Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a medical treatment that can help people who have experienced hair loss due to the aging process. Medical experts believe PRP injections (injecting a person’s own blood into their scalp) triggers hair growth and maintenance due to an increase in blood supply to the hair follicles and thickening the shaft. To maximize the results of this therapy, some people combine PRP with hair loss procedures (hair transplant surgery) and medications (Rogaine or Propecia).
The PRP Therapy Process
PRP treatment consists of three steps:
Drawing blood from the patient.
Processing the blood.
Injecting the blood into the scalp.
Most individuals require three treatments with four to six weeks in between sessions. Once desired effects have been achieved, maintenance sessions should be performed every four to six months.
What to Expect from a PRP Treatment
When patients come to Dermatology Institute of Southern California, they can expect to be greeted by a friendly and comforting front desk staff. We thoroughly believe a positive patient experience is an important part of the cosmetic and medical procedures we offer our patients.
For a PRP treatment, you will be led to one of our treatment rooms to have your blood drawn from your arm. Patients find that this is simple as it’s just like having blood drawn as part of an annual checkup.
Your blood will then be placed into a centrifuge. A centrifuge is a machine that spins rapidly to separate the blood into three layers:
Platelet-poor plasma
Platelet-rich plasma
Red blood cells
We only use the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for this treatment. The PRP is drawn up into a syringe and injected into the areas of the scalp that have experience hair loss.
How Long Do Results Take?
PRP hair restoration can take as little as four weeks, but most people see the results they were hoping for after 3.5 months. Each individual is different, so the time it takes to see results varies.
PRP Therapy Side Effects
PRP therapy side effects are rare. Most people experience temporary mild discomfort. While uncommon, some people have reported scar tissue, calcification at the injection points, and infection. Injury to blood vessels and nerves are possible and usually due to the inexperience of the injector. This is why it’s always important to turn to a doctor highly knowledgeable and experienced in PRP, such as Dr. Behroozan.
Who Can Have PRP Treatment
Not everyone is a candidate for PRP treatment. People who are on blood thinners, smoke heavily or misuse drugs and/or alcohol should not seek this type of hair loss solution.
Those who suffer from certain medical problems should not have PRP therapy. Some of these medical problems include:
Cancer
Chronic Liver Disease
Acute or Chronic Infection
Metabolic Disorder
Systemic Disorder
Sepsis
Thyroid Disease
It is important to discuss your medical history during your initial consultation to ensure it is safe to have PRP therapy performed on you.
Learn More About PRP Therapy in Beverly Hills and Santa Monica
Dermatology Institute of Southern California has two offices – one in Beverly Hills and another in Santa Monica for convenience. If you’re concerned about hair loss and would like to see if PRP treatment is right for you, contact us for an appointment by calling us at 310-392-1111.
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