Question 1

What is PRP?

Accepted Answer

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is concentrated blood plasma which contains approximately three to five times the number of platelets found in normal circulating blood.
– In addition, it contains platelet derived growth factor (PDGF), vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), transforming growth factor (TGF) and other bioactive proteins that aid in wound healing and possibly hair growth.
– Human blood is comprised primarily of red blood cells (RBC), as well as white blood cells (WBC), platelets, and plasma. By initiating the first step of coagulation, platelets are the key to the body’s ability to heal wounds.
– It is thought that by increasing the platelet count in a wounded area, the body’s healing to that area would be accelerated – explaining the use of PRP (platelet rich plasma) in wound healing. Its possible effects on promoting hair growth would make it potentially useful in both hair transplantation and the medical treatment of hair loss.
– PRP is used in many areas of medicine, including the acceleration of healing of tendon injuries, the treatment of osteoarthritis, in some aspects of dental work (i.e. jaw reconstruction), and in cardiovascular medicine. The concentrated form of plasma has been shown to accelerate wound healing and tissue repair and, thus, could potentially benefit hair restoration procedures.
– PRP can be used to enhance hair growth as a stand-alone treatment (1)(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29904992/), in combination with medical therapy (1,(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29904992/) 2)(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29580860/), or to improve the recovery and results of hair transplant surgery (3)(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29064980/).

Question 2

Can PRP be used to treat hair loss?

Accepted Answer

PRP has been studied in pattern baldness (4)(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33012215/), alopecia areata (5,(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33344340/) 6,(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33034942/) 11)(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23607773/), and scarring alopecia (lichen planopilaris (7,(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26988129/) 8)(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30148733/) and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (8)(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30148733/)) Although PRP does not work in all cases, many people experience positive results.
 
– In hair transplantation, PRP can be injected into or sprayed on the recipient site area to, theoretically, stimulate the healing of the transplanted grafts and into the donor area to facilitate healing of the donor incision and potentially minimize scar formation.

Question 3

How do I know if I am a candidate for PRP?

Accepted Answer

– You are thinning or receding but not totally bald.
 
– You are experiencing pattern hair loss,(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33012215/) alopecia areata,(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/33034942/) traction alopecia and / or some forms of scarring alopecia (lichen planopilaris,(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/26988129/) central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia,(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/30148733/) frontal fibrosing alopecia)(https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31443128/).
 
– You have been told that you are not a good hair transplant candidate.
 
– You are concerned with the possibility of additional future hair loss.
 
– You fully understand the risks, side effects, and benefits of exosome therapy.
 
– You have discussed all other hair loss treatment options with Dr. Osei-Tutu.()

Question 4

What are the contraindications for PRP?

Accepted Answer

Current infections or Sepsis, Skin diseases such as lupus or porphyria
– Current cancer, Current chemotherapy treatments
– Severe metabolic or systemic disorder, Liver disease, Abnormal platelet function (blood disorders), Anticoagulation therapy
– Current use of corticosteroids . Steroid injections in my scalp in the last month.

Question 5

How is the PRP procedure performed?

Accepted Answer

During the procedure, a small sample of blood is taken. This sample is processed in an FDA-cleared device to separate the platelets from other components of the blood.The platelets are activated and concentrated up to seven times. These platelets contain a potent cocktail of growth factors, cytokines, and other proteins and are injected into thinning areas. Microneedling of the skin may also be performed prior to or after PRP injection.

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Question 6

What are the side effects of PRP?

Accepted Answer

Minor discomfort (pin prick sensation) from blood draw
– Pain at the injection site
– Bleeding and bruising
– Short lasting pinkness of the skin
– Dizziness and feeling faint (rare)
– A temporary headache
– Redness in the scalp for 2—4 days
– Swelling in the forehead and around the eyes. There may rarely beswelling discoloration and bruising associated with the procedure.
– Allergic reaction to the injection solution
– Injury to nerve and or muscle while injecting
– Reaction to local freezing medications
– Hair loss (temporary) in the existing hair. This is often termed ‘shock loss.’
– Infection (very rare)
– Itching at the injection sites
– Minor bleeding and bruising at the sites of injections
– Injury to nerve during blood draw (very rare)

Question 7

How long does it take to see improvements?

Accepted Answer

Noticeable results have been reported in as little as can be seen in 3-6 months

Question 8

How many sessions of PRP do I need?

Accepted Answer

We don't know the exact amount. One to three (or more) treatments may be required over the course of a year. Treatment may need to be repeated depending on the individual’s response to therapy, hair loss condition and goals.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)

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