What is PRP - Platelet Rich Plasma?
PRP Therapy for Hair Loss: A Natural Approach to Restoration
For individuals grappling with hair loss, the journey to find an effective solution can be long and challenging. Over the years, several treatments have come to the forefront, with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy being one of the most discussed in recent times. Let's delve into the world of PRP and understand its potential in combating hair loss with it.
PRP Mechanism of Action
The rationale behind using PRP for hair loss stems from the high concentration of growth factors present in platelets. When injected into the scalp, these growth factors might:
Stimulate Hair Follicles
Encouraging the follicles to shift from the resting phase to the growth phase.
Strengthen Existing Hair
PRP may fortify existing hairs, making them appear fuller and more vibrant. Hair follicles are spread over different depths of the epidermis on the scalp, and hence the injecting of plasma will get more nutrients to them than they would normally have on their own. The PRP is a method of using the body's own tuned system in areas where our biology (for those with alopecia) have decided are unimportant.
Increase Blood Supply
Enhancing circulation to the hair follicles, promoting growth. There are those in the hair community who advocate scalp massages. Whilst, no doubt, these help improve blood circulation, it probably has negligible impact in comparison to the body's wound healing response.
Advantages of PRP
Natural
Uses the patient's (your) own blood, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or infections. Unlike ingesting a drug, the contents of what you are injecting into your body are your own plasma. Hence, eating well, exercising, keeping your cholesterol down, and ensuring your blood is at the highest quality could impact the efficacy of PRP for you - says the theory.
Minimal Downtime
The procedure is quick, allowing you to resume your regular activities shortly after. Recovery time is same day or 1 day at most usually, and you can be back to your normal life as soon as you leave the clinic. You may have tiny red pricks on your scalp, but these heal within a day or two. If your hair is already long, these will be unnoticeable and if there, then you need only stay indoors for a day - if you even care.
There are some pre-prep steps that can be taken to maximise the quality of your blood plasma. These include high cardio fitness to ensure your blood is pumped full of plasma, a morning HIIT session, and a multivitamin pill an hour before to maximise the nutrients in your blood plasma. Some individuals also take finasteride or dutasteride several hours before without food, which enables a high concentration in your blood plasma.
Post-session, it is better not to undergo strenuous exercise or hit the sauna. You don't want to sweat out the PRP as soon as you just had it done. The scalp will need to heal, and the wound healing response of the body enables the growth factors to cluster in the scalp area.
Versatility
Can be combined with other hair loss treatments for potentially enhanced results. Unlike Regaine, you don't need to have it in your hair daily, morning and night - this will stop your hair getting greasy and allow your pillow to stop going yellow so quickly (Vanish powder with overnight soaking will remove the staining). You won't have to travel with your Regain foam tube wherever you go and the need to apply after gym sessions or a sleepover away from home, won't apply. Having said that, a hair conscious person, you will most likely be doing the PRP and Regaine regimen.
Disadvantages of PRP
Varied Outcomes
As with many treatments, results can differ among individuals. This is the same point that applies to Minoxidil, Finasteride, Dutasteride, derma-rolling. The fact is, that humans have diversity and not all procedures (like drugs used for morbidities in other disciplines) are as effective as one another. If you are new to trying to stop your hair loss, we'd recommend some experimentation.
Cost
PRP treatments can be pricey and often require multiple sessions. The economics of PRP means that the cost for the clinic is mainly in terms of man power, apportioned fixed costs and capex/capex financing, however, from a gross margin perspective, since the consumable is your blood, that doesn't cost the clinic anything as it doesn't have to buy the product. This enables high gross margins and as such, some commentators in the hair community have started circulating doubts about its effectiveness and claiming that PRP has been promoted by Clinics.
There is a lot of research literature available showing that PRP has been utilised in a number of different procedures to positive results. However, there is yet to show head to head clinic studies with derma-rolling/microneedling versus PRP over a 5 year study with a large representative sample size.
On-going maintenance
The effects of PRP aren't permanent. Maintenance sessions are needed. The literature seems to indicate a once monthly PRP session, followed by quarterly or bi-annual sessions. The costs add up. Having said that, every hair defence tactic requires an almost daily regimen, otherwise hair gains will be lost. So the downside is more the cost than it is the inconvenience of an hour's session once a quarter.
Clinics that specialise in PRP
Wimblederm
Thornton House , Thornton Road, Wimbledon, London, SW19 4NQ
Website
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