In recent years, there has been a notable surge in the range of treatments available for addressing hair loss. However, it is unfortunate that many of these treatments have shown limited effectiveness when it comes to treating pattern baldness in both male and female patients. This is primarily due to the existing research gaps or a lack thereof.
Nonetheless, there is one treatment that stands out among the rest and has gained widespread acceptance and recommendation from dermatologists. This treatment is known as platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and it has been proven to provide significant benefits. PRP falls under the realm of regenerative medicine, a field that focuses on harnessing the body's natural healing processes to facilitate quick recovery from injuries. Remarkably, PRP injections have demonstrated the ability to not only aid in hair restoration but also rejuvenate the skin, contributing to a more youthful appearance. At AKJ Skin and Laser Centre, we offer the best PRP hair treatment to treat baldness of all kinds.Â
In this blog post, we aim to address the most common queries surrounding PRP treatments. By delving into the specifics of this therapy, we hope to shed light on its efficacy, procedure, and potential benefits. So, without further ado, let's explore the world of PRP and its role in combating hair loss.
A Brief Introduction to PRP Hair Treatment
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a medical treatment that is utilized to promote effective wound healing and aid in the recovery process from traumatic injuries and joint ailments. This innovative approach harnesses the power of your own blood cells to support and expedite the body's natural healing mechanisms. Among the various components of blood, platelets hold a crucial role as they originate from bone marrow and serve the important functions of forming blood clots and accelerating the healing processes in wounds.
The process of PRP involves concentrating the platelets found in the blood plasma, enabling the injection of platelet-rich blood directly into specific targeted areas of the body. This utilization of the patient's own blood has given rise to amusing nicknames for PRP-based treatments, such as the popular reference to the "vampire facial" in the realm of cosmetic procedures.
Over the past decade, PRP has experienced a substantial rise in popularity across diverse fields including dermatology, plastic surgery, dentistry, and acute trauma treatment. Its versatility and effectiveness have contributed to its widespread adoption as a valuable therapeutic approach.
Eligibility criteriaÂ
Due to the low risk associated with utilizing your own blood in PRP therapy, it can be administered to anyone in good health. However, if you smoke heavily, regularly consume alcohol or drugs, or take blood thinners, you may not be eligible to undergo the therapy. In addition, PRP therapy is not appropriate for patients with any of the conditions listed below:
- Chronic liver disease
- Cancer
- Chronic or acute infections
- Metabolic disorder
- Chronic skin disease
- Hemodynamic instability
- Hypofibrinogenemia
- Platelet dysfunction syndrome
- Sepsis
- Low platelet count
- Thyroid disease
- Systemic disorder
Aftercare & time taken for visible results
Following a PRP treatment for hair loss, it is generally recommended by hair loss treatment experts to avoid washing your hair for a minimum of 48 hours. This period allows for optimal healing and absorption of the platelet-rich plasma into the scalp. It is important to give your scalp time to recover and minimize any potential disruption to the treated area during this initial phase.
In most cases, a PRP injection is associated with minimal downtime, allowing individuals to resume their regular activities shortly after the procedure. It is not uncommon to experience mild soreness and notice some bruising at the injection sites. These are typically temporary side effects and should subside within a few days. This discomfort can typically be managed with the pain medication prescribed by your healthcare provider. While you are able to move around and perform your routine tasks, it is advisable to avoid exerting excessive strain on the injected area for a period of time following the procedure. This precaution helps facilitate proper healing and ensures optimal results.
However, if you happen to encounter intense pain or any concerning symptoms, it is crucial to reach out to the doctor who performed the PRP therapy. They will be able to evaluate your condition and provide appropriate guidance and assistance.
Over the course of the next 3 to 4 weeks, you can expect a gradual reduction in pain and discomfort as your body heals. Complete healing and the desired outcomes from the PRP treatment are generally achieved within three to six months, allowing you to fully appreciate the benefits of the therapy.
It is important to follow the post-procedure instructions provided by your doctor and attend any follow-up appointments to monitor your progress and address any concerns or questions that may arise during the healing process.
Everything You Need to Know About PRP Hair Treatment Procedure
All PRP injections follow a very identical method, and the injection site varies from person to person based on the treatment kind. The treatment is simple, consisting of just three steps:Â
- Withdrawal - Withdrawal is a procedure in which blood is extracted from a patient.
- Centrifugation - PRP and red blood cells are separated by centrifugation.
- Injection - PRP is administered by injection into the scalp.
The entire treatment can be completed in around 90 minutes. Let us see the step by step breakdown of it:Â
Step 1
First, the doctor will take some blood from your arm ( usually) and put it in a centrifuge. Ten to twenty milliliters of blood is usually taken. After being drawn, the blood is placed in a centrifuge with a medication designed to segregate the plasma in the blood.
Step 2
The centrifuge rapidly spins the tube containing your blood, creating layers. Within 10 minutes, the blood will be divided into three distinct layers in the centrifuge, namely,
- Low-platelet plasma
- Rich-platelet plasma
- RBCs
Step 3
The plasma is injected into the part of the scalp where hair loss has been diagnosed. The entire procedure requires about an hour of time. You should plan and get three PRP treatments in four to six weeks. Furthermore, maintaining the new hair growth requires a maintenance dose every four to six months.
An Overview of the Advantages & Side Effects of PRP Hair Treatment
If you or someone you know is worried about thinning hair that reveals their scalp, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment may be worth a try. Some of such advantages of PRP treatment are listed below.
Renewal of the skin
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy improves skin tone and texture by stimulating the body's natural collagen and elastin production. As a result, it can be utilized to alleviate rosacea and acne.
Treat sensitive areas
Injections of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) are useful because they can be used to treat locations that are sensitive, where even lasers cannot be used. They can be used to eliminate crow's feet and other minor wrinkles around the eyes.
Very safe
PRP is incredibly secure because it employs your own natural ingredients and is not an unknown or least-tried-out treatment. Since the 1970s, it has been widely employed in sports medicine for its efficient wound-healing qualities.
Long-term effects
After usually three sessions, the effects of platelet-rich plasma therapy can remain for up to twelve to eighteen months.
Side effects of platelet-rich plasma therapy
- Irritation
- Muscle aches
- Inflammation
- Bladder control issues
- Tiredness
- Scar at the injection site
- ConfusionÂ
Fortunately, studies suggest that PRP therapy has only a few downsides. Always ensure that you consult your doctor before undergoing the PRP procedure.
The bottomline
According to the research and experiences of dermatologists, PRP has emerged as a highly effective method for supporting scalp health and promoting hair growth. It has gained widespread popularity among millions of individuals due to its ability to deliver positive results when performed correctly, utilizing the latest technologies, methods, and medications.
PRP therapy often serves as an initial step in various hair loss treatment procedures, including hair transplantation. It is recognized for its healing properties and the ability to supply essential growth nutrients to the hair follicles, ultimately stimulating the growth of new hair in the targeted areas. This unique characteristic makes PRP an ideal solution for combating balding and addressing hair loss concerns.
The success of PRP therapy in the field of hair restoration has led to its integration into comprehensive treatment plans, as it complements and enhances other hair loss treatments. Dermatologists and healthcare professionals utilize PRP as a valuable tool in their arsenal to provide effective and personalized solutions for individuals seeking to combat hair loss and promote healthy hair growth.
Get in touch with AKJ Skin and Laser Centre in Chennai if you wish to get PRP hair treatment under the guidance of skilled and highly experienced physicians.
