Updated: Apr 6, 2023
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentration of platelets found in a small plasma volume. It was initially used as a transfusion product to treat thrombocytopenia, but it’s now known that PRP contains growth factors and cytokines that can accelerate wound healing and tissue regeneration. This has led to a wider range of medical applications for PRP, such as in sports medicine, regenerative medicine, and aesthetic medicine.
Several studies have shown that PRP can effectively treat hair loss. While the exact mechanism of action is still not fully understood, it’s thought that PRP helps to stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp and promoting the growth of new hair follicles.
The Link Between Platelets and Hair Growth
Platelets are one of four components of blood, the other three being red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma. Platelets help promote cell growth and regeneration. Platelets are generally about five times more concentrated in PRP than in regular blood. The concentration of platelets is useful because platelets secrete growth factors, which are thought to assist in wound healing and tissue regrowth. Regarding hair loss, the theory is that platelets, injected deep into the scalp to reach the bottom of the hair follicle, may stimulate a specialized population of cells named dermal papilla cells, which play a critical role in hair growth.
How Does PRP Work?
The process of PRP therapy is pretty simple. A blood draw is taken and spun down in a centrifuge to create PRP. The PRP is then injected into the scalp to help stimulate hair growth. The treatment plan usually involves three sessions, approximately one month apart, followed by maintenance sessions every three to six months.
What Are the Benefits of PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy has several benefits, including:
- Stimulating hair growth
- Improving follicle health
- Reducing hair loss
- Preventing baldness
- Treating genetic hair loss
- Reducing inflammation
- Improving scalp health
Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP Therapy?
PRP therapy is a good option for anyone experiencing hair loss or baldness. It is also a good option for people with inflammation or scalp health issues.
PRP Treatment Evidence of Effectiveness
PRP therapy is a treatment that uses the patient’s own blood plasma to help promote hair growth. The therapy is often used to treat androgenetic alopecia, or hormone-related baldness, in men and women. PRP therapy is sometimes used with other treatments for AGA, like topical minoxidil or oral finasteride. There is not enough evidence to know if PRP therapy is effective for other types of hair loss, like telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, or scarring hair loss.
Note: More Research on PRP Is Needed
PRP harvesting and administration techniques vary among providers. However, more research is needed to determine the best process for obtaining and injecting PRP. Additionally, more information is needed to understand how PRP helps regrow hair and how effective it may be for less common types of hair loss.
Conclusion
PRP therapy is a new, exciting treatment for hair restoration that is very effective. It is a non-surgical treatment that involves extracting a patient’s blood, processing it to isolate the platelets, and injecting it back into the scalp. This therapy can treat hair loss caused by various factors, including genetics, aging, and hair damage. PRP therapy is a safe, effective, and affordable treatment that can help improve the appearance of thinning hair or bald patches.
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