PRP Therapy or Treatment.
PRP stands for “platelet-rich plasma.” Platelet-rich plasma therapy uses the best rich plasma your blood has to offer because it heals injuries faster, encourages growth factors, and also increases levels of collagen and stem cells—these are naturally produced in the body to keep you looking young and fresh. In this case, those growth factors are used to help regrow thinning hair.
PRP Therapy or Treatment Procedure
PRP injections are done in three steps:
- To carry out the therapy, your own blood is drawn, likely from your arm.
- That blood is then placed into a centrifuge to spin down into three layers: plasma rich in platelets, platelet-poor plasma, and red blood cells. The PRP will be used, and the rest will be tossed.
- That PRP or “blood injection” is then injected into your scalp with a syringe after a local anesthetic has been applied.
Who Can Benefit from PRP Injections?
PRP Therapy can benefit a wider range of people than you may have initially thought. These plasma injections are platelet rich and can potentially help the following groups, both men and women. Male balding and hair thinning is talked about extensively, but women do not often get the same benefit of widespread information. The fact is that women can lose hair, too, due to several different factors.
Those suffering from Hair Loss or Hair Fall. This is also known as male/female pattern baldness. It is a hereditary condition that affects. Many are suffering from hair loss due to high stress levels. Since this condition is not chronic, it can be treated rather easily. The more recent the hair loss occurred, the better your chances are of fixing it before it is too late for PRP injections.
The people with thinning hair are not completely bald people. PRP injections are meant to thicken, strengthen, and grow hair from follicles that are still functioning, however weakly this may seem.
Dos and Don’ts for PRP Injections
There are certain actions that you should take before and after the procedure is carried out. The same is true for things that you shouldn’t do if you want to see results and minimize the chances of experiencing negative side effects.
Pre-Procedure Dos
Shampoo and condition your hair before the procedure. This way, it is clean and free from grease and dirt particles. It provides a sterile environment on your scalp before the injections. Eat a healthy breakfast and drink at least 16 ounces of water. This way, you will not likely experience dizziness, fainting, or nausea. Remember, slight blood will be drawn. If having that done on an empty stomach makes you queasy, you probably should remedy that before going.
Post-Procedure Dos
Resume your normal activities. PRP injections should not incapacitate or inconvenience you in any way. Unlike other procedures, you shouldn’t experience drowsiness or fatigue. Wash your hair on your normal schedule unless the site of the injections is especially irritated or painful.
Pre-Procedure Don’ts
Don’t use any hair products like hairspray or gel for at least three days prior to your PRP injections. This can negatively affect you later in terms of side effects. Don’t smoke or drink heavily beforehand, if at all. This could disqualify you from the procedure, as your platelet count will be lowered significantly.
Post-Procedure Don’ts
Don’t color your hair or get a perm for at least 72 hours after the PRP injections. The harsh chemicals will irritate the site of the injections and possibly cause complications. It also exacerbates scalp pain.
The Recovery Period after PRP Injections
Every procedure has a recovery period. While yours will not prevent you from doing most normal activities, the side effects and pain in the scalp will abate usually after three to four weeks. It should be completely gone after three to six months.
The Side Effects Post-PRP
You need to know that you may be at risk for some negative side effects following PRP Therapy. While most of these are not serious, you should consult your dermatologist if they persist or worsen.
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Scalp pain
- Irritation during the healing process
- Scar tissue at the injection site
- Injury to blood vessels
- Injury to nerves
How Effective Is the PRP Procedure?
While case studies have proven patient satisfaction with PRP injections in the past, it is not quite as beneficial to all people. In these cases, other treatments may be more effective, some not even being dermatological. In cases of thyroid disease, oral medications may resolve the issue instead.
