PRP For Hair Restoration
Hair loss can be a distressing issue that worsens as we age. Male and female pattern hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors including hormones, genetics, underlying health (diabetes, prostate cancer) and environmental factors. Prescription medications can be beneficial but may cause unwanted side effects. There are many over the counter products marketed for hair loss, but most are ineffective and have no scientific evidence for their effectiveness. Surgical hair restoration can give amazing results but is very costly and is dependent on the quality and quantity of the donor hair. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a scientifically verified, minimally invasive affordable way to restore your hair density with almost no side effects. The procedure involves injecting your own platelets into your scalp to promote:
• Increased blood supply to the hair follicle
• Increased hair thickness
• Activation and maintenance of the growth phase of the hair cycle
• Reduced shedding
Types of hair loss that can be treated with PRP:
Male pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia). This is when the hair begins to recede at the front and thins at the crown. It often progresses to partial or complete baldness.
Female pattern hair loss. This is when the hair thins all over and does not recede. It rarely leads to total baldness.
PRP injections can be combined with medications that promote hair growth as well as hair transplant surgery. Generally, patients see reduced hair loss in 1-3 months and increased hair thickness in 2-4 months.
The procedure starts with collecting your blood in Health Canada approved PRP collection tubes. The blood is then spun in a centrifuge to separate the platelets suspended in plasma from the red blood cells. This separation produces platelet rich plasma or PRP. The PRP is then injected into the scalp. There is mild pain with the procedure, and it takes about 30 minutes. There is no downtime, and you may resume normal activities afterwards although it is advised to avoid hair dyes and harsh chemicals for 48 hours.
PRP treatments are not a one-time cure. We recommend 3-4 treatments initially spaced 2-3 weeks apart. To maintain the effects single treatments are required every 4-6 months for maintenance. PRP is not a cure for male and female pattern hair loss however, there is evidence that regular treatments can significantly slow down hair loss and increase hair density.
