Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for hair loss is considered to be a minimally invasive treatment that makes use of a person’s own blood in order to promote hair growth.
PRP injections are indeed rich in proteins known as growth factors, which can stimulate dormant hair follicles when injected into one’s scalp, encouraging hair regeneration. PRP therapy for hair loss is professionally carried out.
PRP therapy for hair loss is indeed a treatment for hair loss that can help promote and also maintain hair growth. That said, PRP therapy is, of course, expensive and cannot be safe for every individual.
PRP, also known as platelet-rich plasma therapy, happens to be a medical treatment that could rather help boost healing, regeneration, as well as growth. It is often used to really treat injured tendons, ligaments, and also muscles.
PRP therapy happens to be a three-step process. It works by drawing blood, processing it, and then injecting it into the affected area.
Research does show that PRP injections can benefit hair loss in several ways.
PRP therapy process
PRP therapy injects platelet-rich plasma cells into the affected area of one’s scalp.
Plasma is no doubt the liquid part of one’s blood. One’s blood is also made up of platelets, white cells, and red blood cells.
Platelets do play a role in the clotting of one’s blood, but they also tend to contain cytokines and proteins that promote growth, healing, and rejuvenation.
Step 1
Between 10 to 60 milliliters (mL) of one’s blood is drawn, typically from the arm, and put into a centrifuge. This happens to be a machine that spins rapidly in order to separate fluids of different densities.
Step 2
After about, say, 10 minutes in the centrifuge, one’s blood will have separated into three layers:
- Platelet-poor plasma.
- Platelet-rich plasma.
- Red blood cells.
Step 3
The platelet-rich plasma is drawn up into a syringe and then rather injected into areas of the scalp that require increased hair growth.
There is no consensus on the frequency and duration of PRP therapy for hair loss.
PRP for hair loss side effects
There is no risk of contracting a communicable disease with PRP therapy, as it does involve injecting one’s blood into one’s scalp.
Few reactions experienced:
- Some pain during treatment.
- Headache.
- Itching.
- Swelling.
- Temporary discoloration.
Every individual reacts differently to injection therapies. It is thus important to speak with a healthcare professional about the potential side effects of PRP therapy.
Risks of PRP for hair loss
Several factors can rather increase the risk of side effects that occur during PRP therapy. These may be taking certain medications, like non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), within 48 hours of PRP therapy.
- Underlying health conditions, like low platelet count, sepsis, or platelet dysfunction.
- Some types of cancer, such as bone cancer.
- Smoking.
- Taking certain types of steroid injections within 2 to 4 weeks of the PRP therapy.
- Fever.
- Anemia.
It is important to speak with a healthcare professional about PRP therapy before starting treatment. At one’s
appointment, tell them about all the medications being taken, including supplements and also herbs.
The cost factor of PRP therapy depends upon
- One’s geographic location.
- quality of equipment.
- the addition of nutritive components.
It is important to note that not several insurance companies cover PRP therapy for hair loss.
PRP therapy for hair loss is expensive and rarely covered by medical insurance.
Conclusion
Numerous studies have shown that PRP therapy for hair loss can help promote hair growth, increase hair thickness, and also help protect one’s hair from prematurely shedding.
