PRP Hair

Clare

Platelet rich plasma, or PRP, is a form of regenerative medicine. It utilises our body own natural healing powers to improve or enhance areas that need attention. PRP involves obtaining the platelets from one’s own blood and reinjecting them into the target site to promote healing and regeneration.

To obtain these platelets, a blood sample is taken and spun in a medical device called a centrifuge, to separate the blood components. The plasma which is now highly concentrated in platelets can be removed in a separate collection device and reinjected into the target area.

This platelet rich plasma has high levels of growth factors which aid in wound healing and tissue regeneration via a complex cellular cascade.

When reinjected into the skin, platelets stimulate production of growth factors to promote collagen production, naturally enhancing the texture and appearance of the skin. In our scalp, these growth factors encourage new hair growth. In injured joints, the growth factors stimulate wound healing.

As the blood being injected is from the same individual who supplied it, there is no risk of allergic reaction or transmission of blood borne infections. PRP uses your own cells to stimulate healing and growth. The healthier you are (diet, non-smoker, no drug use, age etc.) the more dramatic the results you will see.

PRP has many uses in area of sports medicine, vascular medicine, joint injury, wound and burn healing, skin rejuvenation and hair loss management. PRP involves obtaining the platelets from one’s own blood and reinjecting them into the target site to promote healing and regeneration.

In Flynn Medical Centre, we offer PRP for:

Skin rejuvenation

The anti-aging effects of PRP are broad. Many areas can be targeted such as the face, neck, décolletage and back of hands.

Musculoskeletal

Improved healing of tendons, ligaments and muscles as well as improving symptoms of arthritis.

Hair loss

Many types of non-scarring hair loss can be treated using PRP including male and female pattern hair loss, post partum hair loss and others.

A sample of blood is taken from your arm. This is spun down, separating the platelets from the other blood components. The platelets are extracted and reinjected in numerous small injection in to the scalp targeting areas of concern. This is not a particularly sensitive area so pain is minimal.

The procedure takes approximately 45mins. We aim to minimize pain but you may experience some mild discomfort during the procedure. Although we use very small needles, a tiny amount of blood can be expected.

The aim of the growth factors in plasma is to invigorate dormant hair follicles and stimulate new growth. This can slow down hair loss, when repeated over time. It can also address areas of hair loss in both males and females and encourage regrowth of hair. Typically it would take between 3-6 months before seeing any noticeable difference.

Results can appear to be slow, as response relates to the hair growth cycle. PRP encourages more hairs to enter the anagen (or growth) phase. You will first notice a reduction in hair shedding and some new growth of hairs.

It is strongly recommended to have the procedure repeated every 4 weeks for three sessions. This should be followed by a maintenance treatment annually.

PRP is suitable for both males and females. It is safe and suitable for any age group, over 18 years of age.

While not every type of hair loss will respond to PRP, there is many types that will have significant responses. The healthier the individual (age, diet, non-smoker, no alcohol, no drug use), the more dramatic the response.

Many people chose to supplement with OTC nutrients to encourage hair growth. Biotin, Vitamin C, Vitamin D and iron all play roles in supporting adequate hair growth. Most individuals with a varied diet and no absorption issues will take in enough of these nutrients in their own diet. There is no specific recommendation to take these supplements but many people prefer to do so.