What is a PRP Hair Restoration Treatment?

PRP treatments supply natural proteins, cytokines, stem cells, and other bioactive growth factors to the treated areas. These growth factors, found in platelet-rich plasma, have the potential to reverse hair loss and stimulate new hair growth.  

How Does PRP Hair Restoration Work?

PRP therapy involves drawing a small amount of blood, like that needed for a basic lab test. The blood is then placed in a sterile tube and spun in a centrifuge to separate its components. The red and white blood cells are divided from a high concentration of platelets and the clear plasma fluid. The PRP, containing platelets, is injected into the patient’s scalp to reach the subdermal space where the hair follicle bulb resides. The platelets in PRP can potentially stimulate the growth of hair follicles by activating stem cells and other cells in the hair follicle’s microenvironment. The plasma with high concentrations of platelets aids in promoting hair growth by prolonging the hair cycle’s growth phase and increasing hair thickness. This stimulation of the hair follicle assists in cell and wound healing, collagen production, and hair regrowth while inhibiting further shedding. The primary goal of using PRP in hair restoration is to prompt inactive hair follicles to enter an active growth phase.

Benefits of PRP Hair Restoration

PRP hair restoration is a popular choice due to its simplicity and numerous benefits. It contains essential proteins that stimulate natural hair growth and slow down hair loss. PRP is non-surgical, minimally invasive, with little to no risk of reaction. It effectively stimulates hair follicle growth, reduces miniaturization, and works for both men and women. The results are subtle and natural.

What to Expect Before a PRP Hair Restoration Treatment

To prepare for a PRP hair restoration session, follow these guidelines:

 – Avoid consuming any blood-thinning medications, supplements, or herbs for at least one week before the procedure.

 – On the day of the session, refrain from applying hair dyes or styling products.

 – Cleanse your hair on the evening before the session.

What to Expect During a PRP Hair Restoration Treatment

PRP treatment begins with the application of a local anesthetic to ensure comfort and numb the treatment area. While waiting for it to take effect, a blood sample is collected and placed in a centrifuge to isolate and activate the PRP and necessary growth factors. Once separated, the platelet-rich plasma is carefully injected just below the scalp’s surface using a fine-gauge needle. The injections follow a precise pattern, focusing on the areas of severe hair loss. A typical procedure usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes.

What to Expect After a PRP Hair Restoration Treatment

After a treatment, it is normal for your scalp to feel slightly numb. However, this sensation should subside on its own within a few hours, allowing you to freely resume your normal activities.

After the procedure, patients can usually resume their regular activities without delay. Refrain from engaging in strenuous activities or excessive sweating for a minimum of 48 hours after treatment. This precaution ensures adequate healing and proper stimulation of hair growth by the platelet-rich plasma.

Post-Treatment Care

void Touching or Washing the Scalp

Avoid touching or washing your scalp for at least 24 hours. This can help to prevent irritation or infection and allow the growth factors to penetrate the hair follicles.  

Avoid Harsh Hair Products

Once you’ve undergone PRP injections, proper post-treatment care is essential for optimal results. One factor to consider is your skincare routine. It’s important to avoid using harsh products that could irritate your skin and potentially interfere with the healing process. Instead, use gentle, non-abrasive products to cleanse and moisturize your skin.

Sun Protection

One crucial element of post-treatment care is getting proper sun protection. Since your skin is likely to be more sensitive after PRP therapy, prolonged sun exposure can lead to skin damage, hyperpigmentation, and other undesirable effects. Also, limit your time under the sun, wear protective clothing, and apply sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30 during the day.

Avoid Sweating

After treatment, refrain from using saunas, steam rooms or engaging in vigorous exercise for a minimum of two days after treatment.  

Healthy Diet

A healthy diet rich in nutrients can help boost your body’s natural ability to heal and recover. It can improve the effectiveness of PRP injections. Consuming fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains can provide essential vitamins and mineranerals. Avoiding processed foods and sugary drinks can help prevent inflammation, which can impede healing.  

Stay Hydrated

PRP injections trigger a natural healing process that involves the body’s platelets, which rely on hydration to perform at their best. Drink plenty of fluids, especially water, which helps your body flush out toxins and replenish essential fluids lost during the treatment. Staying hydrated can also help reduce any discomfort you may experience post-treatment.  

Avoid Smoking and Alcohol

Abstain from consuming alcohol, caffeine, and cigarettes for three days post-treatment.

Who Can Benefit from PRP Hair Restoration?

Individuals with Early Hair Loss

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment is primarily recommended for individuals experiencing male or female pattern hair loss, particularly in the early stages. The timing of the treatment significantly impacts the outcomes, as early intervention yields superior results. It should be noted that patients with longstanding hair loss may not respond as favorably as those with less advanced patterns of hair loss. Stimulating inactive hair follicles that have remained dormant for an extended period can pose challenges.

Postpartum Women

PRP hair loss treatment is natural and free from harmful chemicals. It takes advantage of growth factors in your own blood, making it a safe option, even for postpartum moms.

Individuals with Hair Thinning

PRP hair restoration procedures offer significant benefits for individuals with thinning hair. These procedures can increase hair shaft thickness and stimulate the emergence of new hairs in the treated area. The application of growth factors has been scientifically proven to enhance hair growth, resulting in thicker, fuller hair with improved density.