What Is PRP?
Platelet-rich plasma is a popular treatment under regenerative medicine, used in different fields of medicine for its known safety and efficacy. Autologous plasma rich in platelets is injected into the treatment area for different indications.
How Is It Prepared?
10-16 ml of blood is collected from the patient in test tubes and processed in a centrifuge machine where the cells get separated according to the specific gravity. The resultant plasma with platelets is transferred to syringes and injected into the treatment area.
How Does PRP Help?
When PRP is injected into the scalp, platelets release several growth factors like VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), EGF (epidermal growth factor), FGF (fibroblast growth factor), etc. into the tissues. These stimulate the stem cells and help in healing the damaged tissues and generate newer cells.
What Are the Indications for PRP Treatment?
PRP being a therapy of regenerative medicine, can be used for patchy hair loss – alopecia areata and diffuse hair loss – telogen effluvium. It can also be used to stimulate collagen and elastin production in the skin improve the fine lines over the skin and aid in skin tightening. It is also used for treating leg ulcers, during post-operative dressings, intra-operative regenerative therapy, vaginal rejuvenation, etc.
Is PRP a Safe Procedure?
It is a very safe procedure as it is prepared from your own blood and done in a sterile environment under strict aseptic precautions while processing the sample and injecting.
What Are the Effects of PRP on Hair?
- Increases the overall hair density by increasing the thickness of individual hair shafts.
- Prolongs the growth phase of the hair cycle.
- Stimulates the stem cells located in the hair bulge region and the hair papillae region.
- Repairs the damage caused by oxidative stress created on hair follicles.
What Are the Effects of PRP on Skin?
- Stimulates collagen production resulting in skin tightening effect.
- Stimulates elastin production and increases the elasticity of the skin.
- Increases hydration in the dermis.
- Reduces fine lines.
- Reduces the depth of deeper wrinkles.
- Reduces pigmentation.
- Promotes wound healing.
- Improves the appearance of scars by skin remodelling.
What Is a Vampire Facial?
Vampire facial is a fancy term used for face PRP therapy where PRP is injected into the facial skin or combined with microneedling therapy wherein multiple smaller needles are used to facilitate delivery of PRP into the dermal layer.
What Should I Look for While Considering PRP Therapy?
Consult a board-certified doctor for the procedure and make sure that only FDA-approved methods of PRP are done.
How Long Does One Session Take?
It takes 30 minutes to prepare the solution and the actual injecting process takes 10-15 minutes. In total, it takes around 45 minutes for a PRP session.
How Many Sessions of PRP Might Be Required to See Results?
Depending on the clinical indication, it might take 3-4 sessions to see results. Regarding hair, you will notice a reduction in hair fall during the initial sessions whereas new hair growth and improvement in density will be noticed after 3-4 sessions.
Are There Any Side-Effects of PRP Treatment?
As your own blood is used in the procedure, there is no rejection reaction from your immune system. The procedure should be performed in a proper clinical set-up to avoid infections. Other than that, there might be a little pain while injecting and headache in some patients.
What Are the Precautions to Be Taken While Planning for PRP?
- Wash the scalp on the day of the procedure.
- Avoid alcohol and smoking a week before the procedure.
- Avoid excess fatty diet 48 hours before the procedure.
- Inform your doctor regarding the medications you are taking, especially medication like blood thinners.
Should I Take Other Medicines While Undergoing PRP Treatment for Hair Fall?
PRP is an adjuvant therapy for hair fall and not the only method of treatment. Hence, the continuation of other oral medicines and topical solutions like peptides, minoxidil, etc. is important to get the desired results.
How Frequently Should I Take PRP Treatment?
It depends on the indication. In case of hairfall, 4-6 sessions might be required spaced at an interval of 4-6 weeks, and anti-aging therapy for the face and undereye region, it should be done at an interval of 6-8 weeks.
Dr. V. Madhumitha
Associate Consultant Dermatologist,
Kauvery Hospital, Chennai
