Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) in Hair Loss

Human blood contains mesenchymal stem cells, and autologous blood products that contain essential and specific growth factors that assist in tissue regeneration

and healing. Published medical literature from Europe and the United States confirms the safety and use of Platelet therapy.

It has been used a medial adjunct therapy for over two decades for skin and wound healing. It has been used extensively in these specialties for the last twenty years with generally positive outcomes and success. In the field of hair restoration, evidence supports Platelet therapy as a promising treatment option to promote hair growth. No claim can be made of its efficacy. But it is a promising non-surgical therapeutic option for those patients with hair loss.

Blood is drawn in our office as though you are having routine blood testing. The blood is spun in a centrifuge and the Platelet is separated and removed from the rest of the blood.

The Platelet is taken from your body and is specially prepared by spinning down the blood cells to a high concentration. An anesthesia block is given to nerves of the scalp so the patient does not feel any pain.

The highly concentrated platelet is then injected into the scalp. The patient’s hair is then washed and the patient may drive home without any assistance. No sedation or any medication is given during the procedure to inhibit the ability to drive or use machinery.

Platelet contains many growth factors that stimulate the hair follicle’s growth. Some patient’s chose to have Platelet performed every three (3) to four (4) months as early data suggests regular or semiannual Platelet treatments that may stimulate hair growth.

Platelet contains special cells called Platelets, that can theoretically cause growth of the hair follicles by stimulating the stem cells and other cells in the micro environment of the hair follicle.

These special Platelet cells promote healing, accelerates the rate and degree of tissue healing and regeneration, responds to injury, and formation of new cellular growth. Inside the Platelets are many intracellular structures such as glycogen, lysosomes and alpha granules. These granules within the Platelet contain clotting and growth factors that are eventually released during the healing and repair process.

Platelet specific cells that causes hair growth include:
Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)—promotes blood vessel growth, cell replication, skin formation;
Transforming Growth-Factor-Beta (TGF-b)—promotes growth of matrix between cells, bone metabolism;Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)—promotes blood vessel formation.
Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)—promotes cell growth and differentiation, blood vessel formation, collagen formation;
Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2)—promotes growth of specialized cells and blood vessel formation; and,
Insulin Like Growth Factor – (IGF)—a regulator of normal physiology in nearly every type of cell in the body*

Individual results vary with each patient. No guarantees of success can be made but Platelet preliminary studies indicate patients can respond to Platelet therapy. Some hair restoration surgeons apply Platelet to the scalp for those patients who are not surgical candidates every three (3) to four (4) months.

Platelet is a potential emerging non-surgical based therapy for natural hair follicle stimulation for thinning hair. Larger clinical studies are pending but the current medical literature contains numerous optimistic results. Although a few controlled studies exist, anecdotal and case reports are the primary sources reflecting success with Platelet therapy.*

Platelet has been used successfully in other medical and surgical disciplines for many years. The decision to use Platelet is a personal decision and should be made after careful research, consideration and consultation with a physician. Platelet is safe and natural because the procedure concentrates the good cells from your scalp and injects them directly back into the area where it is needed.

There is absolutely no chance of getting a blood infection from another human being. Platelet involves using your own cells that are not modified or changed, and it will not be rejected by your immune system.

Extensive clinical trials are not complete and medical data is not yet published to establish the absolute effectiveness of Platelet therapy in hair restoration. Platelet should not be considered a “cure” for hair loss and no guarantee can be made about its individual effectiveness. No claim of Platelet efficacy in promoting hair growth can be made because there is no FDA approval that would allow such claims to be made.*