Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment is a revolutionary procedure being considered for several aesthetic, dermatological, and hair problems. This autologous (Stem cells for an autologous transplant come from your own body) therapy has proven its effectiveness in promoting hair growth.
As the name suggests, PRP is a plasma-based solution that is rich in platelets. PRP was adopted in the 1990s as a treatment for promoting the healing process of chronic wounds by reducing the healing time. The hair bulb forms the base of the hair follicle. As a regenerative treatment, PRP increases the proliferation of hair follicle bulbs in the skin and therefore prolongs the growing phase (anagen).
This rejuvenates and increases the hair follicle bulbs and improves the vascularity of the scalp. In the last decade, the use of platelet-rich plasma has even proven to be a useful adjuvant in the field of hair transplantation.
Alopecia, a form of hair loss, affects many people around the world. Currently, the only permanent and definitive treatment for significant alopecia is hair transplantation. However, this surgical treatment is expensive, more invasive, and requires multiple donor follicles for optimal results. On the other hand, treatment with PRP is less invasive, can be done in an office, and is a more “natural” option.
Further, hair treated with PRP becomes darker. In conjunction with this, The PRP Treatment in NJ at ANara Medspa increases hair density. Hair looks fuller, thicker and healthier.
Benefits of PRP treatment are:
- Collagen stimulation
- Thickening of hair
- Increased hair density
- Decreased hair loss
- Improved scalp health
- Reduced scalp irritation
- Improved hair transplant results
PRP Broken Down:
Plasma: Plasma is a liquid solution existing in the blood where platelets, red and white blood cells are in suspension; plasma represents 55% of blood volume on average. While 92% of plasma is composed of water, it also contains proteins, non-protein nitrogenous substances, glucose, lipids, hormones, vitamins and growth factors. This unique character and composition essentially allows plasma to participate greatly in the process of blood clotting, healing, transportation of enzymes, hormones and nutrients and intercellular communication.
Platelets are small cells without a nucleus that are formed in the bone marrow. Platelets play a significant role in sealing blood vessels, thereby decreasing blood loss and in the healing and regenerative process.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP): PRP is an autologous product rich in platelets, containing 3-8 times the normal concentration of platelets in the blood. It is also an effective hemostatic agent, accelerates the epidermal repair and stimulates angiogenesis. The presence of leukocytes in PRP also gives it antibacterial properties.
How many PRP sessions are needed?
The number of PRP sessions necessary depends on the condition being treated, age, sex, and the quality of platelets of the individual, as well as any underlying medical conditions such as underactive thyroid. For hair rejuvenation, one needs 4-8 sessions, performed once a month. Women with hair loss tend to respond better and need fewer sessions compared to men with hair loss. After the initial series of sessions, it is recommended to have PRP maintenance sessions a couple of times a year.
Is the PRP Treatment Process Painful?
This procedure involves drawing about 4 tablespoons of blood from a vein in the elbow. Once the blood is drawn and PRP is extracted by spinning in specialized equipment, the PRP itself is injected into the scalp that has decreased, thinner hair. There must be some hair follicles in the areas to be treated. Since the scalp is a sensitive area, we perform the treatment after administering a pain control therapy to make our patients most comfortable.
PRP Treatment in NJ after hair transplant
Generally, hair transplantation remains an effective method against severe androgenetic alopecia because the postoperative results are permanent and satisfactory. However, surgeons recommend PRP sessions for patients after the procedure to enhance the outcome of the hair transplant and to activate the healing process.
Performing PRP after hair transplantation has the following benefits:
- Gives rapid healing of micro incisions
- Increases the proliferation of hair bulbs
- Improves the quality of transplanted hair
- Decreases the intensity of the shock loss
- Improves the anagen phase
