7 Things to Know About Platelet-Rich Plasma Hair Loss Therapy
If you’ve spent any time researching hair loss treatments, you may have come across something called platelet-rich plasma, also known as PRP.
While PRP hair restoration treatments are relatively new to the cosmetic scene, platelet-rich plasma itself has been used medically since the 1980s. This substance, which doctors derive from your blood, not only encourages the healing of damaged tissues but can also help halt hair loss and even prompt new hair growth.
If you’re curious about platelet-rich plasma hair loss therapy, here are five things you should know to help determine if it’s right for you.
1. PRP Hair Treatments Are Effective & Minimally Invasive
Unlike hair transplant surgery, which is a lengthy procedure involving considerable downtime, PRP hair restoration is minimally invasive and requires a relatively small time commitment.
Research has also shown that treatments produce a significant reduction in hair shedding while stimulating new hair growth.
If you’re not keen on getting surgery and don’t want to apply topical treatments for the rest of forever, PRP may be the hair loss solution you’ve been searching for.
2. How the PRP Hair Restoration Procedure Works
The first step in the PRP hair restoration procedure is a blood draw, during which your physician collects the plasma that will be injected into your scalp. After drawing your blood, your doctor will place the blood into a centrifuge, which will separate the PRP from the other components of your blood.
Once the PRP is ready, your physician will apply a local anesthetic to the treatment area. When you’re numb, they’ll use a small needle to carefully inject the PRP into various areas of your scalp. When the injections are done, the treatment is over!
The entire appointment typically requires an hour at most. If you’re not particularly fond of needles, we offer ProNox nitrous oxide (laughing gas) as a self-administered, pain- and anxiety-management add-on to any of our treatment services. Whether or not you opt for ProNox, you can safely drive yourself home after the procedure.
3. Who Can Benefit From PRP for Hair Loss?
PRP hair loss treatments can benefit people with several types of hair loss, including those with:
Keep in mind that results from the treatment hinge on the platelet concentration of your blood. If you’re living with a condition that negatively affects your immune system, you may not be a good candidate for the procedure. Inflammatory skin conditions like psoriasis or other conditions that cause scalp scarring can also render the treatment ineffective.
To learn more about who can benefit from treatment, check out What Makes You a Good Candidate for Platelet-Rich Plasma Hair Loss Therapy?
4. Post-Treatment Recovery Time
After getting a PRP hair restoration treatment, you can expect your scalp to be tender, sore, a bit inflamed, and maybe even a bit itchy for up to five days. While these might not be the most comfortable symptoms, they are minor and should go away quickly.
You can still wash your hair during this time, but be sure to follow your doctor’s aftercare instructions closely to encourage optimal results.
5. Multiple Treatments Are Usually Necessary
Most people require multiple PRP hair loss treatments for the best results. And if you’re one of them, consistency is key.
Your doctor will determine an appropriate treatment regimen for your needs, but generally, treatments are performed every four weeks for the first three to four months. From there, less frequent injections at three- to six-month intervals may be necessary.
Check out How Long Does PRP for Hair Loss Last? for more information on the results you can expect from treatment.
6. PRP is a Safe Procedure
When it comes to any medical treatment, you want to ensure the risks are low and the payoff is worth it. The great news about platelet-rich plasma hair loss therapy is that it’s considered a very safe cosmetic procedure.
According to Harvard Medical School, platelet-rich therapy injections are very safe, as long as they are administered by an experienced professional. While there are some mild side effects, they usually go away quickly.
When you receive a PRP hair loss treatment with us, you can trust that you’re getting help from a trained medical professional. We will also ensure you are a good candidate for the procedure, as those with some autoimmune disorders might not be eligible.
7. Works For Men and Women
Hair loss impacts men frequently, but it also happens to women. Individuals with male or female pattern baldness are often great candidates for PRP hair loss treatment.
The best candidates are those who still have some hair left, although the hair can be thinning somewhat. This treatment is also most effective for individuals with a normal amount of platelets in their bloodstream.
Hair loss can have many negative impacts, so finding a solution that’s effective is key. At Medical Tattoo Centers of America, we will work with you to find the right hair loss therapy for your needs, whether it be PRP or scalp micropigmentation.
Get a Free PRP Hair Restoration Consultation in the Twin Cities
If you’re curious whether PRP hair treatments are right for you, get in touch with our team at Medical Tattoo Centers of America to schedule a free consultation.
We’ll let you know whether you’re a candidate for treatment and help you determine whether PRP or another hair loss solution, such as scalp micropigmentation, might be the best fit for your needs.
To get started, call our Blaine, MN clinic at 612-770-0000 or request a consultation online, and we’ll get in touch to get you scheduled!