What is PRP treatment?

Platelet Rich Plasma, commonly known as PRP, is a non-surgical treatment for those suffering from hair loss. The PRP treatment involves using small scalp injections filled with concentrated solution derived from the sample of patient’s own blood. PRP is a type of ‘biotherapy’ that utilizes the ability of the patient’s body to heal and repair naturally. Due to this, it is preferred by those who wants to avoid pharmaceutical products or who wants to use this treatment along with the hair loss treatments they are currently using.

In the world of hair transplant surgery, PRP is a new kind of treatment. However, PRP has already been used extensively in the treatment of joints and facial skin rejuvenation. This procedure of hair loss treatment is considered safe.

PRP– Is it same for all treatments?

PRP is an extensive term and the possibilities of successful results depend on number of factors. While using this procedure, the concentration of platelets and other blood components in the PRP sample need to be precisely controlled and adjusted as per the condition being treated. The key factor is the selection of centrifuge device that is used to create the PRP sample is very important. It is imperative to verify the scientific credentials of the device used for the treatment.

What is the solution filled in a PRP injection?

The majority of volume filled in the injection is Plasma, which is the fluid component of blood. The Plasma includes three types of blood cells - red blood cells that carry oxygen, white blood cells that help fight infections, and platelets that are responsible blood clotting, scab formation, wound healing and repair. Platelet Rich Plasma is a solution that contains about five times the concentration of the normal platelet level. After an injury, platelets play a critical role in the healing process by releasing growth factors, which are a group of proteins that stimulate the growth of specific tissues.

How PRP enhances hair growth?

As of now, it is not clear how exactly PRP enhances hair growth. Many studies has been done that shows PRP treatment can stimulate hair growth in the laboratory and clinical trials. It is assumed that the growth factors in PRP stimulate new blood vessels, amplifies natural healing process and even possibly stimulates stem cells. To solidify the research outcome, more tests are continuously done to identify how PRP works in stimulating hair growth.

What is required to prepare PRP?

First, a blood sample is taken and then the Platelet Rich Plasma is separated from the rest of the blood by using an automated centrifuge system (The Arthrex Angel System TM).

What quantity of blood is needed to prepare PRP?

Generally, only 100 ml of blood is drawn. The quantity is a little bit more as compared to when the blood is drawn for a laboratory test.

What is involved in the PRP treatment?

Utilizing local anesthesia, the area of scalp requiring treatment is numbed. Next, a variety of techniques is used to make sure the procedure goes as comfortable as possible. Now the PRP solution is injected just beneath the skin in precise quantities and at precise depth. As per the needs, the PRP treatment can be repeated after every 6 months. To ensure expected results, repeating a single treatment session every 12-18 months is recommended.

Is there any possibility of risks due to PRP?

The risk factors and safety concerns are minimal since PRP is derived from your own blood. Until now, no research have shown any safety concerns or significant side effects after the treatment. In orthopedic medicine and dental procedures, PRP is used without any possibility of side effects.

At times, patients may experience some discomfort but it goes in just few hours. No one experiences any pain after the procedure. There could be some scalp and forehead swelling that will subside within 3-5 days.

Use of PRP in Hair Transplant Procedures

PRP is used in two ways for hair transplant –

As an Individual Therapy
  • Men and women who have thinning hair but not enough thinning to go for hair transplant procedure.
  • Men and women who cannot bear other medical treatments such as Propecia (finasteridor Regaine (minoxidil), or those who wish to use them in combination for added advantage.
Supplementing hair transplant surgery
  • It is possible that the PRP stimulates natural healing after the hair transplant in both the donor and the recipient area.
  • If someone has a limited donor area and can only fulfil some part of the bald scalp in one surgery, PRP can be used as a supplement to enhance hair growth in areas not transplanted.

How much is the cost of a PRP treatment?

The cost of PRP treatment is greatly influenced by the quality of process, sessions required and the area to be covered. Since the process includes higher-end devices to process the blood sample, the treatment bends towards making it a pricey alternative. Only a hair transplant surgeon like Dr. Kalia can assess the need and suitability of this treatment for you.

The results you can expect

As of now, PRP is relatively new for treating hair loss and evaluating results is still an on-going process. To see the after-treatment results, you can ask Dr. Kalia about it at the clinic.

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