Whether it’s a handful of lost strands in your hairbrush or a receding hairline, hair loss can be frustrating and even devastating. And with approximately 80 million people in the United States alone experiencing hair loss, you’re certainly not alone. We are located in Australia

Fortunately, PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy is a new, exciting treatment option that shows promise for treating hair loss. PRP is derived from your own blood and contains a high concentration of platelets and growth factors. These substances are essential for healing and regeneration, and when injected into the scalp, PRP can stimulate new hair growth.

So how does PRP work? Read on to learn more about this innovative treatment and whether it may be right for you.

What is PRP?

PRP, or platelet-rich plasma therapy, is a medical procedure that uses the patient’s own blood to help heal and regenerate tissue. PRP therapy is most commonly used to treat hair loss, although it can also be used for other medical procedures such as joint repair and wound healing.

The PRP procedure begins with a blood draw. The blood is then centrifuged, separating red blood cells from the plasma. The PRP is then injected back into the patient’s body at the site of hair loss. PRP helps promote healing by stimulating the body’s natural growth factors. These growth factors help promote new cell growth and regeneration, improving hair growth and reducing hair loss.

PRP therapy has been shown to be an effective treatment for hair loss. In clinical studies, PRP has been shown to increase hair growth. PRP therapy is a safe and minimally invasive treatment that can be used alone or in combination with other hair loss treatments such as minoxidil or hair transplant surgery.

How Does PRP Work?

PRP was initially used to treat injuries such as tendonitis and ligament damage and was found to be effective in promoting healing by stimulating the body’s natural growth factors. PRP is thought to work in a similar way for hair loss.

While hair loss is mainly associated with genetics and aging, there are other factors that can contribute to hair loss, such as stress, hormones, and nutrition. PRP is thought to work by stimulating the growth of new hair follicles and improving the health of existing hair follicles. PRP therapy can also help improve the thickness and quality of the hair.

However, PRP is a two-way street. In order for PRP to work, the patient must have healthy hair follicles and be willing to make lifestyle changes that will improve the health of their scalp. PRP will not work if the patient does not have healthy hair follicles or if they are unwilling to quit smoking or eat a Vitamin D- and iron-rich diet.

The actual procedure won’t take longer than 40 minutes from start to finish. First, your blood will be drawn and placed in a centrifuge to be spun down. This process will separate the platelets from the rest of your blood. The PRP will then be injected into your scalp with a thin needle.

You may experience some redness, swelling, and bruising at the injection site. These side effects should resolve within a few days. You may also notice some shedding of the transplanted hair follicles in the first two weeks after PRP injection. This is normal and should not be cause for concern.

Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP Therapy?

PRP therapy is a safe and effective treatment for hair loss. PRP therapy is most effective for patients with early-stage hair loss or thinning hair. This therapy can also be used to treat patients who are not candidates for other hair loss treatments such as minoxidil or hair transplant surgery. PRP therapy is also a good option for patients who are looking for a natural treatment for hair loss.

PRP therapy is not recommended for pregnant or breastfeeding women, as there is no research to show whether PRP is safe for these groups of women. The procedure is also not recommended for patients with active infections or open wounds.

If you have any underlying medical conditions such as platelet disorders, blood-clotting disorders, or cancer, you should not undergo PRP therapy. PRP therapy is also not recommended for patients who are taking Blood Thinners.

Will My Hair Loss Be Reversed With PRP?

While long-term data collection is still ongoing, PRP therapy has shown to be an effective treatment for hair loss in early clinical trials. PRP has also been shown to be a safe and well-tolerated treatment with few side effects. PRP therapy may not be suitable for all patients, but it is a promising treatment option for those suffering from hair loss.

Most patients pair PRP therapy with other hair loss treatments such as minoxidil or Rogaine. PRP can also be used in conjunction with hair transplant surgery to improve the results of the procedure. PRP is not a cure for hair loss, but it can help slow down the progression of hair loss and promote new hair growth.

If you are experiencing hair loss and are interested in PRP therapy, talk to your doctor to see if PRP is right for you.

Risks and Complications

PRP therapy is a safe and effective treatment for hair loss with few risks or complications. The most common side effect of PRP therapy is mild skin irritation at the injection site. Other potential side effects include:

• Infection
• Allergic reaction
• Swelling
• Bruising

Is PRP Therapy Covered By Insurance?

PRP therapy is considered an experimental treatment for hair loss and is not currently covered by insurance. If you are interested in PRP therapy, you will likely have to pay for the treatment out of pocket.

Bottom Line

PRP therapy is a safe and effective treatment for hair loss. It can help stimulate new hair growth and slow down the progression of hair loss. While PRP therapy is not a cure for hair loss, it can help improve the strength of your hair follicles and the appearance of your hair. Make sure to talk to your therapist to see if PRP treatments are right for you.