Table of contents
PRP therapy for hair loss involves extracting a sample of blood from the patient’s arm and spinning it at high speeds in a centrifuge to separate out key components from its blood.
Platelet rich plasma is then extracted and injected directly into the scalp for treatment, taking just over an hour with no significant downtime required.
Success Rate of PRP Hair Treatment
The success of PRP hair treatment varies based on patient factors: extent of hair loss and biology. Various studies highlight promising outcomes.
A 2015 study on 10 individuals undergoing PRP injections every 2-3 weeks for 3 months revealed enhanced hair count, thickness, and root strength.
The American Sports Journal of Medicine reported an 84% success rate in mitigating tennis elbow pain after 24 weeks of PRP injections.
A recent 2022 study found that 57% of males and 68% of females experienced fresh hair growth post-PRP treatment. Additionally, 48% of males and 20% of females reported reduced hair loss.
PRP success rates hover between 70-90% for average patients, showing better efficacy in younger individuals facing genetic hair thinning.
Smoking, advanced hair loss, baldness, or other conditions can diminish PRP effectiveness.
It’s crucial to recognize that PRP isn’t an instant solution, requiring 3-4 months for noticeable hair growth. Initial outcomes materialize after a few visits, necessitating yearly touch-ups.
Sessions needed depend on patient response; those with denser hair may need fewer.
How Does PRP Therapy Work?
Platelet rich plasma therapy is an advanced medical procedure that utilizes your own natural growth factors to repopulate new hair follicles and thicken existing ones. A sample of blood is collected, similar to what would be taken for a routine blood test, and then placed into a centrifuge which spins at high speeds to separate out its components including plasma.
Plasma injections are then administered using a small needle, using precise placement along thinned areas of the scalp and at regular intervals across its thinning areas. While there can be slight pressure during injections, they usually do not cause pain.
PRP therapy is a safe treatment that requires no downtime; however, it’s essential that you select a physician with experience using this technique.
What is PRP?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is blood that contains high concentrations of growth factors that, when injected into an injured or balding area, can speed up natural healing while stimulating hair regrowth and thickening.
To perform PRP therapy, we first draw a small sample of your blood from either your arm or hand and place it into a centrifuge that spins at high speeds to separate out its constituent parts and isolate platelet-rich plasma for use with an injector syringe on your scalp.
Treatment using shallow injections is minimally invasive and relatively painless; for added comfort a topical numbing solution may be applied directly to the scalp prior to beginning treatment.
How Much PRP Do I Need?
At a PRP session, your medical practitioner will collect blood from your arm and place it into a centrifuge to separate out its key components — plasma — which contains hair-growing platelets — from red blood cells (RBCs).
After centrifuging, your doctor can extract platelet-rich plasma from a tube of blood and inject it directly into your scalp.
Stimulating dormant hair follicles to promote new growth in treated areas, this treatment typically involves three sessions scheduled a month apart followed by maintenance visits once annually; some people may require more or less sessions depending on how their bodies respond to treatment.
How Long Will PRP Take to Work?
PRP results may take time to become visible; this is simply due to its need for time to work effectively. Unlike other treatments that require daily pills or cream application, PRP only needs 60 to 90 minutes of your time each month for effective results.
After drawing blood, it’s placed in a centrifuge which separates platelets from other components of your blood. Platelets contain high concentrations of growth factors which promote hair growth.
PRP injections can then be applied directly into areas of hair loss, stimulating dormant follicles to begin growing again and stop their decline. Most individuals need three sessions spaced out one month apart for optimal results, and once these have been achieved annual maintenance sessions help ensure lasting effects.
How Many PRP Treatments Are Needed for Hair Loss
The quantity of PRP treatments hinges on personal traits and hair loss extent. Most patients require three sessions for optimal outcomes, each spaced a month apart.
Initial treatments need multiple visits for early results, followed by yearly touch-ups to sustain new hair. The cost ranges between $1,500–$3,500 for the first three sessions, with injections priced at $400 or more.
Individuals with denser hair might need fewer sessions. It’s essential to recognize that PRP doesn’t yield instant results; noticeable hair growth takes 3-4 months.
PRP Hair Treatment Side Effects
PRP treatment for hair is generally safe with rare major side effects. Mild effects include pain, bleeding, and redness at injection site. Some patients feel “full” or “tight” immediately post-injection, lasting up to 1 day, and rarely, mild headaches occur the next day.
Hair loss patients might rarely experience dizziness, nausea, and scalp tenderness. Itching, temporary bleeding, and swelling at injection site are possible. Notably, PRP isn’t suitable for everyone; heavy substance use or certain medical conditions may disqualify. Rarely, blood vessels or nerves may sustain injury during treatment. Scar tissue and irritation are potential side effects.
Overall, PRP hair treatment is safe, with mild, infrequent side effects. Consult a doctor for suitability.
How Long Does It Take To See Results From PRP Hair Treatment
Results from PRP hair treatment vary based on factors. Here’s a breakdown:
- Hair texture: Texture improvement might show around 2 weeks after treatment.
- Hair growth: Notable growth often starts 3 to 6 months post initial treatment, though results differ.
- Optimal results: Aim for at least 4 sessions, spaced a month apart, for best outcome.
- Maintenance: After initial phase, maintenance sessions every 6 to 12 months help sustain results.
Remember, immediate effects aren’t typical with PRP. Hair growth takes time and following the session schedule is vital. Results can differ based on age, genetics, and lifestyle.
Generally, it takes months for significant PRP hair treatment results. Consistency is crucial for desired outcome.
