PRP is a new and promising arena in hair growth and rejuvenation treatment. Simple and cost-effective, PRP is a feasible treatment option for androgenic alopecia, with high overall patient satisfaction.
Hair loss or baldness affects up to a staggering 80% of men and 50% of women during their lifetime. Though common, the condition is the source of anxiety for many people and as such, has been linked to low self-esteem and depression. Short of a surgical hair transplant which is a fairly extreme measure, treatment options have been frustratingly elusive – until now.
The evidence from research to date is stacking up. Just last year, experts reviewed the results of twelve different studies, and the conclusion? PRP demonstrated therapeutic effectiveness for AGA in over 83% of the tests.
Sidebar: What is androgenetic alopecia (AGA) or Pattern Baldness?
A long-term problem, AGA is an age-related disorder that is marked by a progressive reduction in the diameter, length, and pigmentation of the hair. The balding effect is located primarily on the central scalp and can show varying patterns of hair loss.
How Is PRP Administered For Baldness?
PRP treatment for baldness is a two-step process:
A patient’s blood is drawn, after which the platelet rich plasma is separated from the red blood cells via a centrifuge.
The Platelet rich plasma is extracted from the collected blood and re-administered to the affected areas of the scalp via multiple tiny injections.
Each session typically takes about 60 minutes.
Expectations and Aftercare
Initially, you may see swelling; this will gradually subside. For the first two weeks, there is minimal change. Results become more visible around the three weeks as platelets stimulate growth factors with simultaneous hair production; this improvement will continue over the ensuing months. Minimal improvement occurs in persons with heavy alcohol, tobacco or drug usage as these patients produce poor platelet harvests..
Sidebar: What is PRP?
Relatively new biotechnology, PRP stands for ‘Platelet-Rich Plasma’; a non-surgical treatment which uses your own blood to generate growth. First emerging in the 1970s as a treatment option, PRP had its origins in haematology, later making a journey to the surgical setting as a way to control blood flow. Traditionally used in periodontal therapy, maxillofacial surgery, orthopaedics and sports medicine, PRP has more recently captured lots of attention in the field of dermatology; mainly for its role in treating acne scars, fat grafting, wound healing and hair regrowth.
Are There Any Side Effects Of PRP Therapy For Hair Loss?
There have been no significant adverse effects associated with PRP therapy for baldness. What you may experience is tolerable but temporary discomfort during treatment, a mild headache, itching, slight swelling and peeling or flakiness of the scalp.
There’s still a lot to learn about PRP for the treatment of hair loss, and it remains the subject of continued research and scientific testing, but results so far are highly encouraging.
Who Can Have PRP Therapy for Baldness?
While there aren’t any explicit recommendations, there are a few people who will experience the best results. Such people include:
Men and women who’ve experienced natural thinning and balding
Men and women with location-based hair loss (such as the temples and crown)
Men and women who are overall healthy.
PRP is inherently safe, using 100% using a patient own blood cells (known as ‘autologous’) removes the risk of an allergy or rejection. It’s suitable for all skin tones and safe for pregnant or breastfeeding patients.
The best possible way to tell if PRP is right for you is to make an appointment for a free consultation with one of our experienced cosmetic nurses at Skin Centre. Their commitment to a standard of excellence ensures you’ll get not only the best opinion but the best care as well.
Phone Skin Centre now for an appointment – 07 578 5788