When to consider PRP Therapy for Hair Growth?

Hair loss can affect anyone at any age whether it is a man or a women. There are various reasons, such as health conditions, medical treatments, genetic heritage, or lifestyle effects. With advancement in medical science there are many options available that can help in recovering from hair loss and restore a thicker, fuller hair or combat baldness patterns. It has become a very popular treatment over the last few years due endorsements by high profile celebrities and advancement in technology and affordability.

One lesser-known hair loss treatment option that’s increasing in popularity and effectiveness is a procedure known as PRP, or Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy.

The use of blood plasma has had significant coverage in the news recently, as scientists investigate its properties as a potential treatment for those suffering from Covid-19. The theory is that plasma from those who have recovered from the virus could contain the antibodies that would help other sufferers recover. It’s hoped that blood plasma could provide a much-needed and timely treatment to help Covid-19 patients, but how might plasma and particularly PRP Therapy help with hair loss? 

When Should I consider Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy?

PRP is an incredibly diverse treatment. It can help a large variety of conditions — anywhere from androgenic alopecia, a hair-loss condition, to tendon injuries and beyond. So, it can be considered as an option to treat advanced baldness and thinning patches, as well as to boost the thickness of existing hair. It has proven to be particularly effective in treating male pattern baldness.

PRP is also considered to be effective in preventing hair loss or further baldness patterns. For starters, as the entire procedure is minimally invasive and uses a person’s own platelets, almost any patient is eligible to use PRP therapy for hair loss. As such, it can be a good option to consider in the early stages of hair loss or at the first signs of thinning, as well as in advance of some medical treatments that can affect hair growth.

So, whether you have relatively new hair loss concern or longer-term issues, or even if you are concerned about future hair loss, PRP may be able to prevent further losses, thicken your current hair, and encourage new growth.

Who is NOT recommended for PRP?

  1. Anyone with a blood borne Cancer (lymphoma or leukemia), not in remission for at least 5 years
  2. Certain other malignancies or blood borne diseases that you are being treated for
  3. Any current infection
  4. Patients using a high dosage of Coumadin
  5. Anti-inflammatory medicines should be stopped before and after treatment
  6. Patients with cerebral palsy or Parkinson’s disease
  7. General procedural contraindication
  8. Patients with multiple medical issues may not be good candidates

 

Because PRP preparation is created from a patient’s own blood, it is considered a relatively low-risk treatment with the potential to improve or speed healing. But it’s important for doctors to know about a patient’s other medical conditions and current medicines to avoid complications and ensure the best possible results.