Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), also known as autologous conditioned plasma, is a concentration of platelet-rich plasma protein derived from whole blood that is centrifuged to remove red blood cells. This is what PRP means. Now let’s move on to PRP for hair treatments and therapy.
PRP therapy is a treatment where a person’s blood is drawn out, processed, and then injected into the scalp. Now the blood drawn is centrifuged, where it separates the platelet-poor plasma, platelet-rich plasma, and red blood cells.
Then the platelet-rich plasma is injected into the scalp, where the platelets release numerous growth factors. These growth factors act on the main area and enhance or stimulate the growth of new hair follicles. Furthermore, they support the formation of new blood vessels in the scalp area to enhance the supply of oxygen and nutrient-rich blood towards the scalp to promote hair growth.
So are you the one who is looking for affordable hair treatments with good results? Then PRP might be a solution for you. In this article, we will discuss everything you need to know to get this done. Also, we will let you know about a few issues you might face. In addition, we will let you know about the PRP hair treatment cost in India. So keep following the piece for more information.
What is the procedure?
Here we will first discuss with you the four-step procedure of the therapy.
#1. Discussing details and issues
The doctor will first discuss the details concerning your health in detail.
- Your family details regarding hair issues or health
- Diet and nutrition
- Medications and supplements you might be into
- Hair care routine – like which hair products( oil/ shampoo/ masks/ natural things) you use and how often
- Your Medical history and recent surgeries
- History of hair loss earlier
After all this, a general physical examination is done at the beginning of the therapy. Here you need to take blood tests and scalp biopsy to decide your eligibility for PRP hair therapy. Once everything is normal and taken care of, your doctor will explain the procedure and the guidelines.
#2. Blood is drawn
In the next step, around 30 or 60 ml of blood will be drawn into a syringe, particularly from your arm. Again, the amount of blood that might be drawn out will depend upon the size of the area to be treated.
#3. Blood is prepared for the treatment
The blood is then spun in a centrifuge. Let us tell you what that is. It is a machine where the blood is separated into three layers:
- Platelet-poor plasma
- Platelet-rich plasma
- Red blood cells
#4. Treatment
In the last step, which involves the treatment, about 8-12 ml of platelet-rich plasma is taken into the syringe and injected into the scalp with areas facing hair issues to promote hair growth. Before injecting the plasma, doctors and nurses ensure that your scalp area is anesthetized and a disinfectant is applied.
What are the advantages of this therapy?
PRP is a very effective treatment for thinning hair. Besides, it is getting more popular day by day. Not just hair, but many other problems. Let’s talk about its benefits:
- Skin Rejuvenation: This therapy has also been used to solve skin aging issues like wrinkles, dark spots, scars, and dark circles under the eyes
- Healing: It is now scientifically proven that PRP therapy is widely used in orthopedic and sports medicine to relieve pain. It supports healing musculoskeletal diseases such as ligament sprains, arthritis, and tendonitis.
- Hair growth: As we have said earlier, PRP therapy is an effective treatment for restoring hair. Hence, people with baldness or hair loss problems can undergo this treatment.
- Dental issues: It is widely used these days in:
- Ablative surgical procedures
- Surgical repair of alveolar cleft
- Mandibular reconstruction.
- Health: PRP therapy releases growth factors that promote healing and help form new blood vessels. The blood vessels supply oxygen-rich blood to the heart, which increases organ regeneration. It also repairs damaged tissue and restores blood flow by significantly increasing the number of capillaries and blood vessels.
Issues one might face
Although there are no major issues in PRP because the doctor discusses all the factors beforehand, there might be some:
- It may lead to scars at the site of injection. It has also been reported that some patients have experienced pain and soreness at the site of injection and in deeper areas such as muscles and bones.
- PRP therapy might not be suitable for patients with weak immune systems.
- Some reports have come of allergic reactions among people who have taken PRP-enriched fractions.
- Damaging the artery or veins may result in blood clots because PRP is given too often.
- Individuals with a history of heavy smoking, alcohol, and drug use.
- Patients with platelet dysfunction syndromes.
- Chronic liver disease.
- Chronic infections.
- Chronic skin diseases
- Cancer
However, one assurance is given. Since one’s blood is injected into another part of the body, no major concerns will occur. Nevertheless, some problems may include pain, soreness, irritation, and scar.
Presently, the PRP hair treatment cost in India depends upon the treatment that is hair growth, hair length, and thickness. Therefore, the cost may vary between Rs. 7000 to Rs. 32,000 at the moment. However, costs might change from one clinic to another.
There are many good hair treatments like PRP and hair transplant available if you are facing hair issues. Consult your doctor and discuss everything before you make your decision. Choose wisely.