PRP – Platelet Rich Plasma
PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma injection is a technique where the patients own blood is used to promote healing, hair growth and stimulation. Furthermore, PRP may assist with those suffering from male or female pattern baldness as well as the many other hair loss conditions that can affect us.
You are probably looking at this page as you have heard of PRP and either want to know more or just to arrange a consultation or treatment. The simplest way to do this is to either send us a quick message or give us a ring on the number above or the clinic mobile below. So, you will be able to speak to an actual doctor who can talk you through the procedure and answer any questions that you have.
Alternatively, you can text PRP to 07881648674 which is the clinic mobile and we will get back to you asap.
Consultation
So the next step is to arrange a face time or face to face consultation with us so we can assess your case. Each patient is different and the length of time it may take to remove and the time in between treatments will vary as well. So if you can to see how we can help you please give us a ring or fill in the above form and we will get back to you.
PRICE
1 session £299.00
3 Sessions £750.00
PRP (platelet rich plasma) Hair Loss.
So what is PRP? Well, Platelet rich plasma contains growth factors such as: PDGF-AB, bFGF, TGF-beta, IGF, VEGF & EGF. Furthermore, PRP has vitamins, nutrients, the presence of hormones and electrolytes all of which promote healing and regeneration. Leucocytes and red blood (which inhibit regeneration) are removed therefore leaving only that which promotes hair growth and regeneration. So, this is considered a safe method of using your body own healing properties to promote growth of hair where possible.
So does PRP work for hair loss?
Firstly, you need to know why you are loosing hair. PRP is not going to work in every case. Establishing a diagnosis first will give you a firm grounding and incite into whether or not this is a treatment for you. So how would you do that? Visiting a qualified Trichologist is the first step. A qualified Trichologist (TTS. reg.) is considered an expert in the field of hair loss and would be best placed to advise on diagnosis. Be aware that there are many clinic who offer PRP. Whoever you choose be mindful that speaking to an expert first could save you a lot of money. Of course we hope that you will visit our clinic. We will give you the honest answer as to whether this is a viable option for you.
PRP ( Platelet Rich Plasma) Benefits for Hair Loss.
Hair loss – this is probably the most common use of PRP injection. So what type of hair loss can PRP help?
Male/Female Pattern Baldness – Research suggests that PRP does have an effect on male pattern baldness. In some cases the slowing or stopping of hair shrinking and is some regrowth has been noted. Please be mindful of those promising results.
Scarring Alopecia – This is not likely to help. Once the hair has gone PRP cannot regenerate hair follicles that don’t exist.
Telogen Effluvium – so this is where PRP could help. However, in any case of telogen Effluvium, the case needs to be established first. PRP should help along promote hair growth along with dealing with the actual cause.
Alopecia Areata – Like telogen effluvium the Platelet Rich Plasma may help. Alopecia Areata presents as bald circular spots. A highly unpredictable autoimmune skin disease that affects both men and women of all ages which can lead to total hair loss throughout the body (alopecia universalis). Effectively, the body recognises those hairs affected by Alopecia Areata as invading antigens thus it creates a defense that blocks the follicles and causes the hair to fall. PRP has helped many to reverse this cycle and promote recovery.
The above are but a few of the many forms of hair loss. Further information of other hair loss conditions are found on this site. The menu is located at the top of each page.
So what happens during PRP treatment?
Firstly, you are invited to lie down on our electric medical couch and relax. Its important that the patient is given a few minutes to relax.
- Next we take a blood sample from the vein in your arm.
- The blood is placed in the centrifuge and processed, separating the platelet rich plasma.
- Now the PRP is processed again to seperate the liquid protein.
- Finally, we inject the the liquid PRP into the affected areas.
So, a course of treatment would be that of 3 sessions 6-8 weeks apart each taking around 30-45 minutes.
How am I going to feel after my PRP session?
Most patients have no issues. PRP is considered safe. There may be a little discomfort during the session. However, afterwards most patient feel fine. There may be some tenderness for a few days along with localised swelling at the injection site for a day or two. Its advisable not to drive home after a session. Furthermore, we encourage bringing a friend or relative along with you.
What should you know about PRP?
So, what is PRP? PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma is a relatively new natural blood plasma treatment, where your own Plasma enriched with your platelets, is injected into the scalp. This helps stabilise and strengthen current hair follicles, increase the follicle density and stimulate therefore waking up those hair follicles which are dormant.
So how does it work?
PRP brings a range of important cells and cell fragments, notably platelets, directly to the problem area. Therefore releasing lots of growth and signaling factors, which in effect activates the nearby tissues and hair follicles.
So what does the treatment involve?
First of all, an in depth discussion with one of our trichologists is needed to confirm your suitability and if the PRP is appropriate for you. The next stage is to take a blood sample which is then spun at high speed in a machine called a centrifuge which results in the production of the PRP. Whilst this is happening, the scalp is numbed. Finally, the PRP is then given through tiny injections in very small amounts into the affected areas of the scalp.
So how long does it take?
Each session takes 30-45 minutes.
So does PRP work for hair loss?
Firstly, PRP is relatively new and the long term effects are yet to be confirmed. However, Plasma treatment is widely thought amongst medical professionals as an effective tool in combating hair loss. The results of some case studies have shown fantastic results. However, like with any treatment results can vary from person to person. Furthermore, the type of hair loss must be taken onto account.
So when we consider temporary hair loss conditions such as alopecia areata or telogen effluvium then the effects tend to be much quicker. In addition, it may not be necessary for further treatments.
So can PRP be used for androgenic hair thinning and hair loss?
Yes, and it is suitable for both male and female patients. I would add that with male pattern or female pattern baldness, the effects of PRP may take 6 months or more. Furthermore, PRP is not permanent. Therefore further treatments in most cases will be required.
So is it safe to have PRP before a hair transplant?
Yes, in fact we would recommend PRP treatment 6-12 weeks prior to your hair transplant, and a course of 3 injections after.
Are there any added chemicals or treatments?
So, an effective additive is Vitamin B6 which may be added. Apart from that as mentioned the PRP is solely your own blood and no other additives are present.
So Is it safe?
First of all PRP Platelet Rich Plasma is considered safe in that the treatment is using entirely your bodies own plasma. Therefore, you remove risks such as reactions to foreign drugs and allergies. However, there are some side effects such as bleeding, tissue damage, nerve injury and infection. Albeit they are rare.
Is it painful?
Like any procedure involving giving injections it often comes down to the professional who is administering the treatment. This should not be a painful experience. Albeit mild discomfort would be expected.
How many sessions would you recommend?
So we would recommend a course of 3 sessions, 6-8 weeks apart. This is considered the most appropriate time difference between treatments. After which, further sessions may be suggested dependant on which hair loss condition you have.
How long does it take to recover from the PRP treatment?
FIrstly, we would recommend you be gentle with the treated area for the first 24-48 hours. Furthermore, the scalp should be left alone during this period. After a couple of days you can shower as normal and return to the gym and other normal activities.