WHAT IS PRP?
PRP, also known as Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy, is a non-surgical treatment for alopecia, or hair loss, for both men and women.
PRP therapy for hair loss is a three-step medical treatment in which a patient’s blood is drawn, processed, and then injected into the scalp. PRP injections trigger natural hair growth and maintain it by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle and increasing the thickness of the hair shaft.

HOW IT WORKS
PRP Therapy is a method of hair rejuvenation using a natural product derived from a patient’s own blood. PRP is a high concentration of platelets surrounded in its own plasma. A small amount of blood, similar to what is required for a basic lab test, is drawn from the patient and placed in a sterile tube that is spun in a centrifuge to separate the different components of the blood. Red and white blood cells are divided from the high concentration of platelets and the plasma (the clear fluid). The PRP is injected into the patient’s scalp, into the subdermal space, which houses the bulb of the hair follicle. This helps to stimulate the hair follicle, aid in hair regrowth and inhibit further shedding.
PRP contains special cells called platelets, that can theoretically cause growth of the hair follicles by stimulating the stem cells and other cells in the microenvironment of the hair follicle. These special platelet cells promote healing and accelerate the rate and degree of tissue healing and regeneration. The primary purpose of using PRP in hair restoration is to stimulate inactive hair follicles into an active growth phase.

RECOVERY
Most patients will experience mild to moderate swelling of the treated area, this will last for about 12 to 24 hours. Ice or cold compresses can be applied to reduce swelling if required. You may notice a tingling sensation while the cells are being activated. In rare cases skin infection may occur, which is treated with an antibiotic.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
HOW MANY PRP TREATMENTS WILL I NEED?
Most PRP therapy requires three treatments 4 to 6 weeks apart. Maintenance treatments are required every 4 to 6 months.

DOES PRP THERAPY FOR HAIR LOSS WORK?
Individual results vary with each patient. No guarantees of success can be made, but PRP preliminary studies indicate patients can respond to PRP therapy.

IS PRP SAFE?
PRP Therapy is very safe because cells from the patient’s own blood are used, which means there are no preservatives and no chance of the body rejecting the cells. The primary risks and discomforts are related to the blood draw where there is a slight pinch to insert the needle for collection and there is a potential for bruising at the site.

WHO IS NOT A GOOD CANDIDATE FOR PRP TREATMENTS?
You should not have PRP treatment done if you have skin conditions or diseases, such as existing or uncured facial cancer. This includes SCC, BCC and melanoma, systemic cancer, chemotherapy, steroid therapy, dermatological diseases affecting the face (i.e. Porphyria), Blood disorders and platelet abnormalities, Anticoagulation therapy (i.e.: Warfarin)