Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy (PRP)?
PRP was established 2 decades ago to be an effective medical treatment modality in the specialty fields of oral medicine, sports medicine and orthopedics. In hair restoration, evidence supports PRP therapy as a promising treatment option to promote hair growth. While PRP is in the early stages of scientific research, PRP is not meant to replace current FDA approved therapies such as DHT blockers (Propecia) and Minoxidil.
PRP consist of your own blood plasma concentrated with 3-5 times the number of platelets found in normal circulating blood. These concentrated platelets contain protein and growth factors which attract stem cells, help stimulate hair follicle growth, increase circulation to hair follicles, and decrease inflammation.
There are many benefits of using PRP treatment to promote healing for hair growth. Highly concentrated growth factors in the form of platelets have been shown to stimulate new hair growth, thicken thinned out hair, and make hair transplants grow thicker and healthier.
What Does it Treat?
PRP treats Androgenetic alopecia (AGA). AGA is a common hair loss disorder caused by genetic and hormonal factors that are characterized by androgen-related progressive thinning of scalp hair in a defined pattern. By the age of 60 years, 45% of men and 35% of women develop AGA.
Due to the limited number of effective therapies for AGA, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become an effective alternative treatment. PRP is an autologous concentration of platelets in plasma with numerous growth factors that contribute to hair regeneration.
Results:
What is the Procedure?
First, approximately 30cc of blood is collected from your vein. It’s very similar to having a routine blood test performed at your doctor’s clinic. The blood is collected and placed in a special container
The container is then placed in a machine called a centrifuge where your blood is spun for approximately 6 minutes When the centrifuge has stopped spinning, your blood components have now been separated. The concentrated platelets, called Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) are then used for injection.
The PRP that contains abundant growth factors is then injected into the scalp where hair thinning is present. There are no restrictions after the procedure. PRP is a safe procedure without any side effects.