The Benefits and Process of PRP for Hair Loss at Aesthetica White Lies

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*Sponsored post: Aesthetica White Lies*

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Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy has emerged as a groundbreaking treatment in hair restoration. This innovative procedure leverages the body’s natural healing properties to stimulate hair growth and improve hair health, making it a promising solution for hair loss. Consulting with a trained medical doctor is essential to ensure safety and efficacy.

PRP hair restoration involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting this enriched plasma into the scalp. The high concentration of growth factors in PRP rejuvenates hair follicles, promoting new growth and enhancing the quality of existing hair. Celebrities and influencers have contributed to the buzz around PRP for hair loss by showcasing impressive transformations on social media.

How PRP stimulates hair growth

When injected into the scalp by a qualified medical professional, PRP delivers growth factors directly to the hair follicles, helping to:

• Prolong the anagen phase: Extends the active growth phase of hair follicles, resulting in longer, thicker hair.
• Increase blood supply: Enhances blood circulation to hair follicles, providing essential nutrients and oxygen.
• Reduce inflammation: Creates a healthier environment for hair growth.
• Activate dormant follicles: Stimulates stem cells in hair follicles to encourage new growth.

The PRP treatment process

PRP hair restoration is straightforward and minimally invasive. Here’s a detailed look at each step of the PRP treatment process, all conducted under the supervision of a trained medical doctor.

Initial consultation

The journey begins with a consultation with a doctor who specialises in hair restoration. During this appointment, the doctor will:

• Discuss the patient’s goals and expectations from PRP treatment.
• Determine if the patient is a good candidate for PRP therapy.

Preparation for the procedure

Once the patient is deemed suitable for PRP hair restoration, the treatment can be scheduled. Before the procedure, the following steps are typically taken:

• Avoidance of certain medications: Patients may be advised to avoid anti-inflammatory medications such as aspirin or ibuprofen, as they can interfere with healing.
• Hydration: Staying well hydrated is recommended to facilitate the blood draw.
• Blood quality assessment: It’s crucial to have your doctor assess the quality of your blood before treatment. Healthier blood can lead to better treatment results, as it contains a higher concentration of essential nutrients and growth factors. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle, including a balanced diet, regular exercise, and avoiding smoking, can improve blood quality and enhance PRP therapy outcomes.

The PRP procedure

1. Blood draw: On the day of the treatment, a small amount of blood is drawn from the patient’s arm using a sterile needle by a medical professional.
2. Centrifugation: The drawn blood is placed in a centrifuge, spinning at high speeds for about 10–15 minutes to separate its components.
3. Plasma extraction: The platelet-rich plasma, now separated, is carefully extracted. This PRP contains a high concentration of growth factors essential for stimulating hair growth.
4. Scalp preparation: The patient’s scalp is cleansed thoroughly to ensure a sterile environment. A topical anaesthetic may be applied to minimise discomfort.
5. PRP injections: Using a fine needle, the PRP is injected into the areas of the scalp experiencing hair thinning or loss. The entire injection process usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the treatment area.

Post-treatment care

After the procedure, patients can typically resume their normal activities immediately. However, there are a few post-treatment guidelines to follow:

• Avoid hair washing: Patients are typically advised to avoid washing their hair for 24–48 hours post-treatment to allow the PRP to absorb thoroughly.
• Minimise sun exposure: Direct sun exposure should be avoided for a few days to prevent irritation.
• Avoid hair treatments: Refrain from using harsh hair treatments, such as dyes or chemical products, for at least a week.

Follow-up sessions

For optimal results, multiple PRP sessions are often recommended. A typical treatment plan may involve:

• Initial series: Three to four sessions spaced about four to six weeks apart.
• Maintenance treatments: Follow-up treatments every three to six months to maintain and enhance results.

Results and expectations

Patients can expect to see gradual improvements in hair density, thickness, and overall health within a few months of starting PRP therapy. Full results are usually visible after 6–12 months, with many patients reporting significant hair regrowth and reduced hair shedding.

Benefits of PRP hair restoration

PRP hair restoration offers numerous benefits, making it a popular choice for individuals seeking to improve hair density and combat hair loss.

Natural and safe

• Autologous treatment: Since PRP uses the patient’s own blood, the risk of allergic reactions or adverse side effects is significantly reduced.
• Minimally invasive: The procedure involves simple injections, avoiding the need for surgery or extensive downtime.

Effective for various types of hair loss

• Androgenic alopecia: PRP is particularly effective for androgenic alopecia (pattern baldness), which affects both men and women.
• Alopecia areata: PRP has shown promise in treating alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition.
• Postpartum hair loss: Many women experience hair thinning after childbirth. PRP can help restore hair density and improve hair health during the postpartum period.

Improves hair quality

• Thicker hair strands: Patients often notice an increase in the thickness of individual hair strands.
• Stronger hair: PRP can improve the strength and resilience of hair, reducing breakage and shedding.
• Enhanced hair texture: Many patients report improvements in the texture and shine of their hair.

Quick and convenient

• Short treatment sessions: Each PRP session typically takes 60–90 minutes.
• Minimal downtime: Patients can usually return to their normal activities immediately after the procedure.

Long-lasting results

• Sustained improvements: With a recommended series of initial treatments followed by maintenance sessions, patients can enjoy long-lasting improvements in hair density and quality.

Who is a good candidate for PRP?

PRP hair restoration can be effective for various individuals, but it’s not suitable for everyone. Here are some key factors to consider:

Ideal candidates

1. Early stages of hair loss: Individuals in the early stages of hair thinning or androgenic alopecia tend to respond best to PRP treatment.
2. Good overall health: Candidates should be in generally good health.
3. Healthy hair follicles: Patients with active, albeit weakened, hair follicles will benefit more than those with extensive baldness.
4. Non-smokers: Smoking can impede the body’s natural healing processes and may reduce the effectiveness of PRP therapy.
5. No blood disorders: Conditions such as platelet dysfunction syndromes, chronic liver disease, or anticoagulation therapy may disqualify a patient.

Frequently asked questions

1. How many sessions are needed? Typically, an initial series of 3–4 sessions spaced about four to six weeks apart, followed by maintenance sessions every 3–6 months.
2. Are there any side effects? Side effects are minimal and may include temporary redness, swelling, or mild discomfort at the injection sites.
3. How soon will I see results? Initial improvements may be noticeable within 2–3 months, with full results typically seen after 6–12 months.
4. Is PRP treatment painful? The procedure is generally well tolerated. A topical anaesthetic can be applied to minimise discomfort during injections.

Conclusion

PRP therapy stands as a cutting-edge solution for hair restoration, offering a natural, safe, and highly effective method for addressing hair loss and enhancing hair quality. At Aesthetica White Lies, we take pride in offering this advanced treatment with personalised care to ensure the best possible outcomes for each patient.

Our experienced team is committed to guiding you through every step of the PRP process while providing a comfortable and supportive environment. 

As the field continues to advance, PRP therapy is becoming even more effective and accessible. If you are considering PRP for hair loss, we encourage you to consult with our qualified doctor to evaluate your individual needs and determine whether this innovative therapy is right for you. Begin your journey towards fuller, healthier hair with Aesthetica White Lies, and experience the confidence that comes with a revitalised appearance.

Schedule an appointment at Aesthetica Skin Centre

Website: www.theskincentre.co.za

Phone: +27 78 148 5540

Email: info@theskincentre.co.za

Benoni branch: 32 O’Reilly Merry St, Northmead, Benoni, 1501, Ekurhuleni

Pretoria branch: 107 George Storrar St, Groenkloof, 0027, Pretoria

Facebook: www.facebook.com/aestheticasa

Instagram: www.instagram.com/aestheticaskincentre

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References:

• Gentile, P. et al. (2015) The effect of platelet-rich plasma in hair regrowth: A randomized placebo controlled trial, Stem cells translational medicine. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4622412/
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections (2023) Johns Hopkins Medicine. Available at: https://www.hopkinsmedicine.org/health/treatment-tests-and-therapies/plateletrich-plasma-prp-treatment.
• Pakhomova, E.E. and Smirnova, I.O. (2020) Comparative evaluation of the clinical efficacy of PRP-therapy, minoxidil, and their combination with immunohistochemical study of the dynamics of cell proliferation in the treatment of men with Androgenetic Alopecia, MDPI. Available at: https://www.mdpi.com/1422-0067/21/18/6516.
• N; H.M. (no date) Platelet-rich plasma and its utilities in Alopecia: A systematic review, Dermatologic surgery : official publication for American Society for Dermatologic Surgery [et al.]. Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/31211715/.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) – orthoinfo – aaos (no date) OrthoInfo. Available at: https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/treatment/platelet-rich-plasma-prp/.