Hair loss

Alopecia is a synonym for hair loss, it is a condition that is not painful nor does it interfere with regular daily activities. Nevertheless it is an emotionally challenging condition, particularly when hair loss affects the entire scalp. Fortunately, advances in medical research mean that today, men and women need not suffer the results of hair loss. PRP treatment is now a wide spread and well established procedure in all cases of alopecia. Published studies are providing increasingly stronger evidence of the beneficial effect of PRP treatment on hair re-growth.

What is PRP?

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) is blood plasma containing high concentration of platelets. Although platelets are best known for their part in the blood clotting process, these cells are also considered as a biochemical storehouse of growth factors that participate in recovery and healing of tissues by enhancing physiologic processes. Antiapoptotic effects of activated PRP have been suggested as one of the major contributing factors stimulating hair growth as it prolongs the survival of dermal papilla cells during the hair cycle. Follicular stem cell differentiation is inducted, as well as prolonging the phase of the hair growth cycle.

PRP preparation

A PRP hair growth treatment is a quick outpatient procedure that takes about 30 minutes. The process begins by taking a blood sample in an anti-coagulated tube with separation gel. The tube is then centrifuged for 10 minutes to separate the red blood cells and granulocytes from plasma with platelets. Finally, the PRP concentrate is injected into areas of the scalp that show hair thinning. Once injected in the dermal layer, platelets activation will occur, resulting in granules stimulation and growth factors release at the level of the follicles.

Follow up after treatment

Usually, there is no downtime or recovery period after a PRP procedure. Patients can continue their normal life routine immediately after undergoing the treatment. Following a PRP treatment, the patient may experience minimal discomfort at the treated site. It is important to note that anti-inflammatory pain medications are not allowed before and after the treatment.
Combining PRP with other hair re-growth therapies
A multi-therapy approach may be needed depending on the severity of the patient’s hair loss. PRP may be used as an adjunct to approved hair re-growth medications and hair transplantation.

Studies

Much scientific research has been done on the effect of PRP on androgenetic alopecia, and the results are positive. In the majority of treated patients, hair loss stops or reduces, and an increase in hair density and thickness is observed. The effect of PRP on alopecia areata and telogen effluvium is still less extensively researched, but positive outcomes have already been shown.

Number of treatments

A minimum of three treatments is required, at one-month intervals. After 6 months, one or two follow-up maintenance treatments are recommended to maintain the result. After that, you can choose to have another maintenance treatment every year. In total, 4 to 7 treatments are involved.

Costs

one PRP treatment: €519,-
Course of 3 treatments: €1380,-










_{The illustrations were taken from a leaflet by the company www.estar-medical.com, whose CELLENIS® process we use The Photo on top thanks to hossein azarbad @azarbadam on unsplash.}