific gravity.
- The platelet-rich plasma is drawn up into a syringe and injected into areas of the scalp that need increased hair growth.
What to Expect After Treatment
- The beneficial effects of PRP therapy for hair regrowth may vary for each person, but studies suggest that PRP treatment may increase hair density and peak at 3 months, with hair density decreasing 6 months after treatment.
- To maximize results, it’s recommended to have three sessions with a gap of four weeks in between each treatment.
Choosing a Provider for PRP Therapy
- Este Medical’s skilled professionals guide your hair restoration journey with the best expertise.
- Our transparent and informative approach ensures you’re well-informed about the plasma therapy for hair process, with clarity and confidence through every step.
- We have a proven track record of success and a commitment to personalized care, making us a reliable ally in the pursuit of confidence.
Cost and Funding
- A downside to PRP therapy for hair loss is that treatment is expensive and rarely covered by medical insurance.
- The cost of PRP therapy may vary depending on the provider and the number of sessions required.
Stimulate Hair Growth
Stimulating hair growth involves a combination of external treatments, internal health practices, and lifestyle changes. While methods like PRP therapy, minoxidil, and essential oils can provide noticeable results, the key to long-term hair growth is maintaining a healthy lifestyle, eating nutrient-rich foods, and being patient. Remember, hair growth is a gradual process, and consistency is crucial. Consult with a healthcare provider or a dermatologist to determine the best approach for hair treatment for your specific needs and condition.
What Are Hair Follicles?
Hair follicles are small, tube-like structures located in the dermis layer of the skin. Each follicle is responsible for growing a single strand of hair, and the number of follicles on your scalp is fixed at birth. They are distributed evenly across the scalp, with each follicle anchored deep into the skin.
Each hair follicle is made up of several parts, each with its function:
- Hair Bulb: The base of the follicle where hair cells divide and multiply, forming new hair.
- Dermal Papilla: A small structure at the bottom of the bulb that supplies the hair follicle with nutrients and oxygen.
- Hair Matrix: A region around the bulb where new hair cells are produced.
- Sebaceous Gland: Located near the follicle, it produces sebum (natural oil) that helps lubricate and protect the hair.
- Arrector Pili Muscle: A tiny muscle attached to the follicle that contracts when you’re cold or experiencing emotions, causing “goosebumps.”
The Hair Growth Cycle and Hair Follicles
Hair follicles cycle through three main stages, which determine the growth of hair:
- Anagen Phase (Growth Phase):
- This is the active growth phase, during which hair follicles produce new hair. It can last anywhere from 2 to 8 years, depending on genetics and other factors. During the anagen phase, hair grows about 1 cm per month. The longer the anagen phase, the longer your hair can grow.
- Catagen Phase (Transitional Phase):
- The catagen phase is a short transition period lasting about 2 to 3 weeks. During this phase, the hair follicle shrinks, and hair growth slows down. The hair is no longer growing, and the follicle begins to prepare for the shedding process.
- Telogen Phase (Resting Phase):
- This phase lasts around 2 to 3 months. During telogen, hair follicles are at rest, and hair may shed naturally. About 10-15% of your hair is typically in the telogen phase at any given time.
If you’re struggling with hair loss, PRP therapy could be a game-changer. By understanding how the treatment works and committing to a consistent regimen of treatments, complementary hair care, and lifestyle habits, you can maximize the results and enjoy fuller, healthier hair. Remember to consult with a qualified specialist to determine whether PRP therapy is right for you and how to best incorporate it into your hair restoration treatment plan too.
FAQs
1. What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy for hair growth?
PRP therapy for hair growth is a non-surgical treatment that uses your own white blood cells to stimulate hair follicles and promote natural hair regrowth. Blood is drawn, processed to concentrate platelets, and then injected into the scalp to encourage the regeneration of hair.
2. How many PRP sessions are required for noticeable results?
Typically, 3 to 4 sessions are recommended, spaced about 4 to 6 weeks apart. After the initial series, maintenance sessions every 3 to 6 months may be needed to maintain the results and continue promoting hair growth.
3. Is PRP therapy painful?
The procedure is generally well-tolerated by most patients. A local anesthetic or numbing cream is often applied to minimize discomfort. While you may experience some mild soreness or sensitivity after the procedure, most people find recovery from plastic surgery to be quick.
4. How soon will I see results from PRP therapy?
Results from PRP therapy are gradual. Most patients begin to see visible improvements in hair density and growth after 2 to 3 months of prp injections, with optimal results appearing between 6 to 12 months after the initial treatment series.
5. Are there any side effects from PRP therapy?
Since PRP therapy uses your own blood, the risk of allergic reactions is minimal. However, you may experience mild side effects such as redness, swelling, or bruising at the injection site, which typically resolves within a few days. Serious side effects are rare.