PRP Hair Restoration
Ideal Candidates for PRP Hair Restoration
PRP is a great choice for men and women looking for a non-surgical solution for hair restoration. The best candidates for PRP hair restoration are men and women who are in the more early stages of hair thinning or hair loss. This is because the follicles are still somewhat active, but they are not generating desired hair growth.
However, patients with inactive follicles can be candidates as well, more treatments will be required though to stimulate their activity.
Patients should be healthy and have realistic expectations of what the procedure can accomplish. Those with low platelet counts or clotting conditions may not be suitable for the treatment.
Benefits
- Non-surgical
- Quick, in-office treatment
- No adverse reaction since the treatment uses material from the patient’s own body
- PRP will also speed along the healing process
What is PRP?
PRP is the abbreviation for platelet rich plasma, a vital component in our blood. The plasma portion of our blood gives home to regenerative cells and platelets, as well as important proteins and growth factors. PRP aids in rejuvenation and regenerative purposes, but when separated from the rest of blood’s components, its potency skyrockets.
To separate and isolate PRP from the mixture of other cells and fluids, a sample of blood is placed in a device called a centrifuge. The centrifugation system spins the sample of blood at an extremely high velocity, forcing separation of the particulates and leaving platelet rich plasma isolated for easy extraction.
Once extracted, PRP can be used in many different cosmetic and reconstructive surgeries, one of the most common being hair restoration. Specific cells in PRP that are ideal for hair growth include PDGF (platelet-derived growth factor), FGF-2 (fibroblast growth factor), TGF-b (transforming growth factor-beta), and VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor).
The Treatment Process
The treatment takes about 30 minutes to an hour to complete, with majority of the time taken for the prep phase. Many patients listen to music, watch TV, or read a book to pass the time since they remain awake for the treatment duration. There is little to no discomfort during this in-office treatment. A topical or local anesthetic can be used for added patient comfort.
To begin the treatment, a blood sample will be drawn and placed in the centrifuge. The PRP is then extracted from the blood and injected directly into the areas of the scalp where hair growth is desired. Once the treatment is completed, the patient’s hair will be washed and they are able to return to their normal routine without interruption or downtime.
Recovery & Results
There is no downtime necessary after PRP hair restoration treatment. Initial swelling and redness can occur for some but dissipates rapidly. It is recommended that patients take it easy the first couple of days, avoiding vigorous activity. PRP will help speed up the healing process as well. No stitches are used in the restoration process so there is no resulting scarring. Patients will return about every 3 months to measure improvement.
Individual results will vary because the treatment uses product from their own body. Generally it takes about 6 months for visible results to be enjoyed, but multiple treatments may be necessary for optimal results. It is possible for patients to have fuller hair and stronger follicles for the rest of their lives so long as the follicles are stimulated from the treatment.