What are PRP Hair Injections?
Are you unhappy with thinning hair, or feel that a thicker head of hair would increase your self-esteem and confidence? If so, PRP hair injections can help. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) hair injections are a natural treatment option for those who wish to achieve a thicker and fuller head of hair. This treatment uses the patient’s own body and own growth factors, derived from their blood, to stimulate hair regrowth by activating hair follicle cells.
Because these treatments use the patient’s own tissues, PRP injections are safe and natural, so side effects are rare. PRP hair restoration and platelet-rich plasma therapy are considered natural alternatives or complementary therapies to hair transplants and pharmaceutical treatments, and can also be used in combination with other hair loss treatments for enhanced results.
Causes of Hair Loss
Hair loss, or alopecia, is a common concern that can affect both men and women at various stages of life. The most prevalent form is androgenic alopecia, often referred to as male or female pattern hair loss, which accounts for the majority of cases. This condition is primarily driven by genetic predisposition and hormonal changes, particularly the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Over time, DHT causes hair follicles on the scalp to shrink, leading to gradual thinning of hair and, eventually, a reduction in hair density.
Beyond genetic factors, hair loss can also result from autoimmune conditions like alopecia areata, where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. Another common cause is telogen effluvium, a temporary condition triggered by significant stress, hormonal fluctuations, or underlying medical issues, resulting in increased hair shedding. Certain medications, including those used for cancer, depression, and high blood pressure, may also contribute to thinning hair.
Fortunately, advances in hair restoration have introduced effective treatment options. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has become a leading choice for those seeking to stimulate hair growth and combat hair thinning. PRP treatments utilize the patient’s own blood, concentrating the platelet-rich plasma and injecting it into targeted areas of the scalp. This plasma is rich in growth factors, such as vascular endothelial growth factor, epidermal growth factor, and fibroblast growth factor, which work together to stimulate dormant hair follicles, promote new hair growth, and improve overall hair density.
Most patients undergo a series of PRP injections, typically spaced four to six weeks apart, with maintenance sessions recommended to sustain optimal results. PRP therapy is minimally invasive and can be performed in-office, making it a convenient option for those looking to decrease shedding and achieve improved hair growth without surgery.
The PRP Hair Injection Treatment
PRP therapy for hair loss is a three-step process. This includes the following steps:
- Your blood will be drawn from your arm, similar to a regular blood draw at your doctor’s office. Proper PRP preparation is crucial, involving standardized blood collection and centrifugation methods to concentrate platelets for optimal results.
- The blood will then be placed into a machine called a centrifuge that will rapidly spin to separate the blood into three layers. These layers include platelet-poor plasma, platelet-rich plasma, and red blood cells.
- The platelet-rich plasma will then be placed into syringes and injected into multiple injection sites in the target area of the scalp. The scalp is usually divided into sections to ensure even distribution of PRP across the treatment area. Many practices offer local anesthesia or numbing methods to reduce discomfort at the injection sites. The initial PRP treatment typically lasts 45 to 60 minutes. Platelets in the PRP release growth factors such as PDGF, TGF-b, and VEGF upon injection, promoting wound healing, tissue regeneration, and the formation of new blood vessels (angiogenesis) around hair follicles, which supports hair regrowth.
PRP therapy usually consists of three sessions spaced one month apart, followed by booster sessions every six months for maintenance. However, this may differ from patient to patient depending on individual goals.is may differ from patient to patient depending on individual goals.
PRP Hair Injection Recovery
Following PRP injections for hair growth, patients should avoid washing their hair for 48 hours. Post treatment care is crucial, including avoiding anti-inflammatory agents such as NSAIDs and aspirin for up to 14 days after the procedure, as these may interfere with the effects of PRP. The treatment area may be sore for a couple of days, and mild bruising may occur. Common side effects include mild redness, tenderness, swelling, or itching at the injection sites, and local pain and temporary swelling may also occur.
Healing is an important part of the recovery process, and proper post treatment care supports optimal healing and results. Over-the-counter pain medications that are not anti-inflammatory can help to ease any discomfort. Hair coloring treatments can usually be resumed after one week.
Patients often notice a significant reduction in hair shedding within the first 4–8 weeks of treatment. Results are most noticeable after about six months, though repeat treatments are often needed to maintain improvement in hair growth. Discontinuing PRP treatment will result in hair loss returning, as the benefits are not permanent without ongoing sessions. Dr. Erwin will provide you with specific instructions on how to care for the treatment area after PRP injections to ensure the best possible results. Do not hesitate to contact our office if you have any post-treatment questions or concerns.
PRP Hair Injection FAQs
PRP Hair Injection FAQs
How long does it take for PRP to work on hair?
Does PRP grow new hair?
Will PRP thicken my hair?
What are the side effects of PRP?
Who should not get PRP?
Who is a Candidate for PRP Hair Injections?
Adults who are experiencing hair thinning or hair loss who desire a thicker, fuller head of hair can often benefit from PRP hair injections. However, not all patients are good candidates for this treatment. PRP hair injections are most effective for early to moderate hair loss, particularly in cases of androgenetic alopecia. Clinical studies report success rates of 70% to 80% for suitable candidates, with some patients noticing a 30% to 40% increase in hair thickness, and at least 30-50% of patients may experience some benefit from PRP treatments.
However, those taking blood thinners, are heavy smokers, have certain chronic infections, or other disorders may not be candidates for this treatment. The best way to determine if PRP for hair loss is right for you is to schedule a consultation appointment with Dr. Erwin. During this meeting, you can discuss your concerns regarding hair loss and she can recommend the best treatment option for you.
Contact Us Today
If you are interested in learning more about PRP hair injections to improve hair growth, contact our office today by calling 979-543-9933! Our team will be more than happy to help you schedule your initial appointment with Dr. Erwin, as well as answer any questions that you may have. We want to ensure that each of our patients is fully informed regarding their treatment of choice.
