PRP Treatment FAQ: Is PRP Hair Treatment Safe

Our practice helps those in pain. We treat them after bones are broken, pain is high, or they simply need to be readjusted. Our bodies do many great things, but many times we need to make sure we are taking care of them. Medical treatments like chiropractic help the body. Other treatments such as PRP hair treatment provided by our friend Dr.Robin Unger is important for your body. Below is information on that treatment. 

PRP Hair Treatment

Platelet-rich plasma, also known as PRP, is a relatively new treatment for hair loss. The treatment enables patients, suffering from hair loss, to address their concerns without invasive treatments and surgical procedures. Although not 100 percent effective, it helps approximately 80% of patients to have new hair growth.

Because PRP treatment for hair loss has only been available to the public in the last few years, some patients are reluctant to consider it. First, you should know that PRP has been used for many different medical conditions, and has been the subject of many studies in the U.S. and Europe. Furthermore, PRP has been used since the 1980s in Europe and was not allowed in the United States until recently. 

• The cost of PRP used to be very high, now it is affordable. 
• PRP uses your own blood. 
• There is no known risk of developing cancer after a PRP treatment. 

PRP for Hair Loss

In the 1970s, PRP was developed by medical researchers, and since the 80s, has been used by doctors. Your blood is drawn and placed into a centrifuge where it is spun. This process separates the plasma from the blood. Plasma contains large amounts of platelets that not only assist with clotting the blood but also with repairing and healing damaged cells (including hair follicles). The plasma is placed into a syringe where it is injected onto the scalp.

Does PRP Hair Treatment Work?

According to a large number of studies, PRP treatment is effective for various conditions, including hair loss. In a random, controlled trial, PRP was administered to patients who had pattern hair loss. The study found most patients to have an increase in hair growth at the site of injection, as well as, an increase in the density of the hair. In this study, there were no reported side effects. 

Possible Side Effects of PRP Treatment for Hair Loss

PRP treatment uses your own blood; thereby, reducing a large number of potential reactions or side effects. That being said, the treatment involves a needle. You may feel slight pain upon receiving the injection and may notice light bleeding, bruising, or redness. Some patients do report a feeling of their scalp being “heavy” for the first couple of days. In a small number of cases, there are reports of headaches or infection. When compared to other hair loss treatments, these side effects are considered to be less serious. 

Not Everyone is a Candidate

There are certain people who should not receive PRP treatment, including pregnant women, alcohol addicts, heavy smokers, and people with certain medical conditions. If you are unsure about whether or not you are a candidate, you should talk with a hair loss doctor, or your general care physician, to find out more. There are also other options like a hair transplant that can be conducted by a doctor like Dr. Robin Unger.