Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments can help in the restoration of hair and other cosmetic plastic surgery measures. The platelets, one type of blood cells, contain growth factors that can activate cell production, accelerate healing and rouse tissue regeneration in the treated area.
This treatment is generally used when hair loss results from androgenetic alopecia, a common disorder that causes hair follicles to shrink. In males, this is known as male pattern baldness.
Although PRP is a fairly new method, it’s scientifically established that it can it can promote hair growth.
Is PRP effective?
In 2019, a team of scientists conducted a systematic examination of the research on PRP as a treatment for hair loss. They found the treatment as controversial, observing that small sample sizes and low quality of research were among the restrictive factors of their examination.
Another systematic review analyzed the results of 19 studies investigating the technique as a treatment for hair loss. More than 400 people participated in these studies. The authors of the review concluded that PRP treatments led to hair regrowth. Nevertheless, the team observed that the effects of PRP may differ, various arrangements and injection methods are employed to administer the technique.
The authors finally explained that, without a standardized protocol for injections, it is difficult to infer that the treatment is effective.
Procedure
The following steps are an example of a common method to PRP inoculations for hair loss:
- A medical expert draws blood from a vein in the arm.
- They place the blood sample in a centrifuge.
- The centrifuge spins the blood, separating its components.
- A medical expert draws the platelets using a syringe.
- A clinician injects the platelets into specific areas of the scalp.
The entire procedure may take about 1 hour, and several sessions may be needed. After receiving the treatment, an individual can typically return to their everyday activities without any restrictions.
Certain changes to the diet and everyday routine may help promote hair growth or avoid hair loss.
Side effects
Possible side effects include a headache, slight pain at the injection site, and scalp soreness.
As the solution comprises an individual’s own blood components, there are few risks of a reaction to the solution itself. Nevertheless, people undergoing PRP treatments for hair loss may experience the following side effects:
- minor pain at the injection site
- scalp inflammation
- puffiness
- a headache
- itching
- temporary bleeding at the injection site
In a nutshell
Researchers have found evidence that the plasma replacement therapy for hair can lead to renewed hair growth. Nevertheless, owing to the limitations of the research and the discrepancy in technique and protocol among doctors, further research is needed to establish whether it is effective.