Aside from the skin issues and irregularities our faces have, hair loss is one of the most embarrassing things we can experience. Despite having healthy hair, some people still purchase wigs to attain the vibrant hair color they desire. There are several factors that can affect hair loss, and we can indeed prevent them. However, it is hard to dodge these factors when it is time to take the path of aging. Thankfully, Science has a remedy for hair regrowth, so no matter what age you are, your hair does not speak for yourself. We are introducing Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) for hair regrowth!
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma?
Platelet-Rich Plasma is a golden plasma liquid containing a concentrated source of your growth factors and platelets. It also has focused stem cells, allowing additional attraction to the stem cell and cell division for growth. The regeneration happens within the fibrils and tissues while simultaneously occurring up to a month after the injections.
Through a brief description, the PRP process involves drawing blood, separating golden plasma from the rest of the blood components, and finally, injection for hair loss or skin rejuvenation.
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma for hair restoration?
PRP for hair restoration encourages fuller, thicker hair, preventing hair loss. The process triggers natural hair growth, which maintains it by increasing the blood supply to the hair follicle and improving the hair shaft’s thickness.
In detail, the PRP for hair restoration has three stages which require treatment every four to six months.
Stage 1: Your blood is drawn, usually from your arm. Your provider will put this in the centrifuge where the blood substance separation happens.
Stage 2: After ten minutes in the centrifuge, your blood is now separated into platelet-rich plasma, platelet-poor plasma, and red blood cells.
Stage 3: The platelet-rich plasma is drawn into a syringe that your provider will inject into the treatment scalp areas. Although there are studies that suggest the study of PRP for hair restoration is still in its infancy, the process has proved its highest efficiency in the clients who have tried it.
What should you remember before taking Platelet-Rich Plasma for hair restoration?
Three days before your scheduled treatment, you should minimize or, if possible, avoid alcohol consumption and smoking because these will affect your healing process. Before the process, you can continue other hair loss treatments such as minoxidil, laser, and hormone-blocking tablets. It is also okay to dye your hair seven days before the procedure.
It is essential to remember to increase fluid intake by adding two glasses of water every breakfast, lunch, and dinner to your regular drinking routine.
On the day of your PRP hair loss treatment, you should take note of these things:
- Avoid gel, sprays, and styling products on your hair.
- Eat average breakfast or lunch.
- Shower and wash your hair thoroughly with regular shampoo.
- If you are wearing a hair system, remove it and do not wear it before your treatment.
After the procedure, your provider will highly recommend taking a hot shower after the PRP procedure to maximize its effects.
Side effects, risks, and cost
Like any treatments that involve injections, you can experience side effects like infection, scar tissue, injury to nerves or blood vessels, and calcification at the injection sites. Aside from these, there is also a chance you can have an adverse reaction to the anesthetic used in the therapy. If you opt for PRP therapy for hair loss, inform your doctor about your tolerance to analgesics.
Generally, there are no risks for PRP hair loss. However, there is a possibility if you and your provider did not discuss your medical conditions and current health situation. Several professionals will not recommend PRP for hair loss if you are the following:
- Are you a heavy smoker
- Are you on blood thinners
- Have a history of drug and alcohol misuse
You can also risk yourself with PRP for hair loss if you have the following conditions:
- Cancer
- Hypofibrinogenemia
- Acute or chronic infections
- Sepsis
- Thyroid disease
- Chronic skin disease
- Metabolic disorder
- Systemic disorder
- Low platelet count
- Chronic liver disease
- Hemodynamic instability
- Platelet dysfunction syndromes
PRP for hair loss therapy commonly ranges from $1,500 to $3,500 for the first three treatments, where a session costs $400 or more. Remember that this may differ depending on the quality of equipment, your geographical location, and additional nutritional components in your session.
Many insurance plans and companies do not cover cosmetic procedures like PRP, so prepare your budget for the system. You might get discounts depending on your provider’s packages and sales.
PRP vs. Other treatments
According to professionals, other treatments for hair loss are more problematic than PRP. However, there are two FDA-approved medicines for curing hair loss, such as minoxidil and finasteride. You must take precautions in taking these medications and manage your expectations because the results are inconsistent. Each drug can also have side effects; minoxidil can cause itching and dryness in the scalp, and finasteride causes sexual dysfunction in men.
You can also opt for a hair transplant, but it requires cuts in the scalp, plus the downtime is dramatic and taxing.
Longevity of results
Remember that PRP is not a permanent cure for hair loss. It works effectively, but you may need several sessions and treatments to achieve your hair regrowth preference. According to credible sources, a session of PRP for hair loss lasts from 18 months to a maximum of two years. However, your doctor may recommend maintenance injections every three to six months until you are satisfied.
The number of treatments will depend on your condition and your provider’s decision based on your assessment.
Looking for the right PRP practitioner for hair loss is crucial, especially when scamming is prevalent. Luckily, you do not have to endure this anymore as Spa Medica Aesthetic is there to give you the highest quality cosmetic injectables and anti-aging treatments.
If you are more than ready to say goodbye to your hair loss insecurity and problems, contact the best medical aesthetic and get your journey to regrowing healthy, vibrant, and strong hair today!
