PRP Hair Restoration

What is PRP Therapy?


Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy harnesses the body’s natural healing mechanisms to address various medical and aesthetic concerns. Platelets, crucial components of blood, play a vital role in the healing process. When an injury occurs, platelets act as the body’s initial responders, promoting clotting and tissue repair.


The Concept Behind PRP:


The core idea behind PRP therapy is to concentrate platelets from a patient’s own blood and reintroduce them into areas requiring healing. This process involves extracting a blood sample, which is then placed in a centrifuge—a device that spins at high speeds to separate blood components. The resulting concentrated platelets, rich in growth factors and proteins, are then injected into targeted areas. PRP therapy has gained prominence for its effectiveness in stimulating hair growth and treating injuries to tendons, muscles, and ligaments, especially those related to sports activities.


Procedure Overview


Here is a typical procedure for PRP injections, particularly for hair restoration:


1. Blood Collection: A medical professional will draw a blood sample from a vein in your arm.

2. Centrifugation: The blood sample is placed in a centrifuge, which separates the blood into its components.

3. Platelet Extraction: Concentrated platelets are extracted from the centrifuged blood using a syringe.

4. Injection: The platelets are injected into specific areas of the scalp or other treatment areas.


The entire PRP procedure generally takes about one hour. Multiple sessions may be required for optimal results, and you can typically resume normal activities immediately post-treatment. However, PRP might not be effective for everyone.


Duration and Maintenance


PRP therapy is not a permanent cure for hair loss. To maintain results, multiple treatments are often necessary. Similar to other hair loss treatments, such as topical minoxidil (Regaine) and oral finasteride (Propecia), ongoing maintenance may be required. Generally, maintenance injections are recommended every 3–6 months once hair loss is under control, though specific recommendations will depend on individual conditions and initial treatment outcomes.


Potential Side Effects Include (but not limited to):


PRP therapy involves using your own blood components, which minimises the risk of adverse reactions. However, some individuals may experience mild side effects, including:


  • Mild pain at the injection site
  • Scalp tenderness
  • Swelling
  • Headache
  • Itching
  • Temporary bleeding at the injection site


While side effects are generally rare and mild, discussing potential risks with your healthcare provider before beginning treatment is essential to ensure it aligns with your health needs and goals.