Does PRP for hair loss work?

Platelet-Rich Plasma or PRP therapy has become very popular as an effective treatment for hair loss.  It works because PRP has close to five times the number of platelets found in normal blood.  These platelets have a number of growth factors that when injected into the scalp stimulates hair growth by encouraging the rejuvenation of follicles and extending the growth cycle of the hair.  Many patients have seen much success from PRP injections for hair loss.

What does PRP hair injections treat?

PRP injections for hair restoration is commonly used in both men and women.  Patients who receive PRP therapy during the early stages of hair loss tend to see the best results.  Anyone experiencing any form of hair loss is essentially a good candidate for PRP injections.  Contact a medical professional to see if platelet-rich plasma injections are right for you. 

What are the benefits for PRP hair restoration?

• Thinning Hair
• Bald Spots
• Hair Shedding
• Patches
• Widening parts
• Receding hairline
• Alopecia

How does PRP Hair Regrowth work?

A medical provider will use a PRP Kit to draw the patient’s blood and spin their blood in a centrifuge to separate the red blood cells from the platelet rich plasma. Next the provider will use a hydra-needle to inject the highly concentrated mixture of platelets and amniotic fluid which contain cytokines and other growth factors into the patient’s hair follicles and hair roots. We also use a mixture of Biotin and hyaluronic acid to massage into the micro-channels made on the scalp by the hydraneedle.  A person’s hair follicles and hair roots need to be healthy to achieve optimal hair growth. Using the patient’s own blood plasma increases the blood circulation to the hair follicles helping the growth of new healthy hair.  The added ingredients of amniotic fluid and biotin encourage existing hair follicles to produce healthier hair.

PRE- TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR PRP PROCEDURES:

1. Avoid the following for at least 1 week prior to your procedure:

• Do not use any prescription or over the counter anti-inflammatory medicines such as NSAIDS
• (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, Naprosyn, Aspirin, Voltaren, Diclofenac, Meloxicam, Mobic, or
• Celebrex) for 4 days prior and 7 days after the procedure, or as stated by your primary care
• physician– Tylenol is allowed
• Certain nutritional supplements (Gingko, Garlic, Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Flax Oil, Curcumin and
• other anti-inflammatory nutrients)
• Systemic Steroids (prednisone, dexamethasone) must be discontinued 2 weeks prior to and 4
• weeks after PRP injections or as stated by your primary care physician.
• Alcohol, Caffeine and Cigarettes 3 days prior to treatment
•  Discontinue blood thinning medications or supplements (Plavix, Coumadin, Heparin) one week
• prior to treatment unless you are taking them for a medical condition. If so, please consult your
• primary care physician to see if you are a candidate.
• If you are taking broad beta-blockers such as Inderal (propranolol), please contact your primary
• care physician as this medication may need to be changed in advance of the treatment.

2. Prescription medications including heart and blood pressure medication should be taken as prescribed right up to and including the day of and the day after your treatments.

3. Hydrate well the day before and the day of the procedure for ease of blood draw.
4. You may start Arnica 5 pellets, 3 times a day starting 2 days before, and continuing the day of and for 2 days after the procedure to decrease the risk of bruising.

5. Ensure you have not been on Accutane in the past 6 months.
6. If you believe that you may have a medical condition or are taking any medications not listed above that could interfere with treatment, please speak with your primary care physician to see if you are a candidate for PRP treatment.

THE DAY OF THE PRP PROCEDURE:

1. Blood is drawn and PRP is processed.
2. Topical Anesthetic is applied to the treatment area for 20-30 minutes.
3. Specific procedures are listed below:

• For the PRP facial: The Microneedling pen and/or hydra needle is used to stimulate the skin tissue. PRP is then placed on the surface and can penetrate easily into the areas being treated with the device.
• PRP for the Scalp: A topical anesthetic is applied to the treatment area for 20-30 minutes. PRP is processed and a hydra needle will be used to stimulate the area and the remaining PRP is rubbed into the scalp.

POST- TREATMENT INSTRUCTIONS FOR BEST RESULTS AFTER PRP:

1. Expect mild inflammation, redness, swelling for a few days.
2. Bruising may last several weeks.
3. Avoid the sun & use a physical sun block daily to prevent permanent discoloration.

4. Avoid manipulating or pressing on the treated area(s) for 48 hours (including having other treatments done). If you are concerned with any lumps felt, please call the office for a follow up appointment within 48 hours.

5. Try to sleep on an incline and not on your belly.
6. Avoid any massages to the areas treated.
7. After a scalp treatment, you can wear a laser cap for 20 minutes every other day for 6 weeks.
8. Eat healthy and hydrate very well ( at least 64 ounces of water daily)
9. You may wear a hat immediately after your PRP treatment.
10. For the first 3 days, use shampoo that is pH balanced.
11. It is normal to experience bruising, redness, itching, swelling and/or soreness that may last from 2-5 days following your procedure. If you experience any pain or discomfort you may take Tylenol or other Acetaminophen containing products as directed.
12. Avoid the following for at least 1 week:

• Retin A/ Trentinoin or retinol containing products
• NSAIDS (Ibuprofen, Motrin, Aleve, Naprosyn, Aspirin)- Tylenol is allowed for pain reduction
• Certain nutritional supplements (Gingko, Garlic, Vitamin E, Flax Oil, Curcumin, and other anti-inflammatory nutrients)
• Systemic Steriods (prednisone, dexamethasone)
• Avoid Alcohol, Caffeine and Cigarettes 3 days post treatment
• You may wash your hair the day after your PRP treatment (avoid resuming Minoxidil products or hair coloring or straightening for 3 days.
• Do not wet your hair for at least 3 hours after your treatment.
• Do not use any hair products for at least 6 hours after your treatment.
• Avoid saunas, steam rooms, and swimming for 2 days after your treatment.
• Avoid vigorous exercise, sun and heat exposure for at least 2 days after your treatment.
• Do Not touch, press, rub or manipulate the treated area(s) for at least 8 hours after your treatment.
• Avoid applying ice on the injected area as ice acts as an anti-inflammatory.