Platelet-rich plasma or PRP therapy in this process is helped to stimulate growth of the hair follicles. Our blood is made up of both red blood cells and plasma, plasma contains white blood cells and platelets which are rich in growth factors. When injected, these growth factors signal the skin cells to function and stimulate the activity of the hair follicles to promote new hair growth. This is done by moving the follicles from telogen or dormant stage to the anagen or growing stage. The PRP kits in which we use also contain Biotin/Vitamin B7 which helps to improve the body’s keratin infrastructure. (Keratin is what our hair is made up of.)
The Process
There will be two vials of blood drawn before the procedure that will be placed into the centrifuge. This is a machine which spins the blood to separate out the red blood cells from the plasma. The plasma which is rich in platelets is then injected into the scalp in the area of which you wish to stimulate hair growth. Injections are done approximately every half inch in the area of thinning hair.
Risk Involved
Because PRP uses a person’s own blood, there are few risks involved. Although the following side effects may be experienced:
- Mild pain at injection site
- Scalp tenderness
- Swelling
- Headache
- Itching
- Temporary bleeding at the injection site
