PRP Hair Treatment
PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma, hair treatment is a medical procedure used to treat hair loss and promote hair growth. It is a non-surgical and minimally invasive method that utilizes the patient’s own blood to stimulate hair follicles. Below is an outline of the procedure:
- Blood Collection: A small amount of the patient’s blood is drawn from their arm in a manner similar to a standard blood test.
- Centrifugation: The blood is collected and then placed inside of a centrifuge machine, which separates the platelet-rich plasma from other blood components by spinning at a high speed.
- PRP Preparation: The platelet-rich plasma, which is rich in growth factors and other bioactive substances, is isolated and prepared for injection.
- Injection: The PRP is then injected into the scalp at specific areas where hair thinning or hair loss is a concern. It is usually administered using fine needles.
The growth factors and proteins in PRP are believed to stimulate the hair follicles, encouraging them to grow thicker, healthier hair. This treatment is commonly used for androgenetic alopecia, or male/female pattern baldness, and other types of hair loss. It may also be combined with other hair restoration treatments like hair transplantation or used as a standalone therapy.
PRP hair treatment typically requires 4 to 6 sessions over 4 to 6 months to achieve noticeable results, and 2 maintenance sessions a year thereafter may be recommended to sustain hair growth.
The effectiveness of PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) hair treatment can vary from person to person. PRP therapy success for hair loss depends on underlying cause, hair loss stage, overall health, and treatment response.
Here are some general considerations that can affect the success of PRP hair treatment:
- Cause of Hair Loss: PRP is more effective for certain types of hair loss, such as androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness), where hair follicles are still present but miniaturized. It may be less effective for conditions with more severe follicle damage or scarring.
- Stage of Hair Loss: PRP is often more successful in the early stages of hair loss when more hair follicles are still active and able to respond to the growth factors in the PRP.
- Consistency and Number of Sessions: Following the recommended treatment schedule and having multiple sessions as advised can impact the outcome. Some individuals may need ongoing maintenance sessions to sustain results.
- Individual Response: Each person’s body responds differently to PRP therapy. Some individuals may be “responders,” experiencing substantial hair regrowth, while others may be “non-responders.”
- Complementary Treatments: Combining PRP therapy with other hair restoration treatments, such as medications like minoxidil or finasteride, may enhance overall results for some individuals.
- Overall Health and Lifestyle: Factors like diet, stress, and general health can influence hair growth. PRP therapy can be improved by a healthy lifestyle.
To learn more or to understand if you are a qualified candidate, please contact Tara Branom, BSN RN, at tara@treatyourselfas.com or 815-581-5551. Tara and her medical director, Maria Schepis, ANP-C, can assess your specific condition, discuss your expectations, and provide you with a realistic understanding of what results you can anticipate based on your individual circumstances.
History of PRP
PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma, therapy has been used in various medical fields for several decades, but its application in the context of hair restoration is relatively more recent. The use of PRP for hair loss and hair growth began gaining popularity in the early to mid-2000s.
Here is a brief timeline of PRP therapy’s development and its use in hair restoration:
- 1970s-1980s: PRP was first introduced in the medical field for its wound healing properties and was primarily used by oral & maxillofacial surgeons and orthopedic surgeons to aid in tissue repair and bone regeneration
- 1990s: The use of PRP expanded to other medical specialties, including dermatology and plastic surgery, for applications such as facial rejuvenation and wound healing.
- Early 2000s: Researchers and medical professionals began exploring the potential of PRP in treating hair loss. Some early studies suggested that PRP injections into the scalp could stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth.
- Mid-2000s: The use of PRP for hair restoration started to gain traction in the field of dermatology and hair transplant surgery. Physicians and clinics began offering PRP treatments as an adjunct or standalone therapy for hair loss.
- Late 2000s to Present: PRP hair treatment continued to evolve, with ongoing research and clinical trials. It became a more widely accepted and utilized procedure for addressing various forms of hair loss, including male and female pattern baldness
While PRP therapy for hair loss has been in use for around two decades, it is important to note that ongoing research and refinements in the technique are still occurring. New protocols, variations, and combinations with other treatments are continually being explored to enhance its effectiveness and outcomes.
