PRP HAIR LOSS TREATMENT
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a hair loss treatment that aims to stimulate and maintain hair growth. While it has shown potential benefits, PRP therapy can be costly and may not be suitable for everyone.
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Initially used for treating injuries in tendons, ligaments, and muscles, PRP therapy has gained attention for its potential in addressing hair loss. The process involves drawing blood from the patient, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting it into the affected area.
THE SCIENCEBEHIND PLATELET RICH PLASMA
The human body is equipped with a complex system for repairing injuries and replacing old and dying tissue. Our blood contains stem cells that can develop into connective tissues as needed and essential and specific growth factors that promote growth, regeneration, and healing. When blood is separated in a centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma (PRP), these factors are present in higher concentrations.
PRP therapies have been used for decades in addressing skin regeneration and wound healing. They have also been shown to be effective in various fields, including:
- Plastic surgery
- Oral surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedics
- Sports medicine
The idea of using PRP to treat hair loss is that the growth-stimulating properties of the plasma may induce activity in previously inactive hair follicles, jump-starting the body’s natural methodology of producing hair.
Because the use of PRP in treating hair loss is such a recent development, few substantiated claims can be made regarding its efficacy. However, early data suggests that as many as 50% of patients treated using PRP may experience some positive benefit.
Research suggests several advantages of PRP injections for hair loss
- In 2018, a review found that PRP might induce hair growth by improving blood supply to the hair follicles.
- A 2020 review of 13 studies suggested that PRP could increase hair thickness and density.
- A 2022 review indicated that PRP may promote hair growth and thickness while protecting hair follicles from premature shedding.
During PRP therapy, platelet-rich plasma cells are injected into the scalp. Plasma, a component of blood, contains platelets, white cells, and red blood cells. Platelets contain cytokines and proteins that support growth, healing, and rejuvenation.
The PRP process involves
1. Drawing 10 to 60 milliliters of blood from the patient's arm and separating the components in a centrifuge.
2. After about 10 minutes of centrifugation, the blood separates into platelet-poor plasma, platelet-rich plasma, and red blood cells.
3. The platelet-rich plasma is then extracted and injected into the areas of the scalp that require enhanced hair growth.
There is no agreement on the ideal frequency and duration of PRP therapy for hair loss. Studies have shown different approaches, such as receiving 4 injections every 15 days for 3 months or having 3 monthly injections for 6 months, both demonstrating positive effects on hair growth. The concentration of platelets in PRP seems to play a vital role, with higher platelet levels leading to more noticeable improvements in hair density, hair follicle diameter, and terminal hair density, according to a study conducted in 2021.