PRP for Hair Loss: Treatment, Efficacy, & Side Effects
Hair loss is particularly prevalent in men and women after the age of 50 or during periods of intense stress. The market is inundated with myriad hair loss treatments, each claiming varied levels of efficacy and reliability. However, one treatment that bases itself on multiple scientific studies is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy.
PRP hair loss treatment is deemed a safe and effective treatment for hair regrowth and hair loss prevention, especially when performed by a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration specialist.- The cost of PRP treatment can vary based on factors such as your geographic location, the institution where you receive treatment, and the severity of hair loss.
- Research suggests that PRP can prevent hair loss and stimulate new hair growth. A study published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery in 2014 demonstrated that when PRP was injected into the scalp every other week for three months, the number of hair follicles increased, promoting healthier hair growth.
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?
PRP, an acronym for Platelet-Rich Plasma, is a contemporary treatment modality that leverages the healing properties of a patient’s blood to invigorate bodily tissues, including hair follicles. Extracted from the patient’s blood and injected into the scalp, PRP is believed to be effective in accelerating wound healing, boosting stem cell growth, and preventing hair loss.
How Does PRP Work for Hair Loss?
PRP treatment for hair loss involves injecting the patient’s scalp with platelet-rich plasma, a substance rich in growth factor proteins. These proteins, when activated, can improve blood circulation in the treated area, leading to a subsequent thickening of the hair follicle. This results in healthier, thicker hair growth. Additionally, these proteins also work to reactivate dormant hair follicles, increasing the hair count and promoting new hair growth.
The PRP Procedure for Hair Restoration
The PRP procedure for hair restoration commences with the extraction of the patient’s blood, typically drawn from the arm. The drawn blood is then placed in a centrifuge, which separates the blood into three components: platelet-poor plasma, platelet-rich plasma, and red blood cells. The platelet-rich plasma is then extracted and injected into the scalp areas experiencing hair loss.
The effects of PRP hair loss treatment can extend up to 18 months post the initial treatment. However, to maintain the full results of the treatment, patients generally require a maintenance treatment series once a year.
The initial round of PRP injections usually involves two to three sessions, each spaced four to six weeks apart. To maintain the effects of the treatment, patients often require a maintenance treatment series once a year.
PRP Treatment for Androgenic Alopecia
Androgenic alopecia, or male-pattern baldness, is a common condition that affects both men and women. PRP treatment has proven effective in countering the negative effects of increased hormone levels, which often lead to this condition.
PRP Therapy for Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an auto-immune disorder that causes the body to damage its own hair follicles, leading to hair loss. PRP can help with the hair regrowth process by activating growth factor proteins to strengthen hair follicles and increase hair count for increased growth.
Side Effects of PRP Therapy for Hair Growth
The risk of experiencing side effects as a result of PRP therapy is low. Common side effects include slight soreness or redness at the injection site, which should resolve on its own after a few days.
In conclusion, PRP has demonstrated significant potential in the treatment of hair loss. However, since individual responses to PRP therapy may vary, it is advisable to consult with a qualified healthcare provider or hair transplant clinic near you to discuss the potential benefits, treatment options, costs and risks.
Learn More About Hair Loss & Treatment Options
Transitions International provides comprehensive resources to help you understand your hair loss and explore your options before your first consultation.
