PRP is proven to be an effective treatment for hair thinning and hair loss. PRP treatment has shown significant decrease in hair loss and increase in hair growth and hair thickeness in patients with androgenic alopecia, who did not respond to the treatment with Monoxidil and Finasteride. In one of the research study “a significant reduction in hair loss was observed” and the study concluded that “PRP injection is a simple, cost effective and feasible treatment option for androgenic alopecia, with high overall patient satisfaction.” (Swapna et al, 2014).
FAQ's
How is PRP prepared
A healthcare professional will draw a sample of your blood. The amount of the sample depends on where the PRP will be injected, commonly between 10 and 20 milliliters. This is slightly larger than one teaspoon.
● The blood is placed into a centrifuge. This is a machine that spins around very quickly, causing the blood components to separate. The separation process takes about 15 minutes.
● The separated plasma then is prepared for injection into the treatment area.
● The area is numbed with topical Lidocaine to make procedure easily tolerated
● PRP is injected into the areas that are difficult to treat with other procedures, e.g. area around and under your eyes, nasolabial folds, acne scars, etc. to help with sunken skin and volume loss.
● PRP can be pushed deep into the dermis using collagen induction device for all over rejuvenation of the face, neck and décolletage areas.
What to expect after the procedure?
Immediately after PRP injection procedure, the areas injected might be puffy and pink flushed as the healing process activates, so it would be wise not to plan any life-changing events that day. The redness subsides after few hours, but the puffiness may stake 1-2 days to subside untill PRP is reabsorbed by the body. It is expected to have minor bruising at the injection sites, everyone is different though.
You can resume your daily activities next day. You can expect minor peeling in 2-3 days as new skin is formed and the old layer needs to come off. This would be a good time for a gentle exfoliation to reveal your new glowing skin. Your skin will look better every day after the peeling is complete.
What are the side effects of PRP
PRP therapy has been proven safe and effective. It carries almost no adverse effects since the patient will be using their own blood. In multiple studies patients showed virtually no side effects. PRP being autogenous (derived from your own cells), reduces the risks for an allergic reaction that can occur from injecting other medications, such as steroids or hyaluronic acid. There are minor risks that come from any injection itself, including:
- pain at the injection site
- bruising
- redness
- swelling
-
infection
Contraindications for PRP
The procedure may NOT be suitable for you if you:
• Have a known history of clotting or bleeding disorders such as hemophilia.
• Are immune deficient or immune suppressed due to medical conditions or medications.
• Suffer from uncontrolled diabetes (high blood sugar).
• Take anticoagulant (blood thinner) therapies such as warfarin, heparin, or low dose aspirin.
• Suffer from an active skin infection, including bacterial, viral, or fungal infection.
• Suffer from an infection such as hepatitis or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).
• Have or had eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, or auto-immune disease.
• Have an active rash on the face.
• Have a current outbreak of cold sores (herpes).
• Are currently taking acne medication with the ingredient isotretinoin (Accutane) or have taken isotretinoin in the past 6 months.
• Have actinic (solar) keratoses, keloid scars (or a history of keloid scars), warts, , or birthmarks or moles in the treatment area.
• Have darker skin type, as there is a risk of darkening or lightening of the skin after the procedure. Some of the devices authorized for marketing by the FDA were not studied in subjects with darker skin types.
• Are tan or planning to be in the sun in the two weeks following the procedure.
• Suffer from a known malignancy or are undergoing or about to undergo treatments using chemotherapy, radiotherapy, or steroids.
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Are allergic to stainless steel or to topical or local anesthetics or have a history of contact dermatitis to these products