You may have heard a lot about platelet-rich plasma or PRP in the news recently regarding the treatment of arthritis, wound care, ligament injuries and even skin renewal. But did you know that PRP has been shown to be successful treatment in hair restoration as well?
PRP for Hair Loss is Safe and Effective
PRP uses your own blood plasma, so it is entirely safe, repeatable and effective. Your blood is made up largely of two parts – red blood cells and plasma. The plasma contains white blood cells that defend your body against disease and platelets, which promote healing through platelet growth factors. It is these platelet-derived growth factors that make PRP an interesting course for hair restoration.
The growth factors found in your own platelets communicate with your skin cells helping them function. In the case of hair follicles, platelet derived growth factors send signals to activate and stimulate new hair growth.
How Does Platelet-Rich Plasma Work
With PRP, you own blood plasma is concentrated in a centrifuge in such a way that it contains up to five times the number of platelets found in your blood stream. This platelet-rich plasma is injected directly into the scalp at the level of the hair follicles. There, these growth messengers arrive at your hair follicles in greater concentration to create new growth. Imagine if you added five times the number of sprinkler heads to a lawn – all things equal your lawn would grow much more effectively.
PRP for Hair Loss Works With Minimal risks
PRP is becoming more widely used because a number of studies have shown that PRP can increase hair count, hair thickness and improve the growth phase of your own natural hair cycle. It’s your own hair follicles, only stronger and healthier thank to a treatment of your own plasma.
Unless you have a fear of needles, there are really very few risks associated with using platelet-rich plasma for hair loss. Many SDBody patients do not even suffer from discomfort, although there could be some minimal numbing or occasional bruising, both of which quickly resolve themselves. You will also want to refrain from any aggressive hair styling such as coloring or blow drying for a couple of days after your therapy.
Who Can Benefit from PRP for Hair Loss?
Anyone with thinning hair can benefit from platelet-rich plasma. SDBody has successfully treated both men and women for hair loss in San Diego using PRP. For the best results, it is important that you maintain a consistency in your treatment. We will typically treat a new client once a month for the first few months and then establish a regular maintenance protocol depending on their particular stage of hair loss where we provide a treatment once every three to six months.
How Soon Will I See Results from PRP?
It is common following this protocol to see improvement in your hair in as little as two to three months. Typically, you will first notice a decrease in hair shedding. Next, you will enjoy both thicker and longer individual hairs as well as new hair regrowth. To maintain this new hair growth, it is important to continue with PRP treatment every three to six months.
It is also important to consider a multi-modal approach to hair restoration. While PRP for hair loss has been shown to be fast and effective, combining PRP with other treatments such as minoxidil and finasteride can be an even more effective approach to hair regrowth.