What is platelet-rich-plasma (PRP)?
Platelets are one of four primary components of blood (the other three are red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma). Platelets promote cell growth and regeneration. As the term “platelet-rich plasma” suggests, platelets are generally about five times more concentrated in PRP than in regular blood. This concentration of platelets is useful because platelets secrete growth factors that assist in wound healing and tissue regrowth
When it comes to hair loss, platelets are injected deep into the scalp to reach the bottom of the hair follicle. They stimulate a specialized population of cells called dermal papilla cells that play a critical role in hair growth.
What happens during your treatment?
To create platelet-rich plasma (PRP), our staff at Nuveau Plastic Surgery will take a blood sample from the patient and place it into a device called a centrifuge that rapidly spins the sample, separating out the other components of the blood from the platelets and concentrating them within the plasma.
After creating platelet-rich plasma from the patient’s blood sample, that solution is injected directly into the scalp. The idea is to increase the concentration of specific bioproteins or hormones, called growth factors, in a specific area to accelerate the hair growth.
The procedure is performed after application of topical numbing cream and a cooling device is used during the injection to increase your comfort during the procedure.
At Nuveau Plastic Surgery, we recommend a treatment series of three treatments for optimal results. The reason is that hair follicles have three phases that cycle from month to month. There is the growth phase, the rest phase and the fall phase. It is important to treat the hair in the growth phase in order to fortify the follicle to keep it from falling out during the fall phase.
Patient selection
We recommend our comprehensive consultation to see if this is the right treatment you. PRP injections are effective in treating male pattern baldness and female hormone-related hair loss. It is useful both in preventing hair loss and promoting new hair growth. During our consultation, we will provide you with a indivually-tailored program that may also include over-the-counter as well as prescription-strength medications (such as minoxidil or finasteride) and nutraceutical products (such as Nutrafol or Keravive).
Begin your hair restoration journey with Nuveau Plastic Surgery today by booking your consultation!