PRP for Hair Growth Treatment
What is platelet-rich-plasma for hair growth?
Platelet-rich-plasma (PRP) is the part of the blood which contains growth factors and proteins which are needed for cell healing and regeneration. PRP is a safe and minimally invasive hair growth treatment.
It is considered a risk-free alternative for hair transplant treatment as PRP doesn’t require incisions. PRP is an excellent treatment for hair regeneration and hair growth for those who are suffering from hair loss or hair thinning.
This treatment improves hair quality, growth, and strength of the hair follicle. The results? You get thicker, fuller hair, and improved confidence.
The PRP procedure usually involves 3 steps:
- Blood is drawn from the patient as platelets in the blood produce PRP
- The drawn blood is processed in the centrifuge machine, and it is separated into three layers: platelet-poor-plasma, platelet-rich-plasma, and red blood cells.
- The platelet-rich-plasma is taken in a syringe and injected into the scalp wherever hair growth is necessary.
The entire process takes less than an hour.
Do I need PRP treatment?
If you are suffering from hair loss or hair thinning, PRP is an excellent treatment to help strengthen the hair follicle and improve hair growth. PRP is a treatment rather than a cure and requires commitment and maintenance to achieve the best results. Thanks to the numerous growth factors and proteins present in PRP, this therapy stimulates hair follicles and increases hair shaft thickness. Although it’s a relatively new technique when it comes to hair loss, PRP is gaining popularity as a preferred non-surgical treatment for hair thinning because of its effectiveness.
It can be used for both men and women. The treatment is effective for hair regeneration on the scalp, beard, moustache and eyebrows. The treatment is most effective when the patient is in the early hair thinning stages before it progresses further.
This solution is recommended for patients who are not qualified for hair transplant surgery and those who are hesitant to undergo surgical treatments. It is now the new protocol after any hair transplant procedure to improve hair quality and results of treatment. PRP is normally used to treat hair loss on the scalp as well as from other body parts like the chest, mustache, and beard.
What to expect from your appointment
A full consultation takes place to assess what the main concern is and what the patient aims to achieve. The procedure is explained to the patient as well as how to make the most of the treatment by:
- Eating a healthy balanced diet and reducing fatty foods
- Reducing alcohol intake
- Staying hydrated and drinking lots of water
The above list will help improve the quality of plasma extracted from the patient and therefore improve the quality and results of the treatment.
Getting prepared for PRP therapy
Follow these simple steps before your appointment to make sure you are ready for your PRP session:
- Take a shower. Wash your hair with shampoo, and apply conditioner before the therapy. This will reduce any impurities during the treatment.
- Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water and eating a healthy light meal before your treatment.
- Avoid hair products like hair gel or hairspray for 3 days before the treatment.
- Don’t drink alcohol for 24 hours before the treatment. It’s also better to avoid smoking
The procedure
A tube of blood is extracted from the patient (in the same way as a blood test) and placed in a centrifuge. This tube of blood is then spun in the centrifuge machine to separate the plasma from the rest of the blood. The golden-coloured platelet-rich plasma is extracted from the blood and reinjected into the patient’s area of concern with very small 1.5mm micro-needles. The remaining plasma is massaged into the same area and left to soak into the pores to improve results.
Before and after photos will be done too to document your progress with the treatment.
Things to Know
How long does the procedure take?
The actual procedure takes approximately 30 minutes to complete the small injections in the appropriate places. Your appointment will usually be booked for 45-60 minutes to make sure there is plenty of time to discuss your medical history, aftercare instructions and to ask as many questions as you need.
Does it hurt?
The treatment can be uncomfortable with a pain level of approximately 5/10. Numbing cream will be applied approximately 30 minutes prior to treatment.
How long does the treatment last for?
The initial treatment requires 3 sessions 4-6 weeks apart to maximise the results. Maintenance sessions can then be organised after this at 3 monthly, 6 monthly or yearly intervals.
Is a review appointment included in the price?
All treatments include a 4 week review appointment to check the progress of your treatment and make sure you are happy with the treatment. Before and after photos are usually taken at this stage to see the progress made.
How quickly can I see the effects of the treatment?
The effects of the treatment will show after approximately 4- 6 weeks as the cells react and regenerate to the plasma.
What are the most common side effects?
Some patients may feel discomfort and warmth which subside within a couple of days.
The skin can be red for 1-7 days after treatment which will go down with time.
Transient bruising can take place with any injectable treatment and will subside within 1-2 weeks.
Pricing
All treatments include:
- an initial consultation;
- review appointment after 4-6 weeks.