There is a hair loss treatment available that is non-surgical in nature but is regarded as minimally-invasive, and it’s called PRP therapy. PRP stands for platelet rich plasma, and it got its name from the fact that platelet rich plasma obtained from your very own blood is injected into the scalp in order to stimulate the growth of hair.
Just about anyone who is experiencing baldness can benefit from PRP therapy — provided that he or she can afford it. Yes, this revolutionary treatment for hair loss does not come cheap. What’s more, several different sessions have to be performed in order for a person to achieve the expected or desired results.
Sounds interesting? Continue reading for you to know some of the most important matters on PRP therapy.
How It’s Done
The most important component to PRP therapy is your platelet rich plasma. Just like what’s mentioned earlier, it’s derived from your own blood. So initially, blood will be drawn — just like when you are having a routine blood check at your doctor’s office. Afterwards, a machine called centrifuge will separate your blood into various components.
Once the platelet rich plasma is obtained, it will then be injected into multiple spots on your scalp. It is exactly for this reason why PRP therapy is regarded as a minimally-invasive procedure. Because numerous injections have to be performed, a single PRP therapy session usually takes anywhere from 60 to 90 minutes to complete.
Why It’s Pain-Free
By the way, since it is not a surgical procedure, you may immediately go home after having a session of PRP therapy even without assistance. That’s because there is no use of general anesthesia involved. The so-called nerve block will be administered, which involves the injection of mild anesthetic to the nerves close to the skin or scalp.
Thanks to nerve block, PRP therapy is painless although there could be some level of discomfort involved. Experts on PRP therapy say there are no major side effects involved. However, it is very much possible for the treatment site to look reddish and shiny, but the scalp should return to normal in just 24 hours.
Why It Works
According to PRP therapy experts, it works because the platelet rich plasma contains growth factors as well as cells that stimulate cellular growth. When injected into your hair follicles, platelet rich plasma encourages the growth of new hair. In addition, the injection of platelet rich plasma is said to help improve the thickness of your hair.
However, PRP therapy experts say that the hair loss treatment is suitable for individuals who are not completely bald. This means that you are a good candidate for it if your problem is hair thinning. Platelet rich plasma works best on inactive hair follicles, causing them to enter the so-called active growth phase.
Who Can Have It
PRP therapy is suited for men and women who are suffering from hair thinning or baldness. It is said to be very good for those who have androgenetic alopecia, which is the kind of baldness that’s inherited. PRP therapy is also great for those who have traction alopecia caused by excessive pulling of hair during styling.
By the way, it is possible for you to undergo PRP therapy after having hair transplant as a complementary treatment. Also, the intake of certain supplements or drugs may be recommended to enhance the results. It’s important to note that PRP therapy is not a replacement for FDA-approved therapies for hair loss, such as Minoxidil and DHT blockers.
Other Considerations
Do take note that PRP therapy does not produce instantaneous results — don’t expect a thicker mane right after a session. According to experts on this hair loss treatment, initial results may be noted 3 to 4 months after the initial treatment. Also, PRP therapy is usually performed every 3 to 4 weeks, which means it’s not a single-session solution.
PRP therapy also does not come cheap. On an average, this revolutionary treatment for hair loss costs $400 per session. Since there are multiple sessions that need to be performed, you can expect the total treatment cost to be very steep. In addition, PRP therapy is something that is not covered by insurance.
