PRP Hair restoration
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for hair loss is a minimally invasive treatment that uses a person’s own blood to promote hair growth. PRP injections are rich in proteins called growth factors, which may stimulate dormant hair follicles when injected into the scalp, encouraging hair regeneration.
Step-by-Step What Happens During PRP Therapy
PRP therapy involves using your own blood to stimulate hair growth. The procedure takes 45 to 60 minutes and involves the following steps:
- Blood draw: A small amount of blood (30 to 60 milliliters) is removed from a vein in your arm and collected in a test tube.
- Centrifugation: A laboratory device called a “centrifuge” rapidly spins the blood to separate the platelets from other blood cells.
- Anesthesia: A local anesthetic (numbing agent), such as EMLA cream, is applied to the scalp to minimize discomfort during the procedure.
- Microneedling (optional): In some cases, microneedling is performed along with PRP therapy. This involves rolling a device with tiny needles across the scalp to create micro-injuries in the skin to enhance PRP’s absorption and effectiveness.
- Injection: A dermatologist injects the platelet-rich plasma into the scalp using tiny needles, usually in a grid-like pattern, to cover select areas of the scalp where hair loss is an issue.
Most people can resume regular activities following the injection.