Hair loss can have a devastating effect on the confidence and self-esteem of an individual. It can impact personal and professional life, from getting a job to finding a partner, hair can be a reason for being accepted or rejected. However, there are a few things that can be done to mitigate this issue. One of them is Platelet Rich Plasma treatment, known shortly as PRP treatment.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment is a regenerative hair treatment where the patient’s own blood is used for repairing damaged tissue. The treatment is the ‘go to’ for many clinics for its ability to enhance healing and repair. PRP hair treatment has gained popularity across various fields including orthopaedics, dermatology and cosmetic surgery for its natural and non-invasive approach.
PRP treatment uses Plasma Injections for Hair Growth to naturally stimulate hair follicles. Platelet Rich Plasma treatment is a minimally invasive treatment that rejuvenates the body using the patient’s own blood. How is it done? The human blood contains platelets which is extracted and injected into a ‘damaged’ area of the body where it enhances the rate of tissue repair and regeneration. But, before we get into the mechanisms of Platelet Rich Plasma treatment, we shall discuss what platelets and plasma is and what their role in the human body is.
Platelets are small disc shaped fragments, composed of mostly protein, present in blood and essential for blood clotting and wound healing. Produced in the bone marrow, the platelets quickly gather at the site of the cut or bruise and clot the blood around the area. This is done to stop bleeding.
Plasma makes up for 55% of blood and is pale yellow in colour, is 90% water and 10% proteins. The primary role of plasma is to act as a medium for cells, nutrients and hormones to circulate throughout the body, remove waste products, maintain blood pressure and volume.
PRP Treatment for Hair Loss involves drawing a small amount of blood from the patient and processing it to concentrate the platelets. The resulting plasma therapy for hair helps in regenerating hair follicles by accelerating the body’s healing process. Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is composed of two basic components. Simply, platelet and plasma.
The patient has a little amount of blood drawn, and a test tube is used to hold the blood inside the centrifuge. The test tube spins at a high-speed splitting the blood based on its density. The platelet moves to the top of the test tube and the yellow-coloured liquid is then carefully collected. This liquid is the platelet which is then injected into the patient’s body, repairing and rejuvenating the damaged tissue.
PRP therapy has been used in various medical fields since the 1970s. It gained prominence in the 1990s when athletes started using it to recover faster from injuries. Over the years, its applications have expanded to include a range of medical and cosmetic treatments.
In 1987, Dr Robert Marx published a landmark study demonstrating the ability of PRP treatment to rejuvenate and revive skin and bone tissues at a high rate.
PRP’s medical application rapidly began expand in the 80s and the 90s through maxillofacial and cosmetic surgery aided by the works of Dr Robert Marx. Surgeons realized that using PRP enhanced the healing process of their treatments.
When Plasma Therapy for Hair is administered, it contains a higher concentration of platelets, which release growth factors that stimulate new hair growth. This makes PRP hair treatment a highly effective solution for many suffering from hair thinning
These platelets release growth factors and cytokines that enhance the body's natural healing processes. When injected into damaged tissues, PRP stimulates cell proliferation, collagen production, and tissue regeneration. Since, PRP contains a higher concentration of platelets then normal blood, the platelets trigger and enhances the body’s natural healing processes. The damaged tissues heal at a higher rate when injected with PRP, thus, adoption of the treatment has rapidly expanded into all parts of the world.
Before the procedure, a patient’s medical history is reviewed, and the treatment area is assessed. The skin is cleaned and prepped to ensure a sterile environment.
A small amount of blood is collected from the patient, usually from the arm. The blood is then placed in a centrifuge, which spins it at high speed to separating the platelets from other components of blood.
The concentrated PRP is collected in a syringe and injected directly into the treatment area. The entire process usually takes around 30 minutes to an hour.
Numerous studies have shown that PRP treatment can significantly improve healing and reduce recovery times in various conditions. For example, it has shown promising results in treating knee osteoarthritis and hair loss.
PRP uses the body’s own cells, reducing the risk of allergic reactions or rejection. The increased concentration of platelets accelerates the healing process. The body will take lesser time to heal tissues or bones than normal because of the increased concentration of the platelets.
The human body has a sophisticated way of distinguishing between native and foreign bodies. Since it’s the patient’s own blood involved, we are able to surpass the bridge that is the immune system.
Any new entry into the body would be considered as a ‘foreign’ entity and the immune system will end up fighting it even if it is good for the body. Since it is the patient’s own blood that is in use, the immune system attacking it wouldn’t be a problem as it is not a foreign entity.
PRP Hair Treatment is a versatile and promising therapy that leverages the body’s natural healing mechanisms. Whether used for orthopaedic injuries, dermatological conditions, or cosmetic enhancements, PRP offers a natural, minimally invasive option for patients seeking effective treatment solutions. Research into PRP continues to expand, with ongoing studies exploring its potential in new medical fields and refining its application techniques for better outcomes.