Hair PRP: A Comprehensive Guide to Platelet-Rich Plasma for Hair Restoration

If you are tired of hiding your hair loss with fake wigs, consider this hair restoration method: hair PRP, also known as platelet rich plasma hair treatment.

What is Hair PRP Treatment?

An effective hair restoration method called hair PRP (Hair Platelet Rich Plasma) therapy is renowned for curing thinning hair and encouraging the development of new hair. The process will start by taking a small amount of the patient’s blood. Blood is usually taken from the hand. Once the doctor has drawn the blood, they will put it in a centrifuge which will spin rapidly and separate the blood’s elements, isolating the platelet-rich plasma. The doctor will use a small needle to reduce pain and ensure accuracy and inject the PRP onto the scalp at areas where there is hair thinning or hair loss. This treatment involves injecting several injections onto the scalp to maximize its effect. An initial set of three to four sessions spaced around four to six weeks apart typically makes up the treatment plan. To maintain and improve the outcomes, follow-up treatments are scheduled every four to six months.

Process of Hair PRP Treatment

If you’re confused about what happens during a hair PRP treatment, here’s an overview of the process.

Step 1
The first step of the procedure is usually meeting with an experienced doctor, usually a skin specialist or a hair restoration specialist, for a comprehensive consultation. The doctor will evaluate your medical history, current prescriptions, and any previous health problems that may impact the effectiveness of therapy during this meeting. In order to assess the degree of hair loss, hair thinning, and the condition of the hair follicles, the doctor will also take a look at the scalp. They will also take pictures for record-keeping and progress monitoring. The treatment schedule, particularly the total number of sessions and expected cost is thoroughly outlined, along with any potential dangers and advantages of the treatment during this consultation meeting.

Step 2
After the consultation meeting, the procedure will start with taking a small amount of blood from your hand.  To avoid infection, the skin around the vein will be cleansed with an antiseptic wipe. An arm vein will be used to extract 20–60 milliliters of blood using a sterilized needle and syringe. The precise dosage may differ depending on the clinic’s particular regimen. After that, the drawn blood will be put into a centrifuge, a device that spins it quickly to separate its constituent parts. Three layers of blood will be produced by spinning, which typically takes ten to fifteen minutes and separates the blood into red blood cells, platelet-poor plasma, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Using a needle, the PRP—which is abundant in proteins and growth factors—will be carefully removed. The development of hair follicles is dependent on this layer, which has the largest concentration of platelets.

Step 3
To lower the possibility of infection, the scalp will be cleansed and sanitized before injecting the PRP. To reduce pain during the injections, the treated area may be covered with an oral or topical numbing ointment. Next, PRP will be injected into the desired area –in the locations where hair is falling out or thinning. The professional doctor will inject many times across the desired areas using a tiny needle. In order to guarantee that the PRP penetrates into the hair follicles efficiently, the number of injections and the precise locations will vary according to the degree of hair thinning and the targeted regions.

Pre and Post-Treatment Care Tips

Here are some pre-treatment tips.

Before the treatment, make sure you wash your hair with a shampoo and conditioner. Doing so will make your hair free from all dirt, dust, and excessive oils. Before the treatment starts, it will create a sterile environment on your scalp.

Eat a heavy breakfast along with at least 16 ounces of water. In this manner, the likelihood of feeling sick, dizzy, or fainting is reduced. You must keep in mind that your blood will be extracted during the treatment. So, if you feel nauseous having it done on an empty stomach, you must prepare for it before going for the treatment.

Here are some post-treatment tips.

You can get back to your everyday routine. You shouldn’t experience any discomfort after getting PRP injections. This treatment will not make you tired or drowsy as other hair restoration techniques do.

Unless there is significant discomfort or irritation at the injection site, wash your hair normally.

FAQS

Q.1 Can You Brush Your Hair After the Treatment?

Don’t touch or comb your hair on the day of the treatment. Patients may gently comb their hair after 24 hours, but they should avoid applying pressure and keep the comb away from their scalp. Patients can resume their regular hair care regimen, which includes washing, brushing, and styling, after a few days.

Q.2 Who Should Not Get a Hair PRP Procedure?

Like every therapy, PRP has certain contraindications. Not a suitable candidate for therapy is someone who has blood coagulation issues, cancer, or is pregnant. These people can still be eligible for further pain relief procedures at our office.