Platelet Rich Plasma for hair loss


The average of adult heads has approximately 120,000 hairs and sheds up tp 100 each day as part of the normal hair growth cycle, so findings a few stray hairs in your hairbrush is expected. However, losing more than a few stands during wash in or scalp is more visible, may indicate that number of hairs being lost is more than normal.

What causes hair loss?

With increasing age, hair growth and renewal shows dawn. In additional to these expected age- related changes, other factors including genetics, autoimmune conditions, hormone changes, skin disorders, medications, stress, poor health and mainutrition can also increase hair loss.

Biology of hair grows cycles

WEach hair follicle is a dynamic mini organ that undergoes perfectly calibrated cycles or growth, regression and rest. The follicle has its own independent biological clock that determinates when the follicle will grow hair, lose hair or lay dormant. When this biological clock is out of balance, under attack, or its environment is altered, the process of hair production is disturbed leading to more hair shedding than hair growth – which can be seen as balding.

Hair Loss in woman

Hair loss can be common after pregnancy and menopause, with 50% of woman experiencing hair loss at the same time. Research studies have shown that 52% of woman were extremely upset by their hair loss and 70% of surveyed woman with hair loss had negative body image and poorer self esteem.

Hair Loss in male

WiAndrogenic Alopecia or Male patterns baldness accounts for more than 95% of hair loss in men, By the age of 35, over 65% if men will experience some degree of noticeable hair loss, and by the age of 50 approximately 85% of men have significantly thinning hair. The has been a noticeable increase in hair loss in younger men: over 25% of men who experience hair loss have experienced thinning before age 21.

Medical management of hair loss

Hair loss can be due to many causes, and assessment by a doctor- GP or Dermatologist is needed to exclude unusual causes shedding. A detailed clinical history and blood tests are essential to make the correct diagnosis and determine if PRP hair restoration may be helpful.

What is PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma)

Hair loss can be due to many causes, and assessment by a doctor- GP or Dermatologist is needed to exclude unusual causes shedding. A detailed clinical history and blood tests are essential to make the correct diagnosis and determine if PRP hair restoration may be helpful.

Why use for hair restoration
  • When PRP is injected into scalp the platelets release growth factors, which instruct other cells on what work must be done eg: produce hair.
  • These growth factors have a fundamental role in hair health, acting as biological switches that can manipulate hair growth.

Benefits
  • For hair restoration has been scientifically proven to improve the growth phase of the hair cycle, improve scalp health and increase hair count, health and thickness.
  • Stabilise Hair loss -PRP release growth factors within the scalp improve blood supply and nutrients to the areas, rejuvenate dormant hair follicles, leading to an overall increase in hair numbers and reduced shedding.

How is PRP therapy done?
  • A small volume 15-30 ml of the patient`s blood is collected in the same way as standard blood test. Using a special separate device centrifuge, the platelets are separated from the whole blood and are collected in concentrated sample known as PRP.
  • PRP is injected into superficial scalp using a fine and short needle after local anaesthetic gel has been applied. The procedure, from the time of arrival until completion is usually one hour.
  • The minimal downtime or recovery time -except for no excessive exercise for 24 hours.

Treatment time   60 minutes (numbing gel 40 minutes and injection time 20 minutes).

Frequency   3 treatment every 4 weeks and then only one every 6-12 months to maintain the result, but all depends on hair loss condition.

PRP Pre-Procedure Care Instructions

Hair Treatment Please inform our staff prior to the day of the PRP therapy if any of the following currently apply to you, as we may not be able to perform your PRP procedure:

  • Platelet disorders and blood disorders.
  • Cancer, Chemotherapy or Radiotherapy.
  • Acute and Chronic Infections.
  • Severe systemic or metabolic conditions/ disorders
  • Anti-coagulation therapy
  • Use of oral corticosteroids within 2 weeks prior to PRP procedure on Pregnancy or breastfeeding.

2 weeks before the procedure:

Cease oral corticosteroids (eg prednisone) for 2 weeks prior to the procedure.

1 week before the procedure:

Do not take any blood thinning medications Aspirin or medications containing Aspirin for 5 days prior to the procedure  Supplements that are known to increase bruising should also be ceased – Garlic, Ginko, Ginseng, Green Tea, Vitamin E, Multi-vitamins, Omega 3,6 and fish oils.

2 days prior to the procedure:
  • Discontinue any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Nurofen, Ibuprofen, Voltaren, Celebrex, Mobic, or any other prescribed anti-inflammatory medications, for 2 days prior until 10 days after the PRP therapy.
  • Minimal alcohol, caffeine, fatty food and ideally have a healthy diet.
  • At least 1 litre of water each day for good hydration (more in warm weather).
  • Try to have a good night’s sleep prior to the day of the procedure as it may assist a higher platelet yield Day of procedure  Wash your hair and do not apply any hair products.
  • Drink at least one litre of water and refrain from excessive exercise (to assist blood collection).
  • Have meals as normal (low fat is best for meal prior to PRP procedure). Do not fast.
  • You will not be able to take any anti-inflammatories for ten days after the procedure. We suggest having some Panadol / Panadeine available in case you need some mild pain relief.

PRP Post-Procedure Care Instructions

Hair Treatment The PRP material that has been injected into your scalp is a natural substance extracted from your blood. Because of this, it is fragile, and needs to be treated carefully, especially in the first 48 hours so that it can complete its regenerative work. Please take the time to read this information so that you can gain maximum benefit from the PRP procedure.

What to expect post injection

The PRP application with its delivery of an abundance of growth factors to the skin layers works by stimulating your body’s normal healing response - to revitalise your scalp and repair and reinvigorate dormant hair follicles. However as the growth factors are more concentrated, the inflammatory and healing response is exaggerated. In some patients, the application site may feel tender to touch, subtle soreness and warmth. These symptoms can last for up to 2 days and then they should ease. All patients should be aware that the PRP application is not a “quick fix” and is meant to be used as part of a comprehensive hair rejuvenation program supervised by your GP, specialist or dedicated cosmetic / hair clinic. As with normal medical guidelines, a healthy diet, minimal caffeine and alcohol and adequate sleep will allow your body the best chance for a good outcome. Individual patients will progress at different rates depending on their age, general health, baseline condition of your skin and hair and the period of time since the hair loss first occurred.

To maximise healing benefit from the PRP therapy we strongly recommend
  • After the PRP application to the skin, it is recommended not to wash your hair for at least 4 hours post-procedure.
  • If you require pain relief, please use Panadol or Panadeine only (dose as usual for you).
  • Please do not use any anti-inflammatory medication (eg: Nurofen) or topical gel (eg: Voltaren) for 7 days post procedure .
  • Please do not take any oral steroids such as Prednisone for 7 days post procedure.
  • For patients who regularly take aspirin, you may resume it 48 hours after the procedure, unless otherwise directed by the attending Doctor for your procedure The number of PRP applications will vary depending on the severity of hair loss. A minimum number of 3* treatments is recommended at an interval of 4 to 6 weeks between procedures. After the third treatment, the treating doctor will assess your progress and then decide on an ongoing treatment program. Although infections caused by the PRP procedure are very rare, please contact the treating doctor if you experience progressive swelling, redness, skin oozing or changes, or fever, during business hours on __0420930104_or you may wish to seek review by your GP, or local Accident & Emergency if after-hours.

What have the clinical studies shown

There have been over 800 research studies to assess if PRP is effective for male and female patterns hair loss (androgenic alopecia) and some autoimmune hair loss disorders. The studies have demonstrated that hair density, hair pull test, level of scalp inflammation and oil secretion were significantly improved for both males and females at 6-9 months after treatment.