PRP and Micro-needling for Hair Loss

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PRP for Hair Loss

PRP, or platelet-rich plasma, is a treatment that is used for hair loss. It involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s own blood, separating out the platelets and concentrating regenerative growth factors, and injecting the resulting growth factors back into the scalp. The idea behind PRP treatment for hair loss is that the growth factors in the platelets stimulate hair growth.

Research studies have shown PRP combined with micro-needling improves hair thickness and growth.

PRP treatment is considered to be safe, as it uses the patient’s own blood and there is little risk of allergic reaction or other adverse effects.

If you are considering PRP treatment for hair loss, it is important to consult with a doctor or other healthcare provider who can help you understand the potential benefits and risks of this treatment and whether it is likely to be effective for you.

PRP / Micro-needling Hair Regeneration

Results will vary. 3-6 monthly sessions are recommended for optimal results. Bi-weekly “at-home” micro-needling is recommended.

Table of PRP Growth Factors

PRP Growth Factors	Cellular Effects
PDGF - Platelet Dreived Growth Factor	macrophage activation, angiogenesis, fibroblast chmotaxis, collagen synthesis, enhances proliferation of bone cells.
IGF-1 - Insulin Like Growth Factor 1	chemotactic for myoblast and fibroblasts and stimulates protein synthisis, mediator of growth and repair of skeletal muscle, enhances bone formation by proliferation and differentiation of osteoblasts.
TGF-B - Transforming Growth Factor B	enhances proliferative activity of fobroblasts, stimulates biosynthesis of type I collagen and fibronectin, induces deposition of bone matrix, inhibits osteoclast formation and bone resorption, regulation in balance between fibrosis and myocyte regeneration.
PDEGF - Platelet Derived Endothelial Growth Factor	promotes wound healing by stimulating the proliferation of keratinocytes and dermal fibroblasts.
PDAF Platelet Derived Angiogenic Factor	Induces vascularization by stimulating vascular endothelial cells.
EGF - Endothelial Growth Factor	cellular proliferation, differentiation of epithelial cells.
VEGF - Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor	angiogenesis, migration and mitosis of endothelial cells, creation of blood vessel lumen, vasodilation indirectly through the release of nitrous oxide.
HGF - Hepotocyte Growth Factor	stimulates hepocyte proliferation and liver tissue regeneration, angiogenesis, mitogen for endothelial cells, antifibrotic.

Advantages of PRP / Micro-Needling Over Hair Transplants

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a medical treatment that involves injecting a concentrated mixture of platelets and plasma into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. It is sometimes used as an alternative to hair transplants, and there are a few potential advantages to PRP over hair transplants:

Non-surgical: PRP and micro-needling therapy are non-surgical treatments, while hair transplants involve a surgical procedure.
Faster recovery time: PRP therapy usually has a faster recovery time than hair transplants, as it is a non-surgical procedure.
Lower cost: PRP / micro-needling therapy is generally less expensive than hair transplants.
Natural-looking results: Some people may prefer the natural-looking results of PRP / micro-needling therapy to the more noticeable results of hair transplants.

However, it’s important to note that the effectiveness of PRP therapy for hair loss is still being studied, and the results of PRP therapy may not be as long-lasting or as significant as those of hair transplants. It’s important to discuss all of your options with a medical professional before making a decision about the best treatment for your hair loss.

How many PRP / Micro-Needling Therapies?

That depends on the objective. Hair loss is an ongoing process most of us accept as a normal part of growing older. That said, once treatment stops, one can expect any slowing of hair loss will eventually resume.

The best recommendation we have is to expect to do a protocol similar to the one below:

2-4 prp/micro-needling treatments per year at the medical clinic. Once progress is observed, consider once every six months. Something similar to a dental cleaning.
Consider taking medication therapies such as topical Minoxidil and oral Finasteride.
Purchase your own micro-needling device or derma roller and once a month self-needle your areas of concern. Remember, more is not always better. Only once per month or once every two months.

Observe your self-care and schedule periodic consultations with our clinic if there are any questions, concerns, or adaptations to your therapy that you wish to make.

How does Micro-Needling Stimulate Hair growth?

Microneedling, also known as collagen induction therapy, is a cosmetic procedure in which a device with fine needles is used to create tiny punctures in the skin. This process is thought to stimulate the production of collagen and elastin, which can help to improve the appearance of fine lines, acne scars, and other skin concerns.

Microneedling may also stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow to the scalp and promoting the proliferation of dermal papilla cells, which are important for hair follicle development. The procedure may also help to improve the absorption of topical hair loss treatments by creating channels in the skin through which the active ingredients can more easily reach the hair follicles.

How does PRP Stimulate Hair growth?

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a medical treatment that involves injecting a concentrated mixture of platelets and plasma into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. Platelets are a type of blood cell that contain growth factors, which are proteins that play a role in tissue repair and regeneration. When injected into the scalp, PRP is thought to stimulate the growth of new hair follicles and promote the proliferation of dermal papilla cells, which are important for hair follicle development.

PRP therapy is usually done in a series of treatments, with each treatment spaced several weeks apart. The treatment process typically involves the following steps:

Blood is drawn from the patient and placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets and plasma from the other blood components.
The concentrated mixture of platelets and plasma is then injected into the scalp using a thin needle.
The injected PRP stimulates the production of new hair follicles and promotes the growth of existing hair follicles.

Although research data shows benefits to PRP/Mircro-needling for hair regeneration, this procedure will not work for everyone. This includes those who have permanent hair loss. However, the procedure can work well for developing stronger and thicker hair follicles. So if you have thinning hair or pattern hair loss you definitely should consider this therapy sooner rather than later.

How Much Does it Cost?

Combination PRP and Micro-needling therapy for hair loss cost approximately $875 per session. This amount can vary if you add topical Minoxidil or oral Finasteride treatment. The procedure requires disposable platelet-rich plasma kits.