PRP Hair Treatment stands for Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy. It is a medical procedure that claims to help restore hair loss from alopecia and other autoimmune disorders that eventually lead to hair loss. It works by drawing blood from the patient, then the blood is treated and injected directly into the damaged area of the scalp. The whole premise behind PRP Hair Restoration is that it promotes hair regrowth by encouraging blood circulation to the damaged area of the scalp. This is supposed to increase the density of the hair shaft producing thicker, healthier hair.
PRP hair loss therapy was first introduced in the mid-1980s and it is also utilized for treating damaged tendons, muscles, and ligaments.
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What Happens During PRP Treatment for Hair?
Platelet-rich Plasma (PRP) Hair Therapy is undertaken in three phases, to see results, you would often need at least three treatments that should take place at least five weeks apart, you should never do back-to-back treatments, this could damage the hair follicle permanently.
PRP experts recommend that you maintain the results of the treatment by having a top-up treatment every 6 months.
This is the entire PRP Hair Treatment Process:
The specialist will draw your blood, this is often taken from the fleshy part of the arm. The blood is processed by placing it into something called a centrifuge. A device that rotates and quickly, separating the blood.
The blood stays in the centrifuge device for about 10 or 15 minutes or until there is noticeable separation. The separated blood consists of three separate parts:
- Platelet-poor plasma
- Platelet-rich plasma
- Red blood cells
The specialist collects the platelet-rich plasma into a syringe and then injects it into the damaged parts of the scalp.
PRP Hair Treatment Success Rate
There are multiple studies that support the effectiveness of PRP injections for treating Androgenic alopecia. The majority of patients from several studies have experienced positive results after 3 treatments in 6-24 months. Positive outcomes include an increase in hair density and thickness, an increase in hair count, and an increase in several hair growth factors.
PRP for Hair Loss Before and After
Below is an image of a patient before and after 2 Hair PRP treatments. You can definitely see the new hair growth after 2 treatments.
Benefits and Disadvantages of PRP Hair Loss Treatment
There will always be pros and cons when it comes to products, treatments, and procedures, PRP injections are no exception. Here are some of the benefits and disadvantages of choosing to do PRP Hair Restoration treatment for hair loss.
Benefits of Hair PRP Treatment
Here are some of the benefits of choosing PRP hair restoration:
Rejuvenates The Hair Follicle
PRP injection does not just work on improving blood circulation it also stimulates collagen production which is one of the vital building blocks of hair.
Good For Delicate and Sensitive Scalp
Often people who suffer from alopecia have delicate and sensitive scalps. PRP is suitable for people with delicate or sensitive scalps because it is a natural injectable. It doesn’t require any extra added chemicals which could potentially irritate the scalp.
Natural Injectable
The process requires no added chemicals or additives. The only thing that is injected into the scalp is platelet-rich plasma.
Long-Lasting Results
With PRP injections, you typically get long-lasting results, you would need to schedule a top-up 6 months after the original treatment. Although some do report longer-lasting results, up to 12 months or more.
Disadvantages of Doing PRP Hair Loss Treatment
Here are some of the disadvantages associated with doing PRP Hair Restoration Treatment:
Scared of Needles?
If you are scared of needles or squeamish, PRP treatment for hair is not for you. Simply because the whole treatment involves using a needle to inject the platelet-rich plasma into the scalp. Therefore, it wouldn’t be the best treatment for someone who is afraid of needles.
Pain
Some might experience pain at the site where the platelet-rich plasma is injected. However, this is not typical and is not always the case.
Finding the Right Practitioner
It is vital that you choose the right specialist to carry out the procedure for you because if you choose someone who is not qualified to do the treatment, there could be a risk of infection or irritation at the injection site. Therefore, thorough research is needed before you make the decision to go ahead and get platelet-rich plasma hair restoration treatment.
It Might Not Work
With most procedures there is a chance that it might not work, great results are not guaranteed but they are possible.
Scarring
There is a risk of scarring when any area of the body is injected, it all depends on your skin type. Does it scar easily? Do you have very sensitive skin? These are some of the things you should consider prior to getting PRP restoration treatment.
What is calcification? It happens when calcium builds up in the blood vessels or organs. This is something that occurs very rarely when a needle is injected into the body however, it is quite rare.
Who is not a candidate for PRP Therapy?
Safety is key when you are thinking about undertaking a particular cosmetic procedure. This is why an initial consultation is vital. If you fall in the following categories, you should probably think twice before choosing to do a PRP injection.
- You are taking blood thinners
- You smoke a lot
- You have a drug/alcohol addiction(or you did in the past)
- If you have cancer
- High blood pressure
- Chronic heart disease
- Sepsis
- Platelet dysfunction disorder
- Systemic disorder
- Thyroid problems
- Severe skin problems or allergies
If you have these problems, topical hair restoration treatments are much safer to use. We have reviewed several hair growth shampoos, treatments for different types of hairs and hair problems: Hair Growth Product Reviews
Frequently Asked Questions about PRP Hair Treatment
Is PRP Therapy really effective for hair loss?
As mentioned above, studies show that PRP is effective in speeding up injury and wound healing but in promoting hair growth as well. In fact, it has been proven to be much more effective compared to topical treatments like Minoxidil. Additionally, PRP is a non-surgical treatment, which makes it safer and a cheaper alternative to hair transplant surgeries.
How long does PRP take to work?
You can see positive results from PRP treatment for hair as early as 4 weeks. But the full and ideal positive effects can be seen after 2-3 treatments or after 3-7 months.
Who are Good Candidates for Hair PRP Treatment?
People who suffer from severe hair loss still have their hair follicles intact. For example, if you suffer from hair shedding but the area is not totally bald, the treatment would be more effective than if the area was totally bald with damaged hair follicles. If you do not suffer from any of the ailments above and you are not taking blood thinners, you are drinking alcohol moderately and you are a non-smoker.
How much is PRP Hair Loss Treatment
For noticeable results, you need at least three treatments and a top-up, every 4 to 6 months. The price really does vary however, the typical price is about $1,500 to $3,000 for the three treatments. If you just want one injection then expect to pay about $400 for one treatment. The price could go up or down depending on the severity of the hair loss. Also, treatments often cost more in big cities than in smaller rural areas. You will also find that the cost varies in different parts of the world.
Are You Considering PRP Hair Treatment?
If you are considering PRP hair restoration treatment, consider the following things prior to going ahead with it.
How severe is your hair loss?
Can you treat your hair loss with a different treatment such as hair oils or scalp massage? If your scalp is completely bald, PRP is not the best treatment for you. However, if you still have some hair in the balding area, and your hair follicles are still relatively healthy, PRP might be a good fit for you.
Learn how to measure male baldness using the Norwood Scale.
Are You Physically Healthy?
It is best to go for a full medical examination prior to getting PRP because if you suffer from a serious ailment like those mentioned above, it would be unsafe for you to have the procedure done. For example, if you have cancer or heart disease, PRP hair restoration is not suitable for you.
Is the Practitioner Qualified
You should check the credentials of the practitioner prior to booking a procedure. Ensure that they have the relevant certifications and that the consultation and treatment room is clean and sanitized.
Do You Have Extra Cash to Invest in PRP Hair Treatment?
Price is always a factor when it comes to cosmetic procedures. Consider the cost and are you willing to outlay the money to pay for the procedure? PRP hair restoration can be a very effective way of restoring lost hair. If you have the money to do it, and you are healthy and the procedure is suitable for you, go ahead and do it!
Is PRP Hair Treatment Permanent Solution?
Although Hair PRP treatment is proven effective for treating hair loss, the result is not permanent. Depending on the patient’s case and hair loss disease severity, one may need to go back every 3-4 months or every 1-2 years.
How long does PRP hair treatment last?
Compared to other hair loss treatments, PRP is the most effective and more long-lasting. Positive effects can last up to 2 years depending on the case severity and patient’s health.
What to do after PRP Hair Loss Treatment?
After getting PRP hair treatment, you should not wet your hair and use hair products for at least 6 hours. You should also avoid saunas and steam rooms or applying heat or cold compress to the injected section for the first 3 days after the treatment. In addition to that, you should avoid consumption of alcohol for at least 1 week after the treatment
Conclusion
To Conclude, PRP hair restoration treatment could be a very effective way of restoring hair that is lost as a result of stress or mild alopecia. As stated, it is suitable for people that experience hair loss but the hair follicles are still relatively healthy. Yes, there will be some damage to the hair follicles if your hair is falling out however if the scalp area is completely shiny and bald, this is a clear indication of hair follicle damage.
You might want to consider a different treatment if you have severely damaged hair follicles. However, for those with healthy follicles, this treatment could effectively promote new hair growth. Remember that if you suffer from any of the health issues listed above, you should stay away from this treatment. The recovery time is minimal, and the results are typically good for those with relatively healthy hair follicles.
Before committing to PRP Hair treatment, do extensive research on the practitioner that will be carrying out the procedure and inspect the facility to ensure that it is clean and sanitized. These things are important because the infection is the last thing that you want.
All in all, PRP hair restoration treatment could be a good choice for anyone wishing to treat noticeable, yet mild hair loss.
Mel is a licensed Chemist in New Jersey who has worked in several cosmetics companies and has years of experience formulating hair care and beauty products. She uses her knowledge in cosmetics to distinguish and find the best products to recommend to Union Of Barber’s readers. When Mel’s not writing, you can find her walking her dogs or cooking and baking at home!
