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Are you dealing with hair loss? Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy could be your answer. PRP injections for hair loss are a reliable treatment that’s becoming popular for androgenetic alopecia and other hair loss issues.
Imagine your scalp as land or garden and hair as plants, These 3 Treatments I will discuss today work like fertilizers to your hair. Yes In today’s episode, we will discuss these 3 recent advances in Hair loss treatment that work wonders in reversing hair loss and curing baldness. These are PRP treatment, Mesotherapy, and Stem cell therapy. All of these are simple scalp injections that can be compared to tilling your garden soil and pushing the fertilizers to the roots of plants’ hair follicles and cells, generating new growth and strengthening your existing hair.
PRP therapy uses your own blood to boost hair growth. First, a small blood sample is taken. Then, it’s processed to focus on the platelets. These platelets have growth factors that might wake up dormant hair follicles.
Studies show that PRP injections can make hair thicker and more dense. A 2022 review found that PRP could help hair grow and protect follicles from early shedding. Another study in 2020 showed that PRP increased both hair thickness and density across 13 studies.
Here I am Adding My own personal before and after PRP experience on PRP injections. I had a very bad thinning of hair. As I am a Medical Doctor (Radiologist), I have many doctor friends in different specialities. My dermatologist friend recommended me to go for PRP injections monthly once for consecutive 3 months and then once in 3 months for a year. I decided to go for it. This was in adjunct to topical minoxidil 5%. I could see improvement (a feeling of improvement and density) within a month. In the next hair cycle (after 3 months), I could actually see the results. There was at least 25% improvement. After one year, I was really happy to see the results. I now get one PRP shot once every 6 months – that’s twice a year.
Please note that this is an individual experience, and results may vary. It’s always advisable to consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new treatment.
- PRP therapy uses your own blood to promote hair growth
- Studies show PRP can increase hair thickness and density
- Treatment typically involves multiple sessions over several months
- Results are most noticeable after six months of treatment
- PRP therapy can be combined with other hair restoration methods
PRP therapy is a new way to treat hair loss by using your body’s healing powers. It uses platelet concentration to help cells regenerate and heal tissues.
PRP is a special solution made from your own blood. It’s full of growth factors that help cells and tissues repair and regenerate.
PRP means Platelet Rich Plasma. You all know RBCs, WBCs and Platelets in our blood. Platelets are tiny cells with functions like blood clotting, wound healing and repair and regeneration of cells for healing.
PRP works because it has lots of platelets and growth factors. When it’s put into the scalp, it wakes up dormant hair follicles. This leads to new hair growth and makes existing hair healthier.
PRP is used in many medical areas. It helps heal tissues in orthopedics, dentistry, and dermatology. For treating hair loss, PRP has shown good results.
| Aspect | PRP Therapy Impact |
|---|---|
| Hair Count and Thickness | Significant increase |
| Visible Results Timeline | 3-6 months |
| Scalp Health | Enhanced blood supply and collagen production |
| Safety Profile | Minimal risk of infection or allergic reactions |
| Compatibility | Can be combined with other hair loss treatments |
Research shows PRP therapy makes patients happier with their looks. In a study of 20 patients, most felt better about themselves and looked better after just three treatments.
The PRP treatment for hair loss begins with a blood draw. Your doctor takes about 10-60 mL of blood from your arm. This blood is then put into a centrifuge for platelet separation.
The centrifuge spins the blood fast, focusing the platelets. Next, your doctor prepares the platelet-rich plasma for scalp injection. They inject the PRP into your scalp where hair growth is needed. This whole process usually takes around 30 minutes.
How many treatments you need can vary. Some might get four injections every 15 days for three months. Others could get three injections a month for six months. Your doctor will decide the best plan for you.
- Blood draw from your arm
- Centrifuge for platelet separation
- Scalp injection of concentrated PRP
You’ll likely need to come back once a month for three months for more PRP injections. You can start seeing results in two to three months. To keep the results, you might need one or two rounds of injections a year after the first treatment.
PRP for hair growth is a new treatment. Many patients are happy with it, but we don’t have long-term data on hair growth. PRP injections cost between $400 to $2000 per round. Insurance usually doesn’t pay for this cosmetic treatment.
PRP injections are a new hope for hair loss. They use your own platelets to help hair grow and make the scalp healthier. This treatment targets the main causes of thinning hair.
PRP has growth factors that help hair grow back. These include VEGF, IGF-1, and PDGF. Each one plays a key role in making hair grow:
- VEGF helps make more blood vessels for the follicles
- IGF-1 makes follicles grow and change into hair-producing cells
- PDGF wakes up stem cells in the follicle area
The growth factors in PRP wake up dormant follicles and make them grow longer. This leads to thicker, stronger hair and more hair overall. PRP is best for people with thinning hair, not complete baldness.
PRP therapy boosts blood flow to the scalp. This brings important nutrients and oxygen to hair follicles. VEGF’s effect on making new blood vessels is key for hair health and growth.
Results can vary, but many see better hair thickness and density after PRP treatments. Its natural approach and use of your own platelets make it a popular choice for hair restoration.
This is a similar procedure to PRP injections but here you inject a solution called anti-hair loss solution containing hyaluronic acid along with a concoction of nutrients and enzymes that nourish and promote hair growth. Some dermatologists Combine PRP and Mesotherapy. That means they mix this anit hair loss solution with PRP syringe and complete this two-in-one procedure in one sitting for faster and better results. When you are visiting your dermatologist, you can request this type of procedure if you wish. This nourishes hair follicles and boosts blood flow in your scalp.
This method is great because it delivers nutrients directly to your scalp. It skips the outer skin layer, making the vitamins work better for hair growth. This targeted approach is different from other scalp treatments.
| Treatment | Cost per Session | Duration for Results | Recovery Time |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mesotherapy | 300 to 500 USD | 6 – 12 months | 0-1 days |
| PRP | 500 to 800 USD | 6 – 12 months | 0-1 days |
Mesotherapy is a less invasive option compared to hair transplant surgery. It has a success rate of 90-92% in promoting hair growth. For best results, you’ll need about 8 sessions, two weeks apart.
Some doctors use mesotherapy with PRP injections for better results. This combination targets hair loss from different angles. It might give even better outcomes for those dealing with thinning hair.
Stem-cell therapy is a new way to treat hair loss. It uses follicular stem cells to help hair follicles grow back. This method is different because it creates new hair follicles and wakes up dormant ones.
This procedure is again similar to PRP and mesotherapy. But here stem cells are injected onto the scalp skin. These stem cells are produced in the lab from unviable embryos, unviable fetal stem cells or bovine stem cells, and so on. Stem cells are special cells that help in healing the injured and inflamed tissues. Stem cells have the ability to differentiate or change into any cell that the body needs, at any point in time, and with this method, the cells substitute the injured or damaged cells.
This is used to treat severe hair loss problems. They do carry some side effects like enlarged and swollen or painful neck lymph nodes and sometimes face and scalp swelling, fever, etc.
Studies show that stem-cell therapy can help different types of hair loss. Some people see more hair and thicker hair after a few months. It’s pricier than some other treatments but offers hope for those looking for a new solution.
| Aspect | Stem-Cell Therapy | PRP Therapy |
|---|---|---|
| Source | Adipose tissue or bone marrow | Blood platelets |
| Mechanism | Hair follicle neogenesis | Stimulation of existing follicles |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Treatment time | Longer (cell processing required) | Shorter |
Stem-cell therapy looks promising but results can differ. Like PRP, you might need several treatments for best results. If you’re thinking about this, talk to a specialist to see if it’s a good choice for you.
PRP injections have shown promising results in treating hair loss. Clinical studies reveal significant improvements in hair density and thickness for many patients. A review of 12 trials found that 84% of studies reported positive outcomes with PRP therapy.
In one study, participants with androgenic alopecia received three PRP treatments over three months. They experienced notable increases in hair density within six weeks. Though some saw a slight decrease a year later, overall density remained higher than pre-treatment levels.
Patient satisfaction tends to be high with PRP therapy. Most people require 3-4 sessions spaced 4-6 weeks apart for optimal results. The comparative efficacy of PRP versus other hair loss treatments is still being researched.
| Metric | Result |
|---|---|
| Mean hair increase in target area | 33.6 hairs |
| Mean total hair density increase | 45.9 hairs per cm² |
| Patients needing retreatment after 12 months | 4 out of 20 |
| Reported side effects | None |
While PRP shows promise, its long-term effectiveness varies. Some patients may need retreatment after a year. The average cost per session is $717, typically not covered by insurance. As research continues, PRP remains an exciting option for those seeking natural hair restoration.
PRP therapy for hair loss is usually safe. But, knowing about possible side effects and risks is key. This knowledge helps you decide wisely for your hair restoration.
Injection site reactions are common with PRP therapy. You might feel mild pain, swelling, or scalp sensitivity after treatment. These issues usually go away in a few days to a week.
- Pain at the injection site
- Temporary swelling
- Scalp tenderness
Some things can make PRP treatment less effective or increase risks:
- Low platelet count
- Blood disorders
- Use of blood thinners
If you’re on blood thinners or NSAIDs, stop them 48 hours before your PRP session. This step reduces the risk of bleeding during the treatment.
PRP therapy is low-risk because it uses your own blood. This lowers the chance of allergic reactions or spreading diseases. But, picking a skilled professional for your treatment is key. They ensure the procedure is done right and in a clean environment.
| Contraindications | Reason |
|---|---|
| Blood disorders | Increased bleeding risk |
| Skin infections | Higher infection risk |
| Pregnancy | Limited safety research |
Knowing about possible side effects and risks helps you decide on PRP therapy for hair loss. Always talk to a healthcare professional to see if this treatment is best for you.
PRP injections for hair loss have shown promising results. Studies show a 25.09 hairs/cm2 increase in hair density over control groups. This means 64% of patients saw more hair density, and 57% noticed new hair growth.
Long-term results can vary, but patients are generally happy, scoring 7.29 out of 10. A personalized approach is key. Results can change based on gender and age. Men tend to see better results, with higher hair density improvements in trials just for them.
We need more research to make PRP better for hair loss. But, it looks like a good option for hair restoration. You might need maintenance injections every 3-6 months to keep seeing results. Always talk to a qualified healthcare provider to see if PRP is right for you and your health history.
These are the Frequently asked questions for PRP Injections For Hair Loss:
A: Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a concentrated solution derived from your own blood, containing high levels of platelets and growth factors. For hair loss, PRP treatment involves injecting this solution into the scalp to stimulate hair follicles, promote hair regrowth, and prevent further hair loss. The growth factors in PRP can activate dormant hair follicles and extend the hair growth cycle.
A: To prepare PRP, a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient and then processed in a centrifuge to separate the platelet-rich plasma from other blood components. This concentrated solution, rich in growth factors, is then activated and prepared for injection into the scalp. The entire process of producing PRP and administering the treatment typically takes about an hour.
A: Results of PRP treatment can vary, but many patients experience reduced hair shedding, increased hair density, and improved hair quality. Some may also notice new hair growth. It’s important to note that multiple sessions are usually required, and results may take several months to become visible. PRP can also enhance the results of hair transplantation procedures.
A: The number of PRP injections needed varies depending on the individual and the extent of hair loss. Typically, a series of 3-4 initial treatments spaced 4-6 weeks apart is recommended. After that, maintenance treatments every 4-6 months may be advised to sustain the results. Your provider will create a personalized treatment plan based on your specific needs.
A: PRP treatment is generally considered safe as it uses the patient’s own blood. However, some potential side effects may include mild pain or discomfort at the injection site, temporary scalp tenderness, and in rare cases, infection or scarring. Most side effects are minimal and resolve quickly. It’s important to have the procedure performed by a qualified professional to minimize risks.
A: PRP has become a popular treatment option for hair loss due to its minimally invasive nature and use of the body’s own healing mechanisms. Unlike hair transplantation, PRP doesn’t require surgery and has a shorter recovery time. Compared to topical treatments, PRP addresses hair loss at the follicular level. However, the effectiveness of PRP can vary, and it may work best when combined with other treatments like minoxidil or low-level laser therapy.
A: Ideal candidates for PRP treatment are individuals in the early stages of hair loss or those with thinning hair. It’s particularly effective for those with androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness). PRP may not be suitable for those with advanced hair loss or certain medical conditions. A consultation with a hair restoration specialist can help determine if you’re a good candidate for PRP therapy.
A: The effects of PRP treatment can last anywhere from 6 months to a year or more, depending on the individual. To maintain the results, most patients require ongoing maintenance treatments. Factors such as age, genetics, overall health, and the extent of hair loss can influence how long the effects last. Regular follow-ups with your provider can help monitor progress and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
- PRP video guide
- Platelet Rich Plasma and Its Use in Hair Regrowth: A Review – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8922312/
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections – https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/plateletrich-plasma-prp-treatment
- Platelet Rich Plasma Injections for Hair Restoration in Androgenic Alopecia Outcomes | Cleveland Clinic – https://my.clevelandclinic.org/departments/dermatology-plastic-surgery/outcomes/904-platelet-rich-plasma-injections-for-hair-restoration-in-androgenic-alopecia
- A Proposal of an Effective Platelet-rich Plasma Protocol for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5655625/
- Platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia: A review of the literature and proposed treatment protocol – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6374694/
- Stem Cell Applications in Human Hair Growth: A Literature Review – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC10174680/
- The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Regrowth: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4622412/
- Patient Satisfaction and Clinical Effects of Platelet-Rich Plasma on Pattern Hair Loss in Male and Female Patients – https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9534340/
- Effectiveness of Platelet-Rich Plasma in the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia: A Meta-Analysis – Aesthetic Plastic Surgery – https://link.springer.com/article/10.1007/s00266-023-03603-9