The human body has an amazing ability to heal itself. Increasingly, the power of cells, blood, and tissue is being harnessed to treat a wide variety of conditions, from serious diseases to hair loss. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a cutting-edge way to leverage the power of your blood’s platelets to improve the health of your scalp and hair.
Treatment begins with a quick blood draw from the arm. The sample is then spun in a centrifuge, separating the platelets from other components of the blood. During this time, a topical anesthetic is applied to numb the scalp. Once the plasma is fully activated, it is collected into a syringe and then gently injected into the scalp. The platelets release signaling proteins and growth factors into the scalp, improving scalp health and stimulating hair growth.
Platelet rich plasma therapy is used to treat hair loss from male and female pattern baldness, stress-related hair loss, alopecia areata, and other types of excess hair shedding. PRP treatments may be an option for men or women who cannot take medications like minoxidil or finasteride, or for those who are unable to undergo hair replacement surgery due to health or financial concerns.
PRP treatment has a high success rate, with 70-80 percent of recipients reporting satisfaction with the procedure’s results. Some studies suggest that the number is even higher among those who begin treatment early and have regular follow-up sessions.
Noticeable improvements in hair growth and thickness typically appear within 3-6 months, with full benefits of the procedure becoming visible in 6-12 months.
Individuals undergoing PRP treatments may return to most of their normal activities within 24 hours. For best results, it is wise to avoid swimming, engaging in strenuous exercise, sun exposure, or excessive heat for 72 hours. Potential side effects of PRP injections are minor and typically subside within a few days. These include tenderness, redness, and mild inflammation at the injection site.
The number of sessions required depends on your hair growth goals, as well as the extent of your hair loss. Most individuals choose a program of several monthly sessions, with follow up treatments every 6-12 months to maintain results.
PRP may be combined with other treatments for hair growth. We often recommend PRP therapy after a hair transplant to maximize graft survival and to boost follicle health in both donor and recipient sites.
If you wish to slow the progression of pattern baldness, or to reduce allover shedding or patchy hair loss, PRP treatments may be an excellent option for you. Contact us to set up a free consultation; we look forward to hearing from you and helping you grow a thicker, fuller, healthier head of hair.
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