Hair loss can be embarrassing and upsetting, and is much more common than many think. In fact, according to the American Hair Loss Association, by 35, two-thirds of men experience some degree of hair loss, and by the age of 50, about 85% of men have significantly thinner hair. Men are not the only ones that deal with hair loss as we are seeing more and more woman patients inquiring about hair loss treatment. Keep reading to learn more about PRP for hair loss.
WHAT IS PLATELET-RICH FIBRIN HAIR LOSS TREATMENT?
PRF (platelet-rich fibrin) is an advanced form of PRP (platelet rich plasma) that is used to treat hair loss. It has been used for decades in dentistry and orthopedics. Human blood contains red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets, and plasma. We use a specialized centrifuge that spins blood horizontally to maximize the production of PRF.
PRF contains platelets, white blood cells, fibrin and stem cells. Platelets in our blood contain proteins, or growth factors, that increase collagen production, regenerate tissue, tighten skin, rejuvenate the texture of skin and improve hair regrowth. White blood cells aid in tissue regeneration and fibrin acts as a scaffolding on which the growth factors attach to allow a longer release of their growth factors. Stem cells are undifferentiated cells that can turn into progenitor or specialized cells. They act as a repair system for the body to replenish adult tissues.
WHY IS PRF BETTER THAN PRP FOR TREATING HAIR LOSS?
PRF is the next generation or an advanced form of PRP. It is 100% natural and has no additives. Platelet-rich fibrin also contains a greater concentration of growth factors and stem cells, while PRP does not have stem cells or fibrin. This higher concentration of growth factors and stem cells will promote more hair regrowth than PRP alone. The fibrin in PRF acts as a scaffolding to keep the growth factors and stem cells in the area they are injected into. This allows for the release of more growth factors over a longer period of time.
HOW IS PLATELET-RICH FIBRIN HAIR TREATMENT PERFORMED?
Depending on the size of the area being treated, 2-4 vials of blood are drawn from your arm. It is then centrifuged in special tubes in a unique way to activate the fibrin and concentrate more growth factors, white blood cells, and stem cells while separating it from the other blood components which are not needed. The PRF is then carefully withdrawn from the vials and injected into the area of hair loss (or the area of the face requiring rejuvenation).
HOW MANY HAIR LOSS TREATMENTS ARE NEEDED?
Results can vary from person to person. For hair loss treatments, usually, 6 consecutive, monthly treatments are needed. This can be followed by quarterly treatments to maintain the results. After a year, the frequency of treatments can be customized to meet individual patient needs.
WHAT IS THE RECOVERY FROM PRF HAIR LOSS TREATMENT?
It is important to avoid taking anti-inflammatories and using ice packs in the treated area for 3-5 days after the procedure. Should you have discomfort after the procedure, you may take Tylenol although discomfort is rarely experienced. Strenuous activities or air travel should be avoided for 24 hours.
FAQs
AM I A CANDIDATE FOR PRF HAIR TREATMENT?
Many of the patients that we see are great candidates for PRF for hair loss. However, many different medical factors can contribute to hair loss. For example, patients who have cancer or are undergoing chemotherapy or radiation cannot have the treatments. Likewise, people who smoke may not get as good a response to PRF treatments. We recommend scheduling a consultation at WellMedica in order to get a customized treatment plan based on your individual needs.
WHEN WILL I SEE HAIR REGROWTH?
This depends on each patient and the condition their hair is in. It can take at least 3 treatments to start to notice an improvement in your areas of hair loss.
HOW CAN I PREPARE FOR MY PRF APPOINTMENT?
It is important to avoid taking anti-inflammatories 3 days prior to your treatment. Arrive at your appointment with cleanly washed hair.
HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO PERFORM PRF TREATMENTS?
We ask you to come 1 hour in advance to prepare the area and apply the numbing cream. After the numbing cream takes effect, it takes about 15 minutes to perform the PRF procedure.
IS THE PRF PROCEDURE PAINFUL?
PRF requires several injections in the treatment area. You will feel a little stinging or pinching sensation. A topical numbing cream is applied prior to ease the discomfort.
