What Is The Importance Of PRP Treatment For Hair Loss?

With an increasing number of skin treatment using the blood facilitating a glowing, youthful complexion, there are also many numbers of similar treatments for hair loss and yes, they require your blood too. Known as platelet-rich plasma a.k.a PRP, according to Joshua Zeichner director of cosmetic and clinical research, in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City as the blood is made of two main components red blood cells and plasma where it contains white blood cells and platelets that are rich in growth factors. 

Signaling skin cells to function, growth factors in a sense play the role of messengers, and have been used in medicine to treat a range of health issues that comprise arthritis, signs of aging, etc. The fact that growth factors can help stimulate the activity of hair follicles promoting new hair growth is good news for anyone with thinning hair, according to Dr.Zeichner.

According to Neil Sadick, a dermatologist in New York City and the director of the Sadick Research Group, a great treatment option for hair loss is the use of PRP is there are quite a several scientifically based articles that help show the efficacy by increasing hair count, hair thickness as well as the growth phase of the hair cycle. He also notes that this treatment has been gaining traction across the world for many years around. 

The Process. 

Beginning with a standard blood draw from the patient’s arm, there is a careful process involved in using PRP for hair regrowth as with most procedures. Stating about the process, Zeichner sys that the tube of blood is subsequently put into a machine called a centrifuge spinning the blood tube separating red blood cells from the plasma and rich in platelets, this is injected directly into the scalp at the level of hair follicles. With injections beginning across the scalp, this process is meticulous but typically takes less than a half-hour for the entire procedure.

Risks Involved.

Does it sound scary? Blood draws, needles and all other stuff? The main factor is that there’s no real risk associated with PRP and many patients get injections without numbing as there is minimal discomfort. Cool air or ice pack are used to minimize the pain and in the event of any sort of discomfort, Tylenol is recommended after the procedure. Even if there is bruising, it usually resolves within a week or two.

While adding to this, a minimal downtime, Zeichner recommends a warm shower as the hot temperature enhances blood flow and circulation throughout the scalp meaning going a day or two without your typical hair maintenance like coloring, processing, blow-drying, etc.

Who It Works For.

Working well for anyone experiencing hair loss, they are essentially a good candidate as PRP treatment is meant for those with early hair loss tend to respond best as stated by Sadick. Whereas Zeichner adds that it is best suited for patients with androgenic alopecia that is a genetically determined type of hair thinning typically occurring along the top of the head. Whereas in the case of women, it looks like a widening part with normal hair thickness at the back of the head. 

The Results.

Consistency comes as the key for best results as treatments are typically performed once a month for the first three to four months as also every three to six months depending on the patient’s response and results. Anticipated results can first be seen within two to three months following this protocol according to Sadick.

As Sadick comments, it is noted that patients usually notice the first result by a decrease in hair shedding following early regrowth and increased length of hair as the consensus is that by receiving the treatments for every three to six months that work on a long term basis as they are optimal to continue by stimulating growth factors and stem cells as it is associated with regrowth and stopping hair fallout.

The most important fact to be kept in mind about PRP is that it can and should be a part of a multifaceted program treating hair thinning and loss as the dermatologist prescribes spironolactone or finasteride promoting regrowth as well if you are post-menopausal, as explained by Zeichner. With topical treatments including OTC minoxidil treatments like Rogaine foam or Evolis can also be used.

Bottom Line: 

With a price ranging from $750to $1000 per session, PRP treatments are priced depending on the location that isn’t necessarily an easy or quick fix as they are medically and a scientifically backed option for those struggling to find a solution for hair loss.