What is PRP treatment?
PRP stands for ‘Platelet-Rich Plasma’, which is a form of therapy for hair loss. This process is a three-stage medical treatment, involving drawing out a person’s blood, processing it and then finally, injecting it back into the scalp.
In particular, the process focuses on the plasma within your blood, that contains proteins which encourages the blood to clot, and supports cell growth. The plasma is isolated through PRP therapy and concentrated, and is then injected back into the scalp.
Many people within the medical community believe PRP injections encourage natural hair regrowth, and maintenance by increasing the overall blood supply towards the hair follicle. This increased blood supply expands the thickness of the hair shaft.
PRP therapy has been used since the 1980’s, and has been used for treating other medical issues, including injured tendons, ligaments and muscles.
How is PRP therapy implemented?
PRP therapy is a relatively simple process to carry out. The following steps explain the process further, in more detail.
1. The first step involves drawing blood, usually from the arm, and put into a machine called a centrifuge. This machine is designed to separate fluids of differing densities, through spinning extremely fast.
2. The next stage involves waiting about ten minutes for the blood to separate inside the centrifuge. The blood will have separated into three different layers; Platelet-poor plasma, Platelet-rich plasma, and Red blood cells
3. Once the blood has been taken out, and separated into different layers, the next step involves injecting it back into the scalp, particularly the areas that need an increased volume of hair growth the most.
PRP therapy can vary on effects and longevity of the treatment, depending on the individual. The therapy involved usually consists of three treatments ranging from a four to six-week period on average. Maintenance treatments will later be implemented every four to six months, to keep track of the progress of the hair.
PRP therapy is just one option amongst others to restore hair loss, such as Propecia. There is limited proof of the effectiveness of PRP therapy, however there are many patients who have undergone PRP therapy and have had success with it. They state that it is a safe, efficient and effective way to stimulate hair growth once again.
If you are concerned about a thinning scalp, why not Birmingham Dermatology Clinic today, to explore the best options for you!
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