prp-hair-treatment

Hair Restoration with PRP

Also known as platelet-rich plasma, PRP is often used in hair restoration therapy. Medical experts believe PRP hair treatment effectively triggers hair growth and reverses baldness

Hair loss can be a big deal for most people. The statistics show that over 50 million men and 30 million women at any time have suffered from some form of hair loss. Whatever the cause – stress, age, or genetics – it is almost always disturbing to notice those bald patches or that receding hairline. 

Some decide to go completely bald. And while that doesn’t have to be a bad thing, most of us really wish we had our old look back. Fortunately, there are several treatments for hair loss, with different levels of effectiveness. 

One of the methods we use at Glamor Medical for hair restoration is platelet-rich plasma, or PRP. A fraction of plasma which is rich in platelets and vital growth factors is extracted from the blood and injected into the scalp. Historically, PRP has had several applications in medicine, dermatology and cosmetics, such as: 

  • Treatment of injured ligaments, tendons and muscles 
  • Accelerating wound healing 
  • Treating osteoarthritis and acne 
  • Smoothing wrinkles and tightening skin 
  • Long-lasting total skin rejuvenation

In addition, PRP injections have been shown to help treat hair loss, especially male-pattern baldness. 

So, how does PRP Hair Treatment work? 

The procedure for hair restoration with PRP often involves three separate treatment sessions, spaced 4 – 6 weeks apart. A single session of PRP therapy often takes place within an hour, and does not require a recovery period. 

Typically, blood is drawn from a vein in your arm and placed in a machine. This machine, known as a centrifuge, spins blood samples at very high speeds to separate the components. After about ten minutes, the sample will be separated into three distinct layers, with the platelet-rich plasma in the middle. 

A medical professional then extracts the PRP and injects it into targeted areas of the scalp where hair growth is required. This process may need to be repeated multiple times to maintain the results. 

Backed by Science 

Essentially, PRP consists of blood platelets and growth factors that are known to facilitate healing. 

  • Platelets, or thrombocytes, are the body’s primary agents that help blood clot around wounds and arrest bleeding. 

Researchers figured out early on that injecting concentrated platelets into damaged areas of the body can dramatically speed up the healing process. As a result, PRP therapy became popular for treating injuries, wounds and scars in the late 20th century. 

  • On the other hand, growth factors are key proteins in tissue growth and development. Studies show that growth factors have diverse medical and cosmetic applications, such as skin rejuvenation, acne removal and treating hair loss, especially male-pattern baldness. 

Male-pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia is caused by damaged hair follicles. The follicles produce shorter and shorter strands until they completely stop regenerating hair. By reversing follicle damage, PRP therapy is particularly effective against this type of hair loss. 

Several clinical studies have demonstrated the efficacy of PRP hair treatment. At Glamor Medical, we have recommended PRP therapy to many of our clients, with profound results. It is a lasting hair restoration therapy backed by science. 

Risks of PRP Hair Treatment 

Compared with other methods for hair restoration, PRP hair treatment results in few, if any side effects. Since the PRP injections used come from your own blood components, there is very little chance of a negative reaction to the solution, and the likelihood of communicable diseases is zero.

Still, you may experience the usual side effects of injection-based procedures. On the injected areas of the scalp, there is a possibility of: 

  • Swelling and tenderness at the site of injection 
  • Temporary bleeding, due to blood vessel injury
  • Scalp tenderness 
  • Headache 
  • Itching 

These symptoms, if they do appear, tend to go away on their own after a few days. If they persist, it might be indicative of an underlying issue that requires medical attention. 

Another possible side effect might occur as a response to the anesthetic used during the procedure. If you have a weak tolerance for certain kinds of anesthetics, you should clearly state this before undergoing PRP hair treatment. 

Generally, PRP is far safer (and in many cases, more effective!) than other medications normally prescribed for hair restoration. However, PRP hair treatment may not be recommended for you if you have been previously diagnosed with certain conditions including cancer, chronic infections, platelet dysfunction or low platelet count

Additionally, you may be rejected for PRP therapy if you have a history of drug abuse, alcoholism or heavy smoking. PRP is also risky for people on blood thinners. 

Cost of Hair Restoration with PRP 

PRP hair treatment is often spread out over multiple sessions. Although it differs based on the extent of hair loss, the initial treatment involves an average of three sessions at intervals of 4 – 6 weeks. Since most insurance providers do not cover hair restoration therapy, most clients opt for out-of-pocket payments.

The cost of PRP therapy depends on the equipment used and the nutritive components added to the solution. As a result, the price of a PRP treatment session can cost anywhere between $800 to $1500. At Glamor Medical, you can get personalized prices upon consultation. 

In addition to the initial treatment, we recommend you take maintenance PRP injections twice or thrice a year once hair growth reaches a stable state. These successive treatments are also not usually covered by health insurance. 

Please check with your health insurance provider to know whether PRP hair treatment is covered under your plan. 

Ready to Book an Appointment? 

If you’re battling hair loss, you need guidance on the right hair restoration therapy to pursue. If you are not convinced PRP is the route you wish to go, there are alternative treatments, such as hair transplants and medications. 

We understand that navigating hair loss can be challenging. Not everyone should have to accept hair loss as a fact, especially when you can do something about it. Contact Glamor Medical today, to book a consultation.

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