How many treatments are required?
Most patients need 3 treatments to start, spaced one month apart. This delivers a high concentration of growth factors and stimulates all the hair to grow. Like all treatments for balding, PRP is not permanent. To maintain the new growth, patients should have one treatment every 3 months thereafter. There is evidence that regular treatments can significantly slow down hair loss and increase hair density.
Is PRP for hair restoration time consuming?
No, the whole process takes under an hour. First your blood is drawn; then it is processed which takes about 10-15 minutes. After processing, the PRP is injected into your scalp which takes as little as 3-5 minutes. Afterwards microneedling is done to the the scalp which takes about 10-15 minutes.(Do plan to be in the office for an hour.)
Does the procedure hurt & are there restrictions?
Topical numbing cream is applied to the sclap. Then there are approximately10-15 shots of PRP into the scalp. Microneedling is done immediately afterwards which some patients say feels like a massage. Avoid washing hair for 4 hours and no color for 48 hours after treatment. Otherwise no other restrictions.
How to prepare for your treatment
You should not take Aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen (Aleve), prednisone or NSAIDs prior to or after treatment for one week. These medications may affect the platelets. Tylenol or acetaminophen is safe. Ideally wash your hair the day of or the night before the procedure. Drink plenty of water and limit caffeine intake on the day of treatment to assist with the blood draw.
What will I look like immediately afterwards?
Topical numbing cream is placed on the scalp making the hair greasy. The scalp can appear a little red after the treatment for 1-2 hours. It is ideal to wait 4 hours to wash hair after treatment.
Can PRP be done to thicken thin hair and to stop shedding?
Some people have used PRP cosmetically to thicken normal hair. Patients are finding that PRP treatments can lead to a thicker, better quality hair.
Stress induced hair loss is common and PRP is one of the best treatments to reduce hair shedding. Many patients only need 1-2 treatments to dramatically slow hair shedding.
Can PRP be done for other causes of hair loss?
PRP has been studied in patients with alopecia areata which is an autoimmune condition that causes circular bald patches in the scalp of men and women. In these cases PRP was found to be superior in regrowing hair and maintaining hair compared to the current treatments of injectable steroids. PRP treatments also have fewer side effects than steroid injections. Unfortunately, it is not a covered service by insurance companies at this time.
What else can I do to support hair growth?
Different medications and vitamins can help support hair growth and lead to better outcomes. Patients should take Viviscal, a natural supplement and use Rogaine (minoxidil) combined with a home dermaroller. Prescriptions such as Propecia either by pill or topically help maintain hair. For women, spironolactone and estrogen can help maintain hair.
Call us today if PRP is right for you!
