About PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment for Hair Loss
PRP or platelet-rich-plasma treatment is a non-surgical option for management of hair loss. It is done by separating the plasma from the blood collected from the patients and then introduced into the scalp of the patient through injection or derma-roller to promote hair growth. Plasma is known to be rich in growth factors, and thus has the property to stimulate the inactive hair follicles in the scalp for hair growth. This procedure is often used in conjunction with other hair loss treatment.
How Effective is PRP for Hair Loss?
PRP is a relatively new procedure for hair loss treatment and thus the long term effect of this procedure is yet unknown. A large number of clinical trials and studies are being carried out to understand this procedure closely. While a lot of studies have proved the success of this treatment for hair loss, this procedure has not been approved by the FDA yet. However, over the years PRP or platelet-rich-plasma treatment modality has gained popularity due to its effectiveness and success for hair growth.
Significant change and improvement in hair growth is noted after a couple of sessions over a few months. The first change is often noted after the first session itself. PRP prevents hair loss, by reducing hair shedding. PRP or platelet-rich-plasma cannot stop hair shedding completely, as it is a natural process of the human body, but it can reduce the speed of hair shedding, give the hair a fuller look. It is advised to undergo the treatment for 9 to 12 months for maximum benefit.
It is important to understand, that this treatment is not a complete cure for hair loss and the hair experts cannot give a 100% guarantee that it will work for the patient. The net effect of PRP or platelet-rich-plasma procedure depends on multiple factors such as:
- Severity of the condition
- Underlying cause of hair loss
- Genetic factors
- Overall health of the patient
- Presence of other medical condition in the patient
- Skills of the hair expert.
As mentioned earlier, PRP is often suggested as a complementary procedure to surgical or non-surgical hair treatments which includes hair transplant, special shampoos, topical ointments, vitamin and other supplements for promoting hair growth.
PRP treatment for hair loss may not be the right choice of treatment for everyone, but it can be helpful for anyone suffering from mild to moderate hair loss. It is recommended in people suffering from androgenic alopecia or male pattern baldness. It is effective in patients, whose hair follicles are yet alive. This treatment does not work on dead follicles as seen in extreme hair loss cases. It is ineffective in cases of significant bald patterns over the scalp. This treatment is contraindicated in patient’s suffering from certain skin issues, chronic liver disease, cancer, systemic diseases, metabolic diseases or any type of platelet dysfunction syndrome.
The effectiveness of PRP or platelet-rich-plasma is still questionable being a new therapy. At present, PRP or platelet-rich-plasma is effective for management of mild hair loss or hair thinning or platelet-rich-plasma is effective when used in conjunction with other available treatment for management of hair loss.
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