PRP (platelet-rich plasma) is a high concentration of platelets surrounded in its own plasma. PRP contains eight essential protein growth factors that re-energize your cell into rejuvenating themselves. This treatment can be used to stimulate growth of hair follicles in androgenetic alopecia in men and women. The growth factors in the PRP stimulate hair follicles and push them into the growth phase. PRP will not cause new follicles to grow where there were none before, or where the follicles have become completely dormant, such as with a receding hairline.
What Equipment is Used?
Needle and vacutainer similar to what is required for a basic blood test and Eclipse MicroPen™ Elite.
What Will The Procedure Feel Like?
PRP is created from a small vial of blood and spinning the sample to isolate the platelet-rich plasma from the red blood cells. The clinician will draw a small amount of blood similar to a blood test. While the sample is processed, a topical numbing cream may be applied to the treatment area if the patient desires. The plasma portion of the sample will be drawn into a syringe and injected into the scalp in a grid pattern over the affected area. Finally, the entire affected area will be treated with Micropen. The Microneedling creates tiny holes in the skin, similar to aerating a lawn. These areas of injury cause an immune response that increases the effectiveness of PRP. Patients find the treatment to be very tolerable.
Do I Have to do Anything to Prepare in Advance?
There are no special preparations that need to be done in advance. Patients may continue their topical treatments up to the day of treatment.
What Will I Look Like Afterwards?
It is expected to have mild swelling and redness immediately after the treatment and usually resolves after one to two days. Patients may experience a tingling sensation while the cells are being activated. The scalp and hair may be greasy from the topical anesthetic and coated in PRP. Patients may want to bring a hat to wear home. Patients should shower with shampoo one hour later. Topical products should be avoided for 24 hours and hair should not be colored for 48 hours.
What Type of Results Can I Expect?
With a series of treatments, most patients achieve 50% or more improvement. First they notice a reduction in thinning, then thickening of existing hair, and finally possible regrowth. There have not been any non-responders in clinical trials. All patients achieved improvement, although some may respond better than others. The best results are seen in patients who combine PRP treatments with topical minoxidil and oral supplements. Treatments are recommended monthly for the first three treatments. Some patients may then need an additional three treatments performed at three month intervals to achieve their desired results. All patients will require maintenance treatment every 6-12 months to maintain the results.
BEFORE + AFTER PHOTOS
AFTER 1 TREATMENT WITH PRP INJECTIONS
1 TREATMENT WITH PRP INJECTIONS AFTER 2 MONTHS1 TREATMENT WITH PRP INJECTIONS AFTER 2 MONTHS
1 TREATMENT WITH PRP INJECTIONS AFTER 1 MONTH
2 TREATMENTS WITH PRP INJECTIONS AFTER ONE MONTH
Related Conditions
Hair Loss
Alopecia, commonly referred to as hair loss, is shedding of hair from the head that far exceeds the normal shedding humans experience on a regular basis. Learn More
1 TREATMENT WITH PRP INJECTIONS AFTER 1 MONTH
