Millions of people worldwide struggle with hair loss, which can be caused by a variety of factors such as genetic factors, hormonal changes, stress and anxiety, or certain medical conditions, in addition to side effects from some medications.
Many individuals go to great lengths to solve this problem regardless of the cost, to restore their hair and previous appearance. The issue of hair loss is not limited to women only as many men also suffer from it. Based on that, the beauty industry has developed various cosmetic procedures aimed at increasing hair density and vitality, the latest of these treatments is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections for hair. This treatment has gained significant popularity due to it being a natural and medical treatment. Its composition relies on the patient’s own body components that work on stimulating hair growth and restoring hair health.
So, let’s delve deeply into the latest and promising techniques in the field of hair loss treatment: platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections…
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections for hair
Plasma hair injections are injections rich in platelets extracted from the patient’s own blood, the process involves drawing a sample of blood from the patient, processing this sample to form these platelets and then injecting them into the scalp.
PRP hair injections are beneficial for individuals struggling with hair loss due to hereditary baldness and certain types of alopecia or post-menopausal hair loss. They have a wide range of other applications and uses such as the treatment of pain due to joint inflammation, certain types of muscle, ligament, and tendon injuries, and the healing of some wounds.
Plasma injections work on repairing hair and strengthening it, therefore eliminating hair loss, as well as stimulating the natural hair growth cycle. This is a result of collagen and protein production, the two essential compounds in forming the second middle layer of the skin (the dermis), which are responsible for rejuvenating and revitalizing the skin. Plasma also helps in inhibiting the hormone responsible for hair loss.
The components of PRP injections are the reason for why they are so effective, as they contain the patient’s own plasma and platelets which are the cells that are significantly responsible in promoting healing in various body parts. Therefore, PRP has gained prominence in the field of natural safe cosmetic treatments, as the patient’s own tissues are used.
The doctor may recommend the patient to get repeated sessions as the results may not be permanent. It is also possible that results for joint injections show after several weeks following the session, however, scalp injections may need up to 6 months for results to fully appear.
Benefits of PRP hair injections
One of the most prominent benefits for platelet-rich-plasma hair injections are:
- Reducing scalp inflammation and promoting scalp health.
- Stimulating blood flow to hair follicles.
- Promoting blood vessel growth minimally around the injection site, leading to increased hair growth.
- Increasing hair density and thickness.
- Promoting collagen production in the scalp, resulting in the growth of new hair follicles.
- Treating various hair conditions such as premature baldness and hereditary baldness.
- Treating hair loss and breakage.
- Filling in gaps in the scalp caused by scarring.
- Promoting hair recovery in postpartum women, but it is necessary to consult with a doctor before the procedure.
Contraindications for PRP Hair Treatment
Before undergoing a PRP hair treatment session, a doctor consultation is essential to inform them about your health condition, as well as any supplements, vitamins, or herbs you’re taking so they don’t interfere with the treatment. Additionally, it’s important to be aware that the following cases are not suitable for PRP hair treatments and you may be one of these individuals:
- People with a naturally low platelet count.
- Those with anemia.
- Those with chronic heart disease, diabetes, or thyroid disorders.
- Individuals with active cancers such as skin cancer.
Read also: Hair loss: Types, Treatments and When to See a Doctor?
PRP hair injections steps
First step
A small amount of blood is drawn, typically 10-60 milliliters, from the patient’s vein in the arm. This blood is placed in a centrifuge, a machine that separates fluids of different densities through rapid spinning.
Second step
After approximately 10 minutes in the centrifuge, the blood will be separated into three components:
- Platelet-poor plasma.
- Platelet-rich plasma.
- Red blood cells.
Third step
The platelet-rich plasma is then filled into a syringe and injected into the scalp reaching the lower part of the hair follicles and the targeted treatment areas. The doctor or specialist may also add calcium to activate the platelets and promote hair growth. A single PRP session typically involves 15-20 injections in the scalp.
The results of PRP hair injections
The effectiveness and appearance of the results vary from one person to another depending on the individual’s health condition, daily activities and the cause of hair loss. You should not expect direct results after the injections as cells need approximately 3 months to renew. The PRP hair injections results typically appear after 6 months, where you will notice a visible improvement in hair health, growth and density in addition to enhancement of the strength of the existing hair and rejuvenating it.
Read also: Exosome hair injections: The most suitable non-surgical procedure for your hair
PRP hair injections complications
Platelet-rich-plasma hair injections may cause a few complications such as irritation and slight pain at the injected area in the scalp. Headache and mild temporary bleeding may also occur at the injected area as well as scalp itching, minor bruising and allergic reactions to local anesthesia.
Advices post PRP hair session
You can practice your life normally after the PRP hair injection session, but it is necessary to take precautions such as:
- Avoid smoking after the procedure.
- Avoid hot baths or saunas for a few days following the injection.
- Refrain from showering or shampooing your hair for 24 hours after the procedure.
- Consult your doctor about any medications that should be stopped and for how long.
- Avoid any supplements or vitamins that thin the blood.
- Do not apply ice or any heat source to the injection site for the first 72 hours following the procedure.
- Avoid rubbing or putting pressure on your hair for 24 hours.
- Take pain medication if you experience pain, redness, or itching as prescribed by your doctor.
Platelet-rich-plasma hair injections has always stood out from other hair care treatments as it is a natural and body-derived procedure, it strengthens hair follicles, promotes hair scalp health and treats hair loss issues such as hereditary baldness and many other problems.
If you are struggling from hair loss, the first thing you should do is choose a suitable clinic and consult with an experienced dermatologist. The best solution for you is visiting Dr.Mohanad Adas’ clinic by contacting the following number:
And visit our website for the latest techniques and cosmetic procedures,
