PRP hair treatment is the buzz currently. For men and women with thinning hair, the early stages of hair loss, and alopecia, this treatment can be just what they’re looking for. It is also a treatment to stimulate hair follicles after a hair transplant. It is an option for people experiencing menopausal related hair loss, too.
PRP or Platelet-Rich Plasma treatment is a procedure that uses the patient’s own blood to promote healing in injured and damaged tissues. A small amount of blood is drawn and processed to isolate the platelet-rich plasma. PRP is widely used in musculoskeletal injuries and conditions. It has gained popularity recently in hair treatment, skin rejuvenation, and sports medicine.
PRP hair treatment is a non-surgical procedure using the patient’s own blood to stimulate hair follicles and increase hair growth. Whenever there’s a new treatment out, we often wonder, “How safe is it?”
This blog explores the safety of the PRP hair treatment procedure, the risks, and what patients should consider before undergoing PRP.
What is PRP and How Does It Work?
PRP hair treatment injects plasma-rich cells into the affected area of the scalp. Plasma is the liquid part of your blood. Platelets play a role in the clotting of blood, but the cytokines and proteins are what promote growth, healing, and rejuvenation.
In PRP hair treatment, blood is drawn from your arm and put in a centrifuge. After 10 minutes in the centrifuge, the blood separates into its components based on different densities. The platelet-rich plasma is one of the components, and it is drawn into a syringe. This PRP is then injected into areas of the scalp that need increased hair growth.
It has been proven that PRP hair treatment may stimulate hair growth and thickness, as well as protect hair follicles from prematurely shedding. Studies have also shown that PRP may increase hair thickness and density. PRP has also proven to increase blood supply to the hair follicle.
The most appealing part of PRP hair treatment is that it is autologous. It uses the body’s own healing and growth factors, minimising the risk of allergic reactions and infections.
Is PRP hair treatment Safe?
This treatment is generally considered safe with minimal risks of side effects because it uses the patient’s own blood. The treatment uses the body’s natural factors to trigger hair growth. This reduces the risk of allergic reactions. There is no risk of contracting any communicable disease either.
Clinical studies and reviews suggest that PRP hair treatment is a promising, low-risk treatment for hair loss. It is particularly effective for androgenetic alopecia in both men and women. Studies have shown that it has no serious side effects for alopecia areata. Some individuals may experience relapse after treatment. It has minimal side effects that are temporary.
PRP hair treatment is a widely offered service these days. Remember, PRP hair treatment is considered safe when performed by a licensed professional. When performed by a licensed professional in a clean, hygienic environment, the risk of infection is minimal. The results will also be better.
Potential Risks and Side Effects
The side effects are usually mild and temporary, like pain, swelling, and redness at the site of injection. These will subside in a few minutes or a few days. Pain or soreness may be experienced in the treatment area.
One of the complicated, rare side effects is infection. This happens when it is not done in a clean and sterile environment. Allergic reactions are also rare because it is an autologous procedure.
If the practitioner does not have experience or proper technique, it can cause nerve damage or tissue injury.
Sometimes, PRP hair treatment has no result in certain individuals, and sometimes, worsening of symptoms has been observed. The effectiveness and response to this treatment can vary between individuals.
Several factors may increase the risk of side effects occurring during PRP hair treatment. These may include taking certain medications and underlying health conditions. Some types of cancer, smoking, fever, and anaemia may also increase the risk of side effects.
Who Should Avoid PRP hair treatment?
PRP hair treatment may not be suitable for some people with certain health conditions. Here’s a list of contraindications or conditions where PRP may not be safe or effective:
PRP therapy may be suitable for people with underlying health conditions such as low platelet count, sepsis, or platelet dysfunction. This includes people with bleeding disorders.
People with active infections and chronic liver disease. Liver disease can affect platelet function and potentially increase the risk of complications. Chronic liver disease impairs platelet functions, leading to issues with blood clotting.
Cancer patients. Some research suggests that PRP could promote tumour growth or metastasis due to its growth factor content.
People with anaemia. PRP hair treatment utilises the patient’s own platelets to stimulate healing. Anaemic people may not have sufficient platelets or overall blood health to undergo this procedure safely.
People on blood thinners. Blood thinners interfere with the blood’s natural clotting process, which can lead to excessive bleeding during and after the PRP injection.
Pregnant or breastfeeding women. There are not enough studies to prove that PRP injections are safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
What to Look for in a PRP Provider?
PRP hair treatment carries minimal risks when performed by a licensed practitioner. Check the credentials of the practitioner. Choose a reputable place with experienced practitioners with a track record of good results.
Select a place that is clean and accredited. Ensure that the equipment is standardised.
The consultation should give you a feel of transparency. The aftercare instructions have to be clear and thorough.
Colibri Laser and Beauty in Toronto provides exceptional PRP treatments with innovative techniques and a holistic approach. They offer PRP treatments to rejuvenate the skin and increase collagen production for that youthful look, too.
Final Thoughts
PRP hair treatment is your safest bet for hair regrowth. It has proven to be effective for hair regrowth, especially for thinning hair and slowing the progression of hair loss. The procedure is non-surgical and minimally invasive. It is autologous; it uses the body’s own growth factors to stimulate hair follicles and increase hair growth. It is the most natural way to stimulate hair growth. A fuller head of hair will restore your self-esteem and confidence.
There is no downtime for the PRP procedure, so you can immediately return to work after PRP hair treatment. The results will usually be seen two to three months post-treatment.
Remember, it is important to get PRP hair treatment from a licensed practitioner.
Do your research and clear all your doubts about the procedure and aftercare before you take the leap.