PRP for Hair Loss: A Safe and Effective Regenerative Treatment
By Dr Anand Raman · Published · Updated · 2 min read
WHAT IS PRP?
PRP stands for “platelet-rich plasma.” Plasma is the component of our blood, which contains platelets. Platelets are important in the daily functioning of our bodies, from the clotting of our blood to the healing of soft tissue. They are rich in growth factor which has several regenerative purposes — one of which is the production of new cells.
PRP has been used for many years in surgery. Soft tissue injuries have been effectively treated with PRP to speed up recovery and aid regeneration of tissue.
One of the most recent and exciting discoveries has been the the use of PRP to regenerate hair growth.
How does it work?
Platelet Rich Plasma uses a sample of your blood spun in a centrifuge to separate the part of the blood rich in platelets/growth factors. This is then injected into your scalp where the hair is thinning to stimulate the hair follicles and encourage new hair growth. A course of treatments is usually recommended for best results.
WHAT IS THE TREATMENT PROCESS LIKE?
Following an initial consultation with Dr Raman at Dr Raman Medical Aesthetics in Clapham. A treatment plan will be put together that involves 3 to 5 sessions spaced 1 month apart. The treatment takes less than an hour, including collecting the blood, separating the plasma, and re-injecting it back into the scalp. Re-injecting these growth factors back into the body has been proven to cause stimulation in cells in the scalp that help to regenerate hair growth.
WHO IS A SUITABLE CANDIDATE FOR PRP FOR HAIR LOSS?
PRP can be very effective for men and women experiencing hair loss. We have found that those with early hair loss tend to achieve the best results. PRP is best used in patients with androgenic alopecia, which is a genetically determined type of hair thinning that typically occurs at the top of the head. In women, this may appear as a widening of the natural parting.
What results can I expect?
For the treatment of hair loss, Dr Raman recommends 3-5 sessions spaced 1 month apart. You should expect to see results 2 to 3 months after starting the treatment. There may be an initial reaction in hair loss/shedding, followed by hair regrowth and increased hair length.
IS PRP SAFE?
Treatment with platelet-rich plasma is both safe and effective. PRP is made from your own blood, so there is no risk of a reaction or other complications.
Platelet-rich plasma is natural and employs the same process the body normally uses to heal just with an added boost from the extra growth factors.
Feel free to book in a no obligation consultation with Dr Raman at Dr Raman Medical Aesthetics in Clapham to discuss any further questions you may have.
Frequently asked questions
How does PRP work for hair loss?
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) uses growth factors from your own blood to stimulate hair follicles. A blood sample is spun in a centrifuge to separate the part rich in platelets. This is injected into the scalp where hair is thinning, to encourage new growth. A course of treatments is usually recommended for best results.
How many PRP sessions do I need for hair loss?
Dr Raman usually recommends 3 to 5 sessions, spaced 1 month apart, after a first consultation. Each session takes less than an hour, including collecting the blood, separating the plasma and injecting it into the scalp.
When will I see results from PRP for hair loss?
Results can be expected 2 to 3 months after starting treatment. At first there may be some hair shedding. This can be followed by hair regrowth and increased hair length.
Who is a good candidate for PRP hair treatment?
PRP can be effective for both men and women with hair loss. People with early hair loss tend to get the best results. It is best used for androgenic alopecia, a genetic type of hair thinning that typically affects the top of the head. In women, it may show as a widening of the natural parting.
