Have you been experiencing hair loss or maybe increased shedding? Have you tried all of the recommended treatments for several months and nothing is working? Maybe it is time to invest in platelet-rich plasma (PRP). I am going to cover what exactly is PRP, its downsides, and its benefits so you can determine if this hair loss treatment is right for you!
What exactly is PRP
PRP is becoming a popular procedure and is used in many different specialties in medicine. It is a natural procedure as it uses your own plasma, and can be used as an injection or topical application. Concerning PRP for the scalp it is used as an injection. You will need to have your blood drawn so make sure you show up to your appointment well-hydrated. Your blood is then spun in a centrifuge for approximately 10 minutes. This separates your blood into different layers including a PRP layer, which is then drawn up into a syringe and is ready for injection. PRP is rich in growth factors, which can promote collagen growth and hair growth. Read about my favorite clinically proven hair loss vitamin here.
The downsides of PRP
You will need to invest time and money. Every office will have different recommendations as far as how frequently you should be getting injected and for how long. I typically recommend once a month for three months and then every three months after for the remainder of the year. So if you want to do the math that is six appointments in a year. After that year is up, you may require additional maintenance appointments. PRP is by no means inexpensive. It can range anywhere between $300 to $1000 a treatment depending on several different factors including where you are located.
The benefits of PRP
So, is it the magic cure for hair loss? The short answer is, it depends. Since there are several types of hair loss, the first goal is to determine what type of hair loss you are experiencing. This is normally done at a dermatology office. Forms of scarring hair loss are much more difficult to treat and achieve hair regrowth, although not impossible. Types of non-scarring hair loss such as hormonal-related hair loss or androgenetic alopecia have a better chance of seeing some degree of improvement with PRP. Expect the results to be subtle. I recommend taking several before photos from different angles so you can really see what difference it made.
Have you had PRP injections as a form of hair loss treatment? Comment below with your results and if it’s something you would recommend!
*Disclaimer: Opinions expressed are solely my own and do not express the views or opinions of my employer. Information on this website is for education and entertainment purposes only. Content is my opinion. It is not substituted for your own doctor’s medical care or advice. One should not make any health or medical-related decisions based in whole or in part on any content on this site. Content is not intended to replace the services of a licensed, trained health professional. Content may not apply to you as an individual. Although I will update my website with current information, this website is not a definitive guide to dermatology.
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