Hair loss affects millions of men and women nationwide. If you are one of them, chances are you are looking for an effective solution. At LARIA MedSpa, we are proud to offer an emergent treatment that has quickly developed a proven track record of success: PRP therapy.
What is PRP?
PRP is platelet-rich plasma, a product that is present in the blood. Platelet-rich plasma is a nutrient-dense fluid that stimulates cellular regeneration within microenvironments like the hair follicles, joints, and skin. Platelets are robust cells that contain numerous growth factors, each of which is involved in certain cellular processes.
Platelet-rich plasma has a long history of medicinal use related to tissue healing and regeneration. It is no surprise that this therapy has made its way into the field of hair restoration.
How does PRP work for hair restoration?
The primary purpose of PRP treatment for hair loss is to stimulate activity in the hair follicles. This may prompt an active phase of hair growth in follicles that have become inactive. PRP injections into the scalp may also support the active phase of newly implanted hair follicles.Â
These effects occur through the action of various growth factors, including:
- Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)Â is involved in fibrin formation, blood vessel growth, and cell regeneration.
- Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)Â is involved in forming new blood vessels.
- Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2)Â is also involved in blood vessel formation, as well as the generation of specialized cells that heal and rejuvenate.
- Transforming Growth-Factor-Beta (TGF-b)Â is involved in bone metabolism in the body as well as matrix formation between cells.
- Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)Â stimulates collagen proliferation, cell growth, and blood vessel formation.
- Insulin-Like Growth Factor (IGF)Â regulates nearly every cell's physiological regulation.
PRP Hair Restoration Treatment
There are two primary methods of introducing PRP into the hair follicles of the scalp to promote hair growth and rejuvenation.
Microneedling
One technique involves performing microneedling. Microneedling is a procedure that creates micro-wounds in the superficial tissue of the scalp. This is done using a device equipped with fine needles that puncture the skin at a controlled depth.
After microneedling, PRP is applied topically to the scalp. Here, it can penetrate the tissue through the tiny channels created by the needles. These microchannels start to heal within minutes. However, they don’t heal before the PRP, rich in growth factors and nutrients, is absorbed into the scalp. This stimulates the hair follicles and encourages new hair growth.
Direct Injection
Another popular technique for PRP hair restoration involves direct injection of platelet-rich plasma into the scalp in areas experiencing thinning.
The concentrated platelets in PRP form are injected into the targeted areas of the scalp using fine needles. This direct injection ensures that the PRP reaches the deeper layers of the scalp and directly stimulates the hair follicles.
What Steps Are Involved in PRP Hair Restoration Treatment?
The specific steps involved in PRP hair restoration treatment include:
- Initial Consultation: The treatment begins with a thorough consultation with a specialist to assess the patient's scalp condition, hair loss pattern, and overall health. The specialist also discusses the patient's medical history, hair restoration goals, and expectations.
- Preparation for Treatment: A topical anesthetic is applied to the scalp to numb the treatment area, ensuring patient comfort during the procedure. This is typically left on for about 30 minutes.
- Blood Draw: A small amount of the patient’s blood is drawn, usually from the arm. This process is similar to a routine blood test.
- PRP Processing: The blood is placed in a centrifuge, a machine that spins the blood at high speed to separate its components. This process usually takes about 10-15 minutes. The centrifuge separates the platelet-rich plasma from the red blood cells and other blood components. The resulting PRP is rich in growth factors and nutrients essential for healing and regeneration.
- PRP Application: If the microneedling technique is used, a device with fine needles creates micro-wounds in the scalp. This helps the PRP penetrate the scalp more effectively when applied topically. Alternatively, using fine needles, the concentrated PRP is injected into the areas of the scalp experiencing hair thinning or loss. The injections are strategically placed to target inactive or weakened hair follicles.
- Post-Treatment Care: You will receive instructions on how to care for your scalp post-treatment. This may include guidelines on washing hair, avoiding certain activities, and using recommended hair products. Regular follow-up appointments are also scheduled to monitor progress and determine the need for additional treatments.
- Series of Treatments: For optimal results, most patients undergo a series of PRP treatments. The number of sessions can vary depending on the individual’s response to treatment and the extent of hair loss.
- Maintenance: To maintain results, you may require periodic follow-up treatments. The specialist will provide a customized maintenance plan based on your progress and needs.
How Long Do PRP Injections Take for Hair Restoration?
Injection treatment begins with a brief blood draw that takes less than a minute. The second step of centrifugation takes a few minutes, during which topical numbing medication sits on the scalp.Â
The injection aspect of treatment is meticulous – injections are positioned every half inch across the area of thinning. As precise as this step is, it usually takes around 30-60 minutes from start to finish.
What Happens After the PRP Procedure?
In most cases, there is zero downtime after PRP hair treatment. Because injections stimulate an inflammatory cascade through which tissue is repaired, patients are advised not to take any kind of anti-inflammatory medication to manage comfort. Our staff will discuss appropriate medications or strategies to minimize the discomfort that may occur after injections.
How Long Will It Take to See Results?
Consistency is crucial to obtaining satisfactory results from PRP hair restoration.Â
Treatments are typically scheduled monthly for a few months. After the initial series of treatments, injections are repeated every 3-6 months, depending on individual response and results.
Patients can expect to begin noticing improvement within 2-3 months. Initially, you may observe that you’re shedding fewer hairs. Over time, you can expect to see a greater increase in thickness and length.
What Are the Advantages of This Procedure?
Platelet-rich plasma is a promising hair restoration product for several reasons.Â
First, PRP is completely organic. It is harvested from the blood. Treatment is also safe, convenient, and effective.Â
PRP can be prescribed as the sole form of treatment, or it may coincide with traditional therapies ranging from medications such as Minoxidil to hair restoration surgery.
PRP treatment for hair loss may be appropriate for patients with androgenic alopecia at the crown and hairline. Women with alopecia and men and women with diffuse thinning may also achieve desirable results.
What Risks Are Associated With Using PRP for Hair Restoration?
The risk of complications from PRP hair treatment is very low. Common issues include minor discomfort at injection sites, itching, swelling, and dry scalp.
When a skilled provider administers treatment, you are less likely to experience significant side effects.
FAQs
Are Results Permanent?
PRP hair restoration results at LARIA MedSpa are long-lasting but not necessarily permanent. PRP treatments stimulate hair growth by rejuvenating inactive hair follicles. However, ongoing maintenance sessions may be required to sustain optimal results.
Hair growth cycles vary from person to person. Because of this, it's essential to follow a tailored treatment plan recommended by our experts to enjoy sustained benefits. Regular follow-ups and maintenance visits will ensure your hair remains healthy and full.
How Many Sessions Are Required?
Most patients at LARIA MedSpa see the best results after a series of 3-6 PRP hair restoration sessions. These are usually spaced about four weeks apart. The exact number of sessions required varies depending on factors such as:
- Individual hair loss patterns
- The extent of thinning
- Personal goals
During your consultation, our specialists will create a customized treatment plan tailored to your needs. Regular maintenance sessions may also be recommended to preserve and enhance your results over time.
Why Choose LARIA MedSpa?
At LARIA MedSpa, it’s our goal to ensure that every patient enjoys the comfort of our spa suites and leaves our office feeling empowered, youthful, and more confident than ever before. We strive to address your unique medical and aesthetic needs with the utmost care. Our team aims to enhance your natural beauty while focusing on areas that require special attention. Our personalized approach ensures that each treatment is tailored to meet your specific goals.
Choosing LARIA MedSpa for PRP hair restoration treatment means benefiting from advanced medical technology and expertise in the most cutting-edge aesthetic techniques and procedures. We use the best products on the market to deliver superior results, promoting a positive experience that enhances your self-esteem and reveals your natural beauty. With our commitment to excellence and patient satisfaction, you can trust us to help you achieve a fuller, healthier head of hair while enjoying a luxurious and supportive environment.
Schedule a Consultation in Miami
Hair loss has long been perceived as a normal part of aging. It doesn’t have to be, though. PRP has shown promising results for people who want to improve the volume and density of their hair.
Want to learn more about PRP hair restoration treatment and what it can do for you? Contact LARIA MedSpa at (305) 299-7290 to schedule your consultation.
