Platelet-rich plasma for hair loss treatment involves using your own blood platelets to treat your hair to facilitate hair growth.
Some researches have shown that PRP injections trigger natural hair growth and maintain it by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle. It also help to increase the thickness of the hair shaft. This approach may sometimes be combined with other hair loss procedures or medications.
How is PRP treatment done?
First, your doctor will take some samples of blood from your body, usually from your arm with the use of a syringe. The blood will be placed in a centrifuge that rapidly spins the blood to separate it into platelet-rich plasma, red blood cells, and white blood cells.
The platelet-rich plasma is then drawn into a syringe and injected into areas of the scalp that need to be treated. The platelet-rich plasma injected into the areas facilitates the growth of hair.
The treatment takes about an hour to be completed and you can go back home immediately after the treatment.
How effective is the treatment?
Platelet-rich plasma for hair growth is still under research. There has not been enough research to prove the level of effectiveness of the treatment. It is still unclear who is an ideal candidate for the treatment and under what circumstances it is most effective.
According to recent studies, using PRP for hair restoration is still at its infancy stage. However, there has been sufficient theoretical scientific basis to support the use of PRP for hair restoration.
Potential side effects and complications
There is no risk or complications from this treatment. This is because the blood used for the treatment is your blood.
However, just like every other treatment that involves injections, there are some side effects that may occur. These include:
- Injury to blood vessels or nerves
- Infection
- Pain at the injection points
- Scar tissue
- Allergic reaction to the anesthetic used for the treatment
Before undergoing the treatment, report all medications or supplements that you are taking to your healthcare provider to minimize risks or side effects.
If you are on blood thinners, take excess alcohol, a heavy smoker or drug misuse, you may not be an ideal candidate for the treatment.
You may also not be an ideal candidate for the treatment if you are diagnosed with:
- Acute or chronic infections
- Cancer
- Chronic liver disease
- Chronic skin disease
- Hemodynamic instability
- Hypofibrinogenemia
- Metabolic disorder
- Platelet dysfunction syndromes
- Systemic disorder
- Sepsis
- Low platelet count
- Thyroid disease
What is the cost of PRP for hair loss treatment?
PRP treatment typically consists of three treatments. Each treatment needs to be done every 4–6 weeks. Also, maintenance treatment is done every 4–6 months.
The cost of the treatment typically ranges from $1,500–$3,500 for the initial three treatments. An injection is about $400 or more. The total cost depends on a number of factors which include your geographic location, quality of equipment, and the addition of nutritive components.
