What is PRP therapy?
PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) for Hair Loss is now the latest trend in hair regrowth and hair loss treatment. PRP therapy for men’s and women’s hair loss is becoming more and more common and is proving to be effective in correcting hair loss when done correctly.
Even though PRP therapy has been around since the 1980’s, doctors only started using it recently as a treatment for certain types of alopecia. Many user experiences have noted good results and the popularity of the procedure is growing rapidly.
PRP for hair loss is a non-surgical procedure that utilizes the stem cells and growth factors from the patient’s own blood to trigger the growth of hair from resting or miniaturized hair follicles. The first step involves drawing the patient’s blood into a 20-22cc specialized tube that is then spun down in a centrifuge for 15 minutes.
How PRP hair treatment works?
PRP hair treatment as the name suggests involves extraction of platelet rich plasma and injection into the subcutaneous tissue of the scalp. This plasma is enriched with growth factors which in turn stimulate and active new hair follicles. PRP hair treatment is administered in the following simple steps –
- Blood from arm of the patient is extracted
- This blood is then centrifuged to separate out platelet rich plasma
- This platelet rich plasma is then enriched with growth factors
- About 1ml of this activated plasma is injected into the scalp of the patient by a trained dermatologist
- Platelet rich plasma repairs hair follicles and effectively treat hair fall, hair loss and balding
This treatment takes only few minutes and is a non-invasive procedure administered without anaesthesia. Multiple injections have to be administered in the localized area over a duration of 6-8 weeks for hair follicles to get activated and hair growth to begin.
PRP for hair loss side effects
Because PRP therapy involves injecting your own blood into your scalp, you aren’t at risk for getting a communicable disease.
Still, any therapy that involves injections always carries a risk of side effects such as:
- injury to blood vessels or nerves
- infection
- calcification at the injection points
- scar tissue
There’s also the chance that you could have a negative reaction to the anesthetic used in the therapy. If you decide to pursue PRP therapy for hair loss, let your doctor know in advance about your tolerance to anesthetics.
