All genders across all continents of the world experience hair loss and thinned hair. There are hundreds of hair loss remedies that can be used with different levels of success and reliability. Some are based on solid science, while others are not. One of the most popular and advanced treatments is platelet-rich plasma (PRP). PRP is a substance taken from your blood injected into the scalp to heal your body, including your hair follicles.
A centrifuge-like device is used to extract PRP from blood. It can remove the substance from blood and increase the number of specific proteins that aid in healing. Let’s find out the success of PRP for hair loss. Also, what side effects can be expected.
What is Platelet Rich Plasma?
Two elements make up platelet-rich plasma – plasma (or the liquid portion) and platelets are the types of blood cells that play an essential role in healing the body.
Although platelets are known for their ability to clot, they also contain growth factors that can stimulate cell reproduction and tissue renewal or healing. Therefore, platelet-rich plasma means that there are more platelets in blood than usual.
Physicians take a sample of blood from patients to create platelet-rich plasma. The centrifuge spins the blood quickly, separating the blood components from platelets, and then concentrates them in the plasma.
Effectiveness of PRP Hair Treatments
PRP hair treatment in the UK has some outstanding results but it is found that effectiveness varies because different clinics and researchers use different preparations and session times.
Is it worth to have PRP Treatments?
The findings from the successful treatment of PRP were carried out by a team of researchers and subsequently published in a journal named Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.
The research found that the effective administration of the treatment reduced the rate of hair loss. Additionally, the results were also studied in terms of the density of hair growth and the diameter of the hair, which were found to improve significantly.
There is promising data to support the treatment methodology and the idea that it can promote hair growth among those suffering from baldness or severe hair loss problems. However, PRP cannot treat the underlying cause or issue, which might explain the hair loss. A dermatologist is a suitable person to consult for the procedure and seek an assessment for related side effects, which are minimal and can be easily treated with additional remedies.
The PRP treatment does not restrict the patient from undertaking normal activities once it is administered entirely. However, here are a few factors that throw light on the effectiveness of the treatment for any patient:
Gender – Men and women both can benefit from the treatment.
Alopecia – The treatment is especially effective for those who suffer from alopecia.
Age – The treatment can be administered to a wide array of pupils, ranging from 18 to 72 years old.
Stress-Related – For people who suffer from stress-related hair loss, this treatment has shown remarkable results.
Recent Hair Loss – In cases where hair loss is recent, the treatment can be administered effectively and immediately for better success rates.
Baldness – Since PRP aims to stimulate thick and robust hair growth among hair follicles that continue to function normally, those with an experience of thinning hair or baldness can also benefit from the treatment.
PRP vs Other Hair Treatments
Although results are still being analyzed, there have been no significant side effects from PRP treatments to date. However, treatment is similar to any injection-based therapy in that it can cause infection, scarring, and site bruising.
In addition, standard drug-based therapies can cause scalp irritation, dryness, itching (in the case of minoxidil), and sexual dysfunction (a side effect of finasteride). While drug-based therapies have been successful in terms of results, they are dependent on continuing daily treatments.
On the other hand, PRP therapies have been proven to regrow and maintain hair after a series of treatments that lasted from four to six months and then two to three maintenance treatments per year.
Hair transplantation is another popular option for hair loss. For bald spots, hair transplantation is incredibly effective. PRP can’t regrow hair from anything. There must be at least one dormant hair follicle. A patient with severe alopecia must be “seeded,” using transplanted hair follicles. The ARTAS system for hair transplantation combines the best of both automation and the surgeon’s artistic eye to produce natural-looking hairlines.
As previously mentioned in the Stem Cell Investigation article, PRP treatment is often recommended to be used in conjunction with hair transplantation. PRP therapy can often give the follicles almost all the essential components necessary for survival. Combining this approach allows for large-scale coverage of bald areas, thickening hair, and better follicle retention.
Conclusion
Your goals and the state of your hair today will determine a lot. But it is highly recommended to visit your consultant before getting any treatments.
