Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP stimulates a more youthful look and can be used to enhance dermal fillers. Platelets are key factors in hard and soft tissue repair mechanisms. They provide essential growth factors which are involved in stem cell migration, using the patient’s own blood. Plasma contains many factors essential for cell survival including nutrients, vitamins, hormones, electrolytes, growth factors and proteins. A simple blood draw is performed and PRP is injected under the eyes (tear troughs) to reduce dark circles and under-eye sagging or in the cheeks for a cheek lift.
PRP for hair restoration:
Platelets are one of four primary components of blood (the other three are red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma). Platelets promote cell growth and regeneration. As the term “platelet-rich plasma” suggests, platelets are generally about five times more concentrated in PRP than in regular blood. This concentration of platelets is useful, because platelets secrete growth factors than are thought to assist in wound healing and tissue regrowth.
When it comes to hair loss, the theory is that platelets, injected deep into the scalp to reach the bottom of the hair follicle, may stimulate a specialized population of cells named dermal papilla cells, which play a critical role in hair growth.
PRP injections for hair loss are performed in office and require minimal preparation by the patient. A topical numbing cream is applied to the scalp about half an hour prior to the treatment to improve patient discomfort during the procedure. Your medical provider will draw some of your own blood in order to prepare the PRP solution. Your blood is spun down using a centrifuge in a special PRP extracting tube. The PRP solution is removed from your own blood and small amounts of PRP are injected into the scalp experiencing hair loss or thinning hair.
Usually 4-6 treatments sessions are advised 4-6 weeks apart. Hair texture, thickness, and growth of new hair follicles will begin as soon as 2 weeks after initial treatment. We advise patients to wait 3-6 months after initial treatment before assessing final results.