Overview
Many individuals seek non-surgical treatments for hair loss due to their cost-effectiveness and minimal, if any, downtime. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections have emerged as a popular choice for both permanent and temporary alopecia, offering promising results.
The history of platelet-rich plasma dates back to the 1970s, when it was originally used by haematologists for the treatment of a condition that caused an abnormally low platelet count.
However, because PRP promotes tissue regeneration and healing, it has found its way to many other fields of medicine and gained recognition as a therapy for hair loss.
PRP is a natural and concentrated blood product that is obtained from a person’s own blood, minimising the risk of allergic reactions or adverse effects from synthetics.
Where plasma serves as the liquid that carries blood cells, platelets are primarily responsible for blood clotting and preventing bleeding when injuries occur.
Platelets are notably rich in growth factors and proteins which can support hair follicle growth. In PRP treatment, a solution is created containing 4-8 times more platelets than typically found in blood plasma. This can be particularly beneficial for patients struggling with baldness.
How PRP Works
The growth factors in PRP are believed to make the hair follicle stem cells, which play a role in the regeneration of hair follicles, encourage hair growth. Additionally, they may stimulate the formation of new blood vessels, which can supply oxygen and nutrients to the scalp. Growth factors within PRP can have different functions, including:
Promoting the formation of new blood vessels
Encouraging the growth of hair
Helping in the renewal of hair follicles
Stimulating the production of collagen
Helping in the multiplication and differentiation of cells
Prolonging the duration for which hair stays in the growing (anagen) phase
Stimulating the production of keratin (a protein that helps strengthen the hair)
Candidates
Injections of platelet-rich plasma are popular among people with androgenetic alopecia or pattern hair loss. They may, however, be more effective for individuals up to stage 4 on the Norwood scale or stage 2 on the Ludwig scale.
Bear in mind that PRP can only repair and restore living cells in your scalp. It is generally not considered suitable for scalps that are extensively or completely bald.
Additionally, it may help with alopecia areata – an autoimmune condition in which the body starts attacking its own healthy hair follicles, resulting in inflammation. Due to PRP’s anti-inflammatory effect, it can be a viable treatment option.
Platelet-rich plasma can also be utilised to promote regrowth in individuals experiencing telogen effluvium, a condition characterised by temporary hair loss that results in diffuse thinning of the hair.
However, for this treatment, it is important to have a healthy blood supply and be in good overall health. Certain situations where this treatment might not be recommended can include:
- Use of topical and systemic steroids and anticoagulants
- Presence of an active infection
- Cancer
- Impaired immune system (e.g., HIV)
- Low platelet count in the blood (thrombocytopenia)
Benefits
PRP injections can have several advantages:
PRP can stimulate new blood vessel formation and improve blood flow to the scalp, aiding hair growth.
PRP can increase hair thickness and density and reduce shedding.
PRP can strengthen existing hair and is often used preventatively for early signs of thinning hair.
PRP is a non-surgical treatment with no downtime, making it convenient for patients
PRP is derived from the patient’s own blood, eliminating the risk of allergic reactions, disease transmission, or foreign body reaction.
PRP And Hair Transplant
Platelet-rich plasma injections are often recommended as an adjunct to FUE hair transplant. They can speed up recovery and support the growth of newly transplanted hair as well as the regrowth of donor hair – which is shaved to extract hair grafts.
A session of PRP might be recommended 1 month before surgery. Afterwards, 3 consecutive sessions are recommended for about 2 months, each 4-6 weeks apart – the effects of which can last for a whole year.
Note that PRP’s results are temporary. You need to have maintenance sessions once or twice a year. This treatment is generally considered safe, and you can get it for a lifetime.
While PRP is considered quite effective, it’s not comparable to a surgical hair transplant. Where surgery can restore hair in a completely bald area, you’re less likely to be able to achieve the same with PRP injections. Additionally, unlike PRP, a hair transplant gives permanent results.
Preparation
To extract PRP, around 6-12 mLs of blood is drawn, although it can vary between patients. It is then spun in a centrifuge at 3,500 RPM (rotations per minute) for 5 minutes.
This process separates the blood into 3 different layers according to their varying densities. At the bottom of the tube are the red blood cells, right above them is the layer containing platelet-rich plasma and the topmost layer consists of what’s known as platelet-poor plasma.
Both the bottom and top layers are dispensed with – only the PRP is drawn into the injection. Typically, 5 mL of PRP is enough to cover from the hairline to the crown’s end.
Injection Process
Before injecting PRP into the scalp, the skin is first disinfected. Depending on the method of delivery, topical anaesthetic may be applied to numb the area. PRP can be injected in one of the two ways:
Meso Gun
Tool: A specialised device that delivers precise and consistent amounts of PRP at controlled depths of 3.5 mm all the way to the roots
Benefits: It ensures uniform distribution of PRP and is more time-efficient, quickly and effectively covering larger areas. It also causes less pain and reduces trauma to surrounding tissues, resulting in less bruising and faster recovery.
Traditional Needles
Tool: Manual injections are given using a 30-gauge needle at the same depth of about 3.5 mm, which is adjusted by the practitioner.
Benefits: It allows for greater customisation and precision in targeting specific areas. The practitioner can adjust the injection angle and depth according to the patient’s needs. It also allows for control over the injection process and can be more cost-effective.
The PRP is administered in multiple points, each about 5-10 mm apart, with about 0.1 mL of PRP injected per site. Even small skin injuries or tears created by injections can stimulate the production of growth factors, which can help in hair growth.
The entire treatment can take 30 minutes to an hour.
Recovery
PRP injections have zero downtime, but they can cause some mild side effects, such as pain, headache, redness, and itchiness. To ensure proper recovery, you will be provided with some aftercare instructions about:
Avoid washing the hair for the first 24 hours. Afterwards, use a mild, sulphate-free shampoo to wash the hair and do not use hot water on the scalp for a week.
Do not get into a swimming pool, hot tub, or sauna or engage in any water-based activity that involves submerging your head for the first 48 hours. When swimming afterwards, wear a swim cap for protection against prolonged exposure to chlorine and salt water or limit your time in the pool.
Avoid hair dyeing, bleaching or any other chemical treatments in the first 72 hours. Continue with gentle hair care after that, but it’s best to wait for 1 week before getting any chemical treatment to ensure proper healing of the scalp.
In the first week, avoid using hair dryers on a high heat setting or hot styling tools. Use a cool setting if you need to blow-dry your hair. After 1 week, you can return to using heat styling tools, but always use them cautiously.
Avoid scratching, rubbing, or massaging the treated area to prevent irritation or infection.
Minimise direct sun exposure to the treated area in the first week. Wear a hat or use sunscreen designed for the scalp to protect your skin. After 1 week, you can gradually increase sun exposure but always take precautions to protect your scalp.
In the first 3 days, refrain from consuming alcohol or smoking, as they can interfere with the healing process and reduce the effectiveness of PRP treatment.
Results
You can start seeing the results of your PRP injections 6 months after the treatment, but keep in mind that outcomes can vary between patients.
Cost
A standalone session of PRP injection can cost you around £250 in the UK. In Turkey, if you’re also getting a hair transplant, it might already be included in your treatment plan. Otherwise, it might cost you £200-250. Keep in mind that if it’s very low priced, it may indicate low plasma volume, which can lower the treatment’s impact.
All of Longevita hair transplant treatment plans in Turkey are inclusive of a single PRP session. You’ll have the option to get it in Istanbul or London. You can also schedule subsequent appointments at our London clinic.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections
Frequently Asked Questions
A medical doctor or a surgeon can perform PRP therapy.
We can also put you in touch with our treated patients. You can also check out our website for before and after photos.
Some clinics market PRP as a stem cell hair transplant. While they can be combined, the two are very different hair loss treatments.