PRP for Hair Loss: Efficacy, Safety, and Cost

Hair loss is a common problem many people face today. Initially, it was associated with aging; however, in the last few decades, people have been facing hair loss problems as early as their mid 30’s. This affects their self-esteem and confidence, which may lead to anxiety and stress. Hair loss occurs due to various factors, such as genetics, medical disorders, hormonal changes, certain nutritional deficiencies, and stress. However, it is relieving to know that many advanced methods and techniques exist to treat hair loss. Let us discuss an advanced method known as “PRP therapy”. This is a non-invasive (does not involve cuts, bleeding, and stitches) method that is gaining immense popularity quickly. PRP stands for “Platelet-rich Plasma”, a technique which uses your blood to treat hair loss. Scroll down to explore the revolutionary hair loss treatment's efficacy, safety and cost.

What is PRP Therapy For Hair Loss?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for hair loss is a procedure in which your blood is drawn, processed, and injected back into your scalp. Human blood comprises two important components- red blood cells (RBCs) and plasma. The plasma contains white blood cells (WBCs) and platelets. which are rich in growth factors like platelet-derived growth factor (PGDF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor (TGF), and some bioactive proteins. These growth factors and proteins promote wound healing and hair growth.

Growth factors are essential for the functioning of the skin cells. They help stimulate the hair follicles activity to promote new hair growth. The platelets help in the healing process. When injected in the damaged areas, they enhance healing.

Your blood is drawn and placed in a centrifuge machine to produce a PRP concentrate.

The machine spins rapidly to extract either the:

● Platelet-rich plasma

● Platelet-poor plasma

● Red blood cells I

n PRP therapy, the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is extracted and used in treating hair loss. This is then injected into the areas of baldness on your head. This is a more natural method of inducing hair growth. The injections are administered 3 times monthly for 3 months, then gradually divided over 3 or 4 months for up to 2 years.

How Does PRP Therapy Work?

The PRP injected into your scalp will accelerate healing around the hair follicles. The growth factors present in the plasma generate the formation of new hair follicles. The high concentration of platelets in plasma cells helps promote hair growth by prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle. PRP enhances the regenerative property of the scalp cells.

Is PRP Therapy for Hair Loss Safe?

PRP therapy is a very safe and effective procedure since it uses your blood to stimulate hair growth. It does involve the use of any medicines or harmful chemicals, or toxins. The risk of allergic reactions or infections is very minimal since your own blood components are used to create the PRP concentrate.

However, you may experience the following symptoms after PRP therapy for hair restoration:

●Mild pain and itching at the injection site

●Mild to moderate headache

●Scalp tenderness and swelling

●Temporary bleeding may be seen at the injection site

Pain can be easily managed with over-the-counter painkillers. Other symptoms usually resolve within a few days.

How Effective is PRP Therapy For Hair Loss?

PRP injections significantly reduce the rate of hair loss, and increase the density and diameter of new hair growth. Various research studies that have been conducted have provided clinical proof about the effectiveness of PRP therapy.

● In 2019, a team of researchers conducted an analysis which focused on 11 research papers. This included 262 volunteers with androgenic alopecia (male and female-pattern baldness). It was concluded that most of the studies proved that PRP injections significantly reduced hair loss, and increased the diameter and density of new hair. This was published in the journal Aesthetic Plastic Surgery.

● Another systematic review featured in Dermatologic Surgery in 2019 examined the results of 19 studies which included 460 volunteers. The studies reported that PRP treatments led to hair regrowth in patients with androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata.

Currently, PRP is considered to be the most promising hair loss treatment. However, it is important to remember that PRP therapy will not treat the underlying causes of hair loss. It promotes new hair growth and improves hair quality over time.

What is the cost of PRP Therapy For Hair Loss?

Normally the cost of PRP therapy per session ranges between Rs. 4,500 to Rs. 12,000 approximately. It is comparatively affordable compared to other hair loss treatment methods, such as hair transplant surgery.

However, the cost varies according to the following factors:

● The patient's age

● The circumference of the bald area to be treated

● The number of sessions required

● The experience and qualification of the hair specialist performing the PRP therapy

● The location of the clinic

● The equipment required to centrifuge your blood sample to collect the PRP concentrate

● Different injection technique

Insurance companies may or may not cover this procedure because some companies consider this to be a cosmetic treatment, while some as a medical treatment.

Takeaway

PRP is an incredibly popular method to treat hair loss using your blood plasma to stimulate hair growth. It is generally a painless procedure with no recovery needed. It is the fastest-growing hair restoration treatment available in the market today. Consult our team of hair specialists at Kosmoderma, who have expertise in PRP therapy with advanced technology and state-of-the-art equipment.