PRP therapy—what exactly is that?
Platelet-rich plasma, often known as PRP, is a treatment that physicians utilize to expedite the healing process in a number of different parts of the body. It has the potential to stimulate new hair growth.
This treatment is often prescribed by medical professionals in cases of hair loss caused by androgenetic alopecia, a common disorder that leads to a reduction in the size of hair follicles. This condition is referred to as male pattern baldness when it occurs in men.
Even though PRP is still a relatively novel method, there is some evidence from scientific research to suggest that it can stimulate the growth of new hair.
The method of PRP therapy
The platelet-rich plasma treatment is performed in three stages. Most PRP therapies require three treatments spaced between four and six weeks apart.
Treatments for maintenance are required once every four to six months.
The first step: a sample of your blood is extracted, most commonly from your arm, and then placed in a centrifuge (a machine that spins rapidly to separate fluids of different densities).
Secondly, after your blood has been spun for around ten minutes, you will notice that it has divided into three distinct layers:
- platelet-poor plasma
- platelet-rich plasma
- cells found in red blood
In the third step of the procedure, the platelet-rich plasma is withdrawn into a syringe and then injected into the areas of the scalp where further hair growth is desired.
Insufficient studies have been conducted to definitively establish whether or not PRP is effective. It is also not apparent who would benefit the most from this and under what conditions this would be the case.
Risks Involved
Although it may be unsettling to think about (blood draws and needles?! ), platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) generally does not pose any significant health risks. According to Zeichner, “the majority of patients receive injections without any numbing medication because there is minimal discomfort.”
However, you might find relief from the pain by using ice packs or breathing in cool air. After the surgery, you should take some Tylenol with you just in case you wind up experiencing any kind of pain. There is a possibility of bruising, but it normally goes away within a week or two.
There is a minimal need for downtime if any at all, and Zeichner recommends, “I particularly recommend a warm shower since the hot temperature will promote blood flow and circulation throughout the scalp.” This involves letting your hair go unattended for a day (or two) without the regular upkeep it receives (coloring, processing, blow-drying, etc.).
However, there is a possibility that those taking PRP treatments for hair loss can have the following negative effects:
- head pain
- swelling
- itching
- minor discomfort at the injection site
- soreness of the scalp
- transient injection site bleeding
For Whom It Works?
Anyone who is losing their hair is generally a good candidate for PRP treatments, but according to Sadick, those who are losing their hair early usually respond the best.
According to Zeichner, “PRP is most effective for individuals with androgenic alopecia, a genetically based kind of hair thinning that mainly affects the top of the head.” This may resemble a widening part in a woman with thick, typical hair at the rear of her head.
What is the duration of PRP treatment?
PRP is not a treatment for illnesses that result in hair loss. To maintain hair growth outcomes, a person would therefore require numerous PRP treatments over time. The same is true for drugs like topical minoxidil (Regaine) and oral finasteride, which are frequently prescribed by doctors to treat androgenetic alopecia (Propecia).
Depending on a person’s condition and the outcomes of their initial treatment, the doctor will recommend a different frequency for PRP treatments. Once hair loss is under control, the doctor may advise getting maintenance injections every three to six months.
How much does it cost to have PRP treatment for hair loss?
PRP therapy typically consists of three treatments administered over the course of four to six weeks, followed by maintenance treatments administered every four to six months.
The cost of the first three treatments can range anywhere from $1,500 to $3,500, with a single injection costing anywhere from $400 to more than $400. The price is determined by a number of criteria, some of which are as follows: Your geographical location; the quality of the equipment used; and the inclusion of nutritious components are all important factors.
Much platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments for hair loss are considered cosmetic by many insurance policies, so these plans do not pay for any portion of the procedure’s cost. By contacting your insurance provider, you can find out if platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is covered by your health insurance policy.
The Conclusion
Maintaining coherence is essential if you want the greatest results. In most cases, treatments are administered once per month for the first three to four months, and then once every three to six months after that, depending on how each individual patient responds to the treatment and how the results turn out. According to Sadick, the predicted outcomes can be observed for the first time within two to three months if this program is followed.
According to Sadick, “the first benefit that patients will typically notice is a decrease in the amount of hair that is shed, followed by early regeneration and enhanced length of hair.” The majority of experts agree that maintaining a treatment schedule of once every three to six months over an extended period of time is the best way to continue to stimulate the growth hormones and stem cells that are involved with regrowing hair and putting an end to hair loss.
It is essential to bear in mind that platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy may and should be incorporated into comprehensive treatment plans for hair thinning and loss. According to Zeichner, if you are post-menopausal, your dermatologist may prescribe you spironolactone or finasteride to help boost hair regrowth in addition to their other treatments.
Check out below a list of the best clinics that provide PRP hair treatments:
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