Does PRP Really Work for Hair Loss ?
Hair loss is an age-old problem that affects both men and women. Scientists have been working on a permanent cure, and that journey has led them to Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). PRP therapy has been on the market for some time now. It has been used to treat skin problems as well as bones and muscles. In recent years doctors have used PRP for hair loss. To understand the science behind this technique, we should look at platelets and the role they play in the body.
What are Platelets?
Platelets are found in blood and play a major role in the healing process. This is why PRP treatment for hair loss is gaining ground. It is a therapy that depends on the restorative power of platelets to help hair follicles grow hair. PRP for hair loss therapy uses platelet-concentrated blood to promote new hair growth and to maintain the health of the existing ones.
How is PRP Extracted?
To get blood rich in plasma, doctors use a mechanical device that spins drawn blood at high speed. Blood used in PRP for hair loss is usually drawn from the hand. The spinning allows platelets to sink to the bottom while the rest of the blood rises to the top. Another round of spinning makes the PRP richer. This platelet-rich extract is then injected into the scalp experiencing hair loss. This will be done in 3 different rounds, each lasting a month. The unfortunate part is the maintenance. After the therapy, you have to make frequent visits to the doctor every six months or so. This is to ensure you maintain your hair growth.
Is It Reliable?
Efficacy depends on the type of hair loss. Hair loss comes in different forms and names. PRP treatment for hair loss has been proven to work best on men and women with female pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is defined by thinning parts in women and receding hairlines for men. Evidence suggests that for best results, PRP for hair loss needs to be combined with other drugs such as the FDA-approved Minoxidil.
PRP can be used to treat other hair loss conditions. However, it should be noted that there is no scientific backing to support this.
Recovery
Recovering from PRP injections requires no downtime. Most doctors do not see a problem with patients going back to their usual routines after the process. After a PRP hair treatment for hair loss therapy, results may take some time to show. It may take weeks and in some cases, months before you can reap the full benefits.
Side Effects of PRP
There are no serious effects related to PRP treatment for hair loss. Considering that doctors draw blood from the same person with hair loss problems, there are fewer risks involved. Yet, there are a few minor side effects you should be prepared for.
- Skin Tenderness
Due to the injections on the scalp, you may experience some tenderness on the scalp.
- Tingling Scalp
You may also experience some tingling sensation on the scalp after the PRP treatment for hair loss. Avoid scratching if this happens
- Bleeding Scalp
Bleeding after the treatment can happen. This should not cause you any anxiety.
- Headache
On rare occasions, you might experience headaches. This may be due to the multiple injections to the scalp. Do not panic, as this is to be expected, especially if you have a sensitive scalp.
There is no after-therapy care needed. However, this is still some form of surgery. Maintain hygiene, avoid touching or scratching the area, adjust to a healthier diet, and follow the doctor’s advice. PRP treatment for hair loss usually takes at least an hour for each session.
Cost
Most insurance companies consider PRP treatment for hair loss as a cosmetic treatment. This means that they will not cover your bills. This means you find one of the few insurance companies that cover PRP hair loss treatment or opt to dig deep in your pocket. An out-of-pocket payment will cost you between $750 and $1000 for one session out of three. This does not include the follow-up sessions. In a nit shell, PRP for hair loss is a costly treatment.
Is It Permanent?
Unfortunately, PRP treatment for hair loss is not a permanent cure. At the end of the day, a regular visit to the doctor is needed to maintain healthy hair. These visits are usually slated on a 3 to 6 months basis.
Conclusion
PRP treatment for hair loss is still a field being explored. Researchers are still looking at ways it can be used to permanently treat hair loss. Until then, it is a therapy worth looking into if you are suffering from hair loss. This is especially true for female pattern hair loss. Make an appointment with a doctor and get all the information needed.
