PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, treatment for hair loss works in three stages – drawing the patient’s blood, processing it and injecting it back into the scalp.
Medical experts believe that PRP treatment accelerates hair growth by improving the supply of blood to the hair follicles and boosting the thickness of the hair shaft. In some situations, other hair loss treatments or medications may complement the procedure.
While many scientific studies have not been conducted on PRP treatment for hair loss, the use of this treatment dates back to the 1980s. Medical experts have also used the therapy for treating injuries to the muscles, tendons and ligaments.
PRP treatment occurs in three stages. Typically, the period between each stage is around four to six weeks. Periodic checkups are important every four to six months.
The doctor takes blood, usually from your arm and places it in a centrifuge – a device that clarifies mixed liquids of various densities by spinning them quickly.
Within 10 minutes of the continuous spinning in the centrifuge, the blood should have divided into three distinct sections:
• Red blood cells
• Platelet-rich plasma
• Platelet-poor plasma
The doctor will draw the platelet-rich plasma using a syringe and inject it into parts of the scalp that require a hair growth boost. However, the use of PRP treatment for hair still needs further study as the most effective usage of the treatment has not been determined. A recent study concluded that there is enough evidence to support its potency as a treatment for hair restoration, but PRP therapy for hair loss is still in the early stages without sufficiently strong clinical evidence.
Since the treatment entails injecting the scalp with the patient's own blood, there is no risk of communicable disease. Nevertheless, treatments that require injections pose the possible chance of side effects, including:
• Infections
• Damage to nerves or blood vessels
• Scar tissue
• Calcification at entry points
In addition, negative reactions to the anesthetic used during the procedure can occur. Also, be sure to tell the doctor about allergies to anesthetics.
Patients should inform doctors of any medication, supplement, or herbs that they are using before the procedure commences. Normally, doctors do not recommend PRP treatment for heavy smokers, drug abusers, and alcohol users. The treatment is also not suitable for people using blood thinners. The doctor may also decline to treat patients that are currently suffering from hormonal diseases, blood-related diseases, acute or chronic infections, skin disease and systemic disorders.
If you are worried about hair loss, there are other treatment options available, such as hair transplant surgery or medications like Propecia and Rogaine.
While there may not be sufficient research supporting PRP treatment for hair loss, many experts consider it a risk-free and effective method of promoting hair growth and averting hair loss. Book an appointment with your doctor to determine the best course of treatment for your condition.
Request an appointment here: https://omgwellnessmd.com or call Optimal Medical Group at (559) 425-1118 for an appointment in our Fresno office.
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