Is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) the key to reversing hair loss?

Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a type of blood plasma that has long been utilised to treat musculoskeletal and, more recently, skin disorders. PRP injected into the skin or used after micro needling (a method that utilises small needles to generate microscopic skin incisions), also known as "vampire" treatments, may assist to enhance skin texture and appearance. PRP has recently gained notice as a possible treatment for one of dermatology's most difficult problems: hair loss.


Studies on platelet-rich plasma and the use of PRP injections to treat hair loss are still in the early stages in dermatology. PRP therapy has been demonstrated to be helpful with various growth factors in clinical research for several years, although many dermatologists have only recently begun to use it in their practises. As a result, nothing is known about the PRP technique until you perform considerable research on the subject.

What's the link between platelets and hair growth?

Platelets are one of blood's four main components (the other three are red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma). Platelets help cells to grow and regenerate. Platelets are about five times more concentrated in PRP than in conventional blood, as the phrase "platelet-rich plasma" suggests. Platelets generate growth factors that are supposed to aid in wound healing and tissue renewal, hence this concentration of platelets is beneficial.


Platelets injected deep into the scalp to reach the bottom of the hair follicle may stimulate a particular population of cells known as dermal papilla cells, which play a vital role in hair growth, according to the notion.


Obtaining platelet-rich plasma and administering it

PRP is obtained by the use of a centrifuge and a blood pull. Blood is extracted from your arm and spun down in a centrifuge to produce PRP (a machine that spins at high speeds to help separate blood components). The plasma rises to the top after centrifugation, and the PRP is in the lower section of the plasma. A second spin is sometimes used to boost the platelet concentration in the plasma.


Your own platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is obtained and injected into several regions of hair loss on your scalp. Three sessions, roughly one month apart, are usually followed by maintenance sessions every three to six months to maintain the results.


For some types of hair loss, the evidence for platelet-rich plasma is stronger than for others.

The majority of PRP research for hair loss has concentrated on its use to treat androgenetic alopecia (AGA). This disorder, often known as hormone-related baldness, can affect both men and women. Hair loss is most common on the top and front of the head in males with AGA. Thinning happens on the top and crown of the head in women, and it usually starts with the middle hair part becoming broader. PRP appears to perform best when used in conjunction with other AGA treatments, such as topical minoxidil (Rogaine) or oral finasteride (Propecia), an anti-androgenic medicine.


There isn't enough information to say whether PRP is useful for other types of hair loss, such as telogen effluvium (stress-related hair loss), alopecia areata (autoimmune-related non-scarring hair loss), or scarring hair loss.


Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) hair loss therapy is thought to be safe, although PRP injections are not for everyone. Both your scalp and your wallet may suffer as a result of these injections. A single session can cost up to $1,000, with a series of three treatments required to observe any difference. In most cases, these procedures are not covered by insurance.


When administered by a competent medical professional, PRP injections are considered safe. Pain, redness, headaches, and temporary hair shedding are all minor hazards. If you have a history of bleeding issues or autoimmune disease, PRP may not be right for you.


More investigation is required.

PRP harvesting and administration procedures are now used by providers in a number of ways. More study is needed to figure out the best way to get PRP and inject it. Furthermore, additional research is needed to determine how PRP helps regrow hair and whether it can be used to treat less common types of hair loss.


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