Hair loss can be distressing for men and women, self-esteem and confidence. While several treatments are available, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has emerged as a popular option for those looking to combat hair loss. PRP therapy involves injecting a concentration of platelets derived from the patient's blood into the scalp, stimulating hair growth and improving hair density.
According to the research findings in the Journal of Aesthetic Plastic Surgery, 262 androgenic alopecia patients were treated with PRP treatment. They reported a significant reduction in hair loss and improved volume and diameter. PRP therapy is a safe and minimally invasive procedure, making it an attractive option for those seeking a non-surgical solution to hair loss.
Let’s get into more insights on PRP treatment for hair loss.
Platelets are an essential blood component, like red and white blood cells. If you experience a cut or wound, platelets act as initial responders, preventing bleeding and facilitating healing. To expedite healing, researchers have proposed extracting concentrated platelets and administering them directly to the damaged areas of the body.
To create PRP, a healthcare professional collects and places a blood sample in a centrifuge machine. This machine rapidly spins the blood, effectively separating its various components. Subsequently, the medical professional extracts the platelets and injects them into the targeted area.
PRP is composed of various growth factors and proteins that accelerate tissue healing. Initially, researchers believed that PRP could aid in hair regrowth by reversing the damage to hair follicles that leads to certain types of hair loss, like androgenetic alopecia. Over time, PRP has gained popularity as a hair loss treatment.
PRP injections remain effective to treat:
Hair Loss: PRP injections on the scalp help to stop hair loss and stimulate hair growth.
Osteoarthritis: PRP injections in the knee may help ease osteoarthritis and related symptoms.
Acute Injuries: PRP injections can treat acute sports injuries, such as knee sprains and pulled hamstring muscles.
Tendon Injuries: Tendons (thick bands of tissue connecting muscles to bone), when injured, heal gradually. PRP injections are used to expedite healing. These injections treat chronic tendon problems, such as Achilles tendonitis at the ankle, tennis elbow, and jumper’s knee, which causes pain in the patellar tendon in the knee.
Postsurgical Repair: PRP injections are used following surgery to repair torn ligaments (anterior cruciate ligament) or tendons (rotator cuff tendon in the shoulder).
PRP therapy involves the following steps:
Your doctor will collect a blood sample, the amount of which depends on the targeted injection site. For example, 20 milliliters of blood sample will be drawn if PRP is injected into your scalp.
The collected blood sample is placed into a centrifuge machine, which spins rapidly to separate the blood components. The separation process can take 15 minutes.
The separated plasma is injected into the targeted area using imaging techniques such as ultrasound.
PRP treatment costs vary depending on where the injections are used and the number of sessions required to achieve the desired result. The cost can range from $500 to $3000 on average.
Like other hair loss treatments, PRP injections have some side effects, including:
As PRP is autologous (containing substances from your body), it minimizes the risk of allergic reactions that result from other injectables like hyaluronic acid and cortisone.
You can resume your routine activities immediately after PRP injections, as they promote healing. While you may notice some differences following the injection, the injection site heals faster and promotes incredible hair growth over time.
Besides PRP, there are many minimally invasive hair loss treatments, including:
PRP therapy stimulates hair follicles and promotes hair regrowth, eliminating the concerns of those suffering from hair loss or thinning. Studies have also shown promising results, with many patients reporting a noticeable improvement in hair thickness and overall health. As a non-invasive and natural solution, PRP therapy offers a safe and effective option for individuals looking to combat hair loss and restore their confidence. So, opt for PRP therapy and get your natural hair back.
At Mane Center for Advanced Hair Restoration in Chevy Chase, Maryland, we offer PRP therapy in Chevy Chase, a cutting-edge treatment that harnesses the healing power of your blood plasma to stimulate hair growth. Our surgeon, Dr. Douglas Burka, has years of experience performing PRP therapy with maximum success rates and minimum complications. With unmatched expertise and state-of-the-art technology, we are dedicated to helping you achieve a fuller, healthier head of hair. Schedule an appointment today to address your hair loss concerns and achieve voluminous growth.
