Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, or rather, PRP treatment for hair loss, is indeed a minimally invasive treatment that does make use of a person’s blood to promote hair growth. PRP injections are rather rich in proteins known as growth factors, which can stimulate dormant hair follicles when injected into one’s scalp, encouraging hair regeneration.
PRP has no doubt gained much popularity as a nonsurgical option for combating hair loss. But does it work? Perhaps it is possible.
PRP therapy has indeed been used for decades for wound and also injury healing, but it is a relatively new treatment for hair loss. Recent research does suggest that while not everyone is a candidate, PRP injections can, of course, increase hair growth and hair density in people with problems of hereditary hair thinning or baldness.
Platelets are sort of blood cells containing several growth factors, which happen to be proteins that tend to play a role in cell repair and tissue regeneration. When injected into a person’s scalp, PRP delivers a concentrated dose of growth factors that can no doubt stimulate hair follicles and also prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle. The growth factors in PRP can also help reduce inflammation and improve blood flow to one’s scalp.
A research review found that PRP therapy yielded significant improvements in hair density and thickness in male and female participants. While perhaps individual responses may vary, and optimal results do often require multiple sessions, the researchers concluded that PRP is of course a safe and effective method for promoting hair regrowth.
How many PRP sessions before PRP treatment for hair growth?
PRP therapy is not a one-time solution; few people require several sessions to achieve visible hair regrowth. The number of sessions can indeed vary, but providers typically suggest three to four PRP sessions spaced four to six weeks apart for best results. Maintenance treatments every six to 12 months are necessary for continued regrowth.
Results vary from person to person, but few can see results after as few as three PRP sessions, while others can require more sessions before noticing results. Factors such as age, overall health, and the underlying cause of hair loss can, of course, influence the timeline for regrowth.
Patience and also consistency with one’s PRP sessions are indeed important to seeing changes to one’s hair regrowth and achieving the desired results.
The top dermatologist in Hyderabad will certainly assess progress after each session and tailor one’s PRP plan according to need.
Step-by-Step What Happens During PRP Treatment for Hair
PRP therapy does involve making use of one’s blood to stimulate hair growth. The procedure does take 45 to 60 minutes and involves the following steps:
- Blood draw: A small amount of blood (30 to 60 milliliters) is taken out from a vein in one’s arm and collected in a test tube.
- Centrifugation: A laboratory device referred to as a “centrifuge” rapidly spins the blood to separate the platelets from other blood cells.
- Anesthesia: A local anesthetic (numbing agent), such as EMLA cream, is applied to one’s scalp to lessen discomfort during the procedure.
- Micro-needling (optional): In a few cases, micro-needling is carried out along with PRP therapy. This involves rolling a device with tiny needles across a person’s scalp to create micro-injuries in the skin to enhance PRP’s absorption and also effectiveness.
- Injection: A dermatologist injects the platelet-rich plasma into one’s scalp, making use of tiny needles, usually in a grid-like pattern, to cover select areas of one’s scalp where hair loss is an issue.
Several people can resume regular activities following the injection.
Conclusion
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy can help address hair loss by stimulating hair regrowth and also thickening hair in people with hereditary hair loss.