Overview
Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is a plasma concentrate reaped from the patient's whole blood that comprises predominantly platelets. Numerous growth factors are present within platelet granules. The growth factors stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation leading to increased hair growth. PRP was identified as having a beneficial effect on bone grafting with applications in oral and maxillofacial surgery, orthopedic and cardiac surgery over ten years ago. More recently, increasing interest is seen in the application of PRP in dermatology, for example, tissue regeneration; wound healing and fat grafting. It has also been shown to promote hair survival and growth, both in vitro and in vivo.
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How to Prepare
It is important to drink plenty of fluids and water the day before and the day of your procedure. If you are dehydrated it is much harder to draw your blood and you will not have as much plasma. It is also important to Avoid NSAIDs (ibuprofen, Aleve, naproxen, aspirin) for 7 days prior to your procedure. It is OK to take Tylenol prior to your procedure as this does not thin your blood. We also recommend patients stop herbal supplements 7 days prior (including St Johns Wort, Garlic, Vitamin E, Ginko, etc).
What to Expect
This treatment involves the collection of your blood in a special tube, which is then spun down using a centrifuge to separate the plasma and platelet portion using the separate gel as a special filter. The PRP portion of your blood is then used to re-energize your cells into rejuvenating themselves. The product injected is 100% your own blood product (autologous). Ice is used to alleviate discomfort during the procedure. Most people feel pressure during the treatment, with minimal to no pain.
Results
The amount of hair regrowth depends on each individual and can vary significantly. To get optimal results, it is recommended that you have PRP treatments done monthly for the first 4 months, followed by one treatment every 3 months for a total of one year.
Before and After Photos
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This is a 70 year old man who complained of progressive thinning hair. He underwent 4 PRP treatments over the course of 8 months.
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This is a 70 year old man who complained of progressive thinning hair. He underwent 4 PRP treatments over the course of 8 months.
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This is a 23 year old female with androgenic alopecia. She underwent 6 PRP treatments over a 12 month period.
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This is a 60 year old female with androgenic alopecia. She underwent 8 PRP treatments over a 21 month period.
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This is a 60 year old female with androgenic alopecia. She underwent 8 PRP treatments over a 21 month period.
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This is a 23 year old male who underwent PRP injections for hair restoration. This shows results after 4 treatments over 8 months.
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This is a 71 year old female who under went 11 treatments of PRP injections over the course of 2 years.
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This is a 45 year old male who underwent 4 treatments of PRP over the course of 6 months.
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This is a 32 year old male who has underwent 4 PRP treatments over 10 months.
