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Hair loss occurs for multiple reasons. One reason is age. The older you get the higher the possibility for hair loss. Another reason hair loss occurs is due to burn accidents. As a result of a personal injury such as car accidents or burning structures, hair loss happens quickly but with that comes loss of confidence and other medical conditions. Using platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments encourages the body to recover from micro trauma by stimulating naturally-present growth factors that heal tissue. These plasma injections are created through using the patient’s own blood sample. Many people are understandably intrigued by the idea of platelet-rich plasma injections, as this treatment uses naturally-occurring material to heal the body and stimulate regrowth. As an experienced hair loss doctor – including Dr. Robin Unger – can confirm, PRP injections can be used for a variety of reasons, including regrowth after hair loss. PRP therapy can be used as a standalone treatment or to supplement additional approaches to hair regrowth.
What is plasma and platelets?
Plasma liquid is a component within whole blood, and is made of proteins and water. This medium is a host for white and red blood cells which flow through the human body. Platelets are blood cells that help close up wounds by clotting blood and supporting other healing functions. PRP creates “micro trauma” in the body by needling the body’s surface and then injecting the affected areas with rich PRP product to promote healing and stimulate regrowth of cells.
How is the PRP solution created?
A doctor takes a sample of the patient’s own blood, and then spins it rapidly through a centrifuge machine. This separates the components of the blood so that the plasma and platelets specifically can be drawn up into an injection needle and then administered to the patient’s area of injury. These platelets are activated and injected right into damaged tissue, releasing growth factors to raise the number of repair cells within the body.
How does the doctor know where to administer the injections?
A doctor that is qualified to administer PRP injections, will consult with a patient prior to giving them this treatment. If the doctor decides that PRP can benefit the patient based on the injury or illness, then one or several injections will be scheduled. A doctor may use an ultrasound imaging machine to guide the injection, for ultimate precision. In hair loss treatments, detailed photographs are taken to guide the path of treatment.
Is PRP treatment painful?
Side effects for platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are quite limited since the solution is made from the patient’s own unique blood. The chances of their body reacting negatively or rejecting the treatment are very low. Patients usually tolerate a platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injection fairly well, since the injury site is anesthetized with a nerve block or local anesthetic. Patients are conscious when the treatment is being administered, so they should anticipate feeling the pressure of the needle but without the associated pain. A small percentage of patients may feel some degree of discomfort in the days following the injection, but typically lasts for only a few days.
