PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Treatment

Have you ever heard of the vampire treatment? Medically known as platelet rich plasma. The human body has the ability to heal itself and can heal wounds and other dysfunctions that may occur. But how can the plasma in the blood cure hair loss problems?

With the advanced technology we have today, Platelet Rich Plasma treatment has been used as part of hair treatment. Read on to learn more about how Platelet Rich Plasma can help solve hair loss problems and restore hair growth.

What is plasma in Platelet Rich Plasma? 

Plasma is the liquid part of the blood, which consists of protein mainly. Through the plasma, the red blood cells, the white blood cells and the platelets are circulated in the body.

What is platelet in Platelet Rich Plasma? 

Platelets or thrombocytes are cells that are formed in the bone marrow and are mainly responsible for preventing bleeding as they form blood clots and other necessary healing functions.

What is Platelet Rich Plasma? 

In the Platelet Rich Plasma method, patients are injected with their own platelets to promote healing. During the treatment, blood is drawn from the patient, and with the help of an advanced medical device, the platelets are separated from the blood and then injected into the problematic area.

How does the Platelet Rich Plasma work? 

During PRP treatment, the physician draws blood from the patient and spins it to increase the concentration of platelets to 7 or 8 times than their level in the body. After this step, the concentrated platelets are injected into the problematic area. The platelets release the growth factors responsible for healing the damaged tissue, which the body already has in its own system.

What is the connection between platelets and hair growth? 

The PRP injection has a higher percentage of platelets than the body has, however, the platelets promote cell growth and rejuvenation. Therefore, in the PRP hair growth enhancement method, the platelet-rich plasma is injected deep into the scalp to reach the hair follicles and stimulate the dermal papilla cells. The dermal papilla cells play a crucial role in the hair growth rate.

Who is the right candidate for a PRP treatment? 

The right candidates for the PRP treatments are the patients who are generally in good health and have an average amount of platelets in their blood. The PRP treatment is suitable for those who suffer from hair loss due to androgenetic alopecia or the PRP can support the treatment of hair loss.

How many PRP sessions are needed for hair treatment purposes? 

If you decide to go to PRP for hair treatment, you must keep in mind that you will need several sessions. Some patients need about 3 sessions, while other patients might need 5 to 6 sessions. There are 4 to 5 weeks between each session.

When the patient can’t get a PRP treatment? 

There are some conditions that don’t allow the patient to get a PRP treatment as it might affect negatively on the patient’s general health. These conditions are: 

• Patients who take blood thinning medications on regular basis 

• Patients with blood disorders or poor count of platelets 

• Patients who suffer from wound healing issue 

• Patients with skin or scalp infections 

Is PRP treatment painful? 

PRP in the treatment of hair loss, concentrated platelets are injected into the patient's scalp to reach the hair follicles in order to increase the growth factor. However, this treatment is performed without anesthesia and therefore causes mild pain, but it is quite tolerable.

Some patients might request for anesthesia before the PRP treatment, and the only anesthesia that can be used in this case is local anesthesia, which is also administered to patients by injection. Topical anesthesia - in the form of a cream or spray - cannot be used during PRP treatment because of the hair on the scalp. It is advisable to discuss your options with your doctor before choosing this treatment option.

How to prepare before a PRP treatment? 

In order to get the best outcomes of your PRP treatments, there are some steps that will help you to be prepared for the procedure. Such as: 

• For one month before the treatment, stop any steroid medications 

• For one to two weeks before the treatment, stop any systemic steroids 

• For one week before the treatment, stop any blood thinning medications 

• For five days before the treatment, stop any anti-inflammatory medications 

• On the day of the treatment, make sure to have a full healthy breakfast and to be well hydrated 

How is the healing phase after a PRP treatment? 

The healing phase after a PRP treatment is really short and the patients can resume their life immediately. However, there are few tips that patients must follow to avoid any complications. 

• Don’t touch or scrub or massage your scalp for 24 hours after the treatment

• Don’t shower or swim for at least 24 hours after the treatment 

• Don’t take any kind of medications unless they are discussed with your doctor 

• Don’t apply any ice or heat on your scalp for three days after the treatment 

• Don’t apply any products on the scalp for 8 hours after the treatment 

• Avoid intense exercises for three days after the treatment 

• Don’t smoke or drink alcohol for three days after the treatment 

• Stay hydrated and have balanced meals.