With a greater understanding of wound and tissue healing, PRP (platelet rich plasma) injections for hair regrowth are becoming a proactive cosmetic dermatology option for both males and females experiencing hair loss. Already an established therapy used in oral surgery, neurosurgery, plastic surgery and orthopedics, it’s easy to see why more patients are seeking this exciting and promising treatment to stimulate hair growth.
To better understand, a sample of a patient’s blood is taken, similar to a routine blood testing procedure. Next, the blood is spun in a centrifuge. This process separates the blood platelets from the rest of the blood while spinning the blood into its most concentrated state. The result is platelet rich plasma containing growth factors and bioproteins. When injected into a patient’s scalp, the platelet cells promote healing, while initiating and boosting new cell growth.
How does Platelet Rich Plasma Stimulate Hair Growth?
As platelet rich plasma is injected into a patient’s scalp, the concentrated blood stimulates stem cells and other cells within hair follicles. In theory, the platelets “wake up” cells to accelerate tissue healing and regeneration, as well as the body’s response to injury and the formation of new cells. For hair follicles that have become inactive or for those that are newly implanted, PRP injections are purposed to move them into an active growth phase.
Specific growth factors associated with hair growth include Platelet-Derived Growth Factors (PDGF) for blood vessel growth and cell replication, Transforming Growth-Factor Beta (TGF-b) to promote bone metabolism, Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF) for collagen formation and hyaluronic acid production, Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 and Insulin Like Growth Factor (IGF).
Whether you’re experiencing thinning hair with age, hair loss from surgery or illness, or if you have newly grafted hair follicles, PRP continues to be an exciting non-surgical based treatment for hair follicle stimulation and regrowth. Because PRP uses a body’s own blood cells, there is no chance of infection or rejection by the immune system.
While the decision to utilize PRP for hair regrowth is a personal one, Dr. John Kayal and the team at Kayal Dermatology & Skin Cancer Specialists welcome you to contact us today to learn more. In a private consultation, you can learn if PRP injections are the right treatment for your hair regrowth.
