Hair Loss and Hair Thinning Treatment with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
- Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)
- Transforming Growth Factor group (TGF)
- Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)
- Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF)
- Keratinocyte Growth Factor (KGF)
Frequently Asked Questions
A small blood sample is taken from the patient and put into a centrifuge that spins at high speed. This process takes 10-15 minutes and separates platelets from other blood components. With a finely-gauged needle, the concentration of purified platelets is then injected into the area of hair loss that needs to be treated. Patients can resume their normal activities immediately after having PRP injections.
- Facial PRP instructions:
- Use meticulous sun protection including the following:
- Avoidance of the sun
- Using a wide brim hat outside
- Reapplying sunscreen every 2 hours in sun exposed areas.
- Avoid alcohol based toners for 10-14 days.
- Do not apply make-up for 12 hours
- Use meticulous sun protection including the following:
- PRP for hair loss instructions:
- Use gentle clear shampoo (eg .DHS clear).
- Avoid any hair products for 6-8 hours following treatment.
- Avoid using Minoxidil (Rogaine, etc), hair coloring or straightening for 3 days.
- Avoid heavy exercise and sauna usage for the first 24 hours after treatment.
Men and women with male or female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) are good candidates for PRP treatment. Men and women with round, patchy hair loss on the scalp (condition known as alopecia areata) may also benefit from PRP treatments. However, we still need additional studies to determine the effectiveness of PRP treatments for alopecia areata.
It usually takes 6-12 months to judge the results of PRP for hair loss. Maintenance treatments are often required every 3-6 months to keep maximal hair growth.
Platelets are a component of blood most commonly known for their role in clotting. Additionally, platelets contain hundreds of proteins called growth factors. These growth factors have been shown to promote healing, reduce inflammation, and stimulate hair follicles to grow new hair. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) contains a higher concentration of platelets and therefore, a higher concentration of growth factors than usually found in the blood. By injecting PRP into areas of hair loss, this growth factor-rich plasma promotes hair growth.
Like with any blood drawing and injections, redness, slight bruising, pinpoint bleeding, and minimal swelling are all possible side effects to PRP treatment. Patients are advised to reduce any pain or swelling with ice packs (on for 20 minutes, off for 20 minutes) and Tylenol every 6-8 hours. All details of the treatment will be reviewed more in-depth during in-office consultation with our staff.
There is no activity restrictions after PRP treatment. Other than mild redness or numbness of the scalp (that may be present for several hours), there is no downtime required with PRP treatments.
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Skin & Laser Dermatology Center treats patients for all skin care concerns, including skin cancer surgery, cosmetic dermatology, sclerotherapy, laser peels, laser hair removal, hyperhidrosis, rosacea, and acne treatments.
