The Platelet-Rich Plasma Procedure
PRP stands for “platelet-rich plasma.” The procedure consists of drawing your own blood, usually from your arm, spinning it down into three layers in a centrifuge, and injecting only the best plasma rich in platelets into your scalp through micro needling.
How PRP Therapy Works
The platelet-rich plasma that is injected into your scalp works to heal affected areas and stimulate reparative cells through the use of growth factors. Growth factors promote the formation of substances like collagen, which is also used in anti-aging serums. This, in turn, will likely show signs of the regrow of your hair. It’s an all-natural formula, so you don’t have to worry about harsh chemicals.
The Benefits of PRP Therapy Over Time
The PRP procedure comes in more than one dose. It is a series of injections carried out over a period of weeks and redone over several months, so you will begin to see changes as you progress through the treatment. What you may notice are as follows:
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Your hair may become thicker and denser in the problem areas being treating
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The appearance of balding and thinning spots may be reversed
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Your receding hairline may begin to grow back in
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Your self-confidence will increase gradually as those problem areas may seem to disappear
Though this may all sound too good to be true, you had better start believing it! The results have indicated that PRP therapy could, in fact, achieve everything it states. Let’s go over some of those cases to ease your worries.
How does it help with hair loss and growth?
The platelets enriched in PRP produce growth factors that positively influence proliferation, survival and differentiation of many different cells. This also seems to be true for hair follicle cells. The higher the number of platelets, the higher the concentration of growth factors. The most important growth factors involved in hair follicle formation are probably vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), insulin-related growth factor (IGF)-1 and fibroblast growth factors. These growth factors are involved in stem cell migration, differentiation and proliferation. Additionally, platelets also stimulate fibroblasts and endothelial cells to induce new extracellular matrix deposition and neo-vascularisation respectively. All of this can result in decreased hair loss, prolongs growth phase of the hair cycle, more volume and better hair quality. NOTE: Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment is in the early stages of research for hair restoration and is not meant to replace current proven effective therapies such as DHT blockers and Minoxidil, but it is a promising non-surgical therapeutic option for patients with hair loss.
Is PRP hair restoration right for me?
All patients need to have a consultation with one of our doctors prior to a possible PRP hair restoration treatment. The cause of the hair loss must be clarified exactly. PRP is not a meaningful therapy for everyone or any kind of hair loss. No therapy should be carried out without sufficient diagnostics! This includes a thorough history, stress assessment, nutritional assessment, observation of the pattern of hair loss and lab testing. The entire process takes some time to happen, but results can be seen as soon as 3 to 6 months after treatment. We don’t recommend treatment for patients that are high on the Hamilton Hair Loss Scale ie 5-7 (see below)
What’s the protocol?
1. Draw a small amount of blood
2. Spin the blood in a centrifuge to separate the different components ( e.g., red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma).
3. Once the blood has been separated, the plasma (PRP) is extracted from the tube
4. The PRP is injected into the scalp with a small 30 gauge needle.
The procedure is simple, efficient, quick, and practically painless with little to no downtime, and it can offer long-lasting and effective results.
How often are treatments done?
We recommend one PRP treatment session a month for a total of three treatments. Some patients may require additional treatments. Maintenance treatments every 6 months are also recommended.
When can I expect results?
Results can take time to see and are usually evident within 3-6 months
Is there any downtime?
There is no downtime.
What is the effect of PRP on hair transplants?
PRP as adjuvant therapy shows an improved result in wound healing as well as in the growth rate of transplanted follicles.
PRP Case Studies
PRP therapy is a fairly new hair loss remedy on the market. However, it has a long history of case studies and trials that have been proven to produce beneficial results from those suffering from this hair loss issue. Here are a few examples and what they may mean for PRP patients in the future.
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In a study published in 2017, 50 men with androgenic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) enrolled in a trial to prove or disprove the efficacy of PRP treatments. On the left side of their scalps, they were given a PRP injection. On the right side, they were only injected with saline. The results show that the hair on the left side became thicker and new hair started growing. (For a more in-depth explanation, click here.)
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Another study published in 2015 tested ten men with androgenic alopecia. These men were given injections of PRP over three months, and the results show that, overall, these men experienced thicker, denser hair with stronger roots at the end of the trial. (For more on this study, click here.)
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Back in 2014, eleven patients suffering from hair loss underwent PRP hair treatment. These patients had tried other hair loss remedies with no results. After four PRP injections spread out over three months, this group saw a drastic increase in hair growth and root strength, with a decrease in the number of hairs detached in a pull test. It was concluded that PRP treatments are most likely effective and cost-efficient. (For more about this study, click here.)
Who Does PRP Therapy Benefit the Most?
Although PRP for hair procedures can help a wide array of patients with different hair loss related conditions, there are a few groups that have been more widely studied and have noticed the best and most effective results. These groups are the following:
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Those suffering from androgenic alopecia. This condition is also known as male/female pattern baldness. Women can also experience hair loss and can be treated alongside men.
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Those suffering from more recent hair loss. This is because the longer your condition persists, the less likely it is that treatment will work, though it may still produce some beneficial results.
How to Achieve Positive Results from PRP Hair Restoration
Although it is never a guarantee that you will qualify for this procedure, you should talk it over with a certified dermatologist to determine whether PRP therapy is the right choice for you. If it is decided that you are a prime candidate for the procedure, then you should expect to go through this regimen:
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Three PRP injections over a period of four to six weeks
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Regular maintenance injections every four to six months
If you follow these appointments and stick with the procedure, you may notice some positive results that will leave you feeling confident and happy again.
These are not at-home treatments, rather, you need a trusted doctor or Nurse to work with.
If you feel that you are ready to pursue treatment options for hair loss and skin rejuvenation, then you need to know that you can trust the Dr's and Nurse's who will be going through the procedure with you. We promise to give you the highest quality of care possible and work with you to produce the best results for you to get your confidence up again.
HOW CAN I SCHEDULE FOR PRP OR PRF?
Are you ready to talk to us about your HAIR? You can begin by scheduling your first consultation with us which can be done before the procedure. You’ll have a chance to get all of your questions answered during the consultation, and to develop a treatment plan that will give you the results you really want. Please press the the appointment button below to book in. If you are not good with technology give us a call or text and we can book you in 604-996-3373