Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection for Hair Regrowth

What is hair loss?

Hair loss or alopecia is defined as someone experiencing unexpected heavy loss of hair. Generally, we shed between 50 to 100 single hairs per day. Hair shedding is part of natural balance where some hair falls out while others grow in. When the balance is interrupted where hair falls out and less hair grows in, hair loss happens.

Type of hair loss

There are three types of hair loss:

1. Telogen effluvium: This is caused by an increased number of hair follicles reaching the fall out phase.
2. Anagen effluvium: Caused by medications that poison growing hair follicle
3. Androgenetic alopecia: Most common type. Hair thins over top and sides of the head.

Cause of hair loss

1. Family hereditary: The most common causes for hair loss, happen gradually and in predictable pattern-receding hairline
2. Hormonal changes and medical condition: Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause or thyroid problem
3. Medications
4. Radiation to the head
5. Stress
6. Hairstyles and treatment

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Injection

PRP helps to stimulate growth of tissue/stem cells. It also promotes blood flow to the injection site which helps to nourish the area with essential nutrients for growth.

How PRP for hair loss done:

1. About 30cc of blood is taken through venepuncture.
2. The blood sample will be put into the centrifuge machine to separate the blood components.
3. The plasma with high concentration of platelets is taken after the spinning.
4. A micro-needle is used for injection. Multiple injection of PRP fluid is required where injection is given into the scalp.

PRP is not an instant cure for hair loss. On average, a person will start to visibly appreciate the results six months after the initial treatment and maximum results after a year.

How many PRP treatments are required?

Normally, a single treatment is not sufficient. It varied between individuals. Usually, multiple sessions are required. Usually, PRP will be given once a month for the first 3-4 months. Then patients have to come back for maintenance treatment every 3-6 months.

Possible side effect for PRP treatment

Some people who undergoing PRP treatments for hair loss may experience the following side effects:

1. Mild pain at the injection site for the first few days’ post procedure
2. Scalp tenderness
3. Mild swelling at scalp 
4. Headache 
5. Itchiness over the scalp
6. Temporary bleeding at the injection site 

Generally, PRP treatment for hair loss is a safe procedure.