PRP for Hair
Platelet-Rich Plasma, or PRP, is derived from the bloodstream and has been used for years to treat musculoskeletal conditions, and more recently, skin conditions. Colloquially termed “vampire” treatments, PRP injected into the skin may help to improve skin texture and appearance. Recently, PRP has garnered attention as a promising solution for one of the most challenging problems in dermatology: hair loss. PRP injections can be effective in treating male and female pattern baldness, both in preventing hair loss and promoting new hair growth. PRP can also aid in the stimulation of hair growth after hair transplants.
Platelets and hair growth: What’s the connection?
Platelets are one of four primary components of blood (the other three are red blood cells, white blood cells, and plasma). Platelets promote cell growth and regeneration. As the term “platelet-rich plasma” suggests, platelets are generally about five times more concentrated in PRP than in regular blood. This concentration of platelets is useful, because platelets secrete growth factors than are thought to assist in wound healing and tissue regrowth.
When it comes to hair loss, the theory is that platelets, injected deep into the scalp to reach the bottom of the hair follicle, may stimulate a specialized population of cells named dermal papilla cells, which play a critical role in hair growth.
Obtaining and injecting platelet-rich plasma
The process of obtaining PRP involves a blood draw and a centrifuge. To yield PRP, blood is drawn from your arm, then spun down in a centrifuge (a machine that spins at high speeds to help separate blood components). After centrifuging, the plasma rises to the top, and the lower part of the plasma is the PRP. Sometimes, a second spin is performed to increase the platelet concentration of the plasma.
Your own PRP is collected, then injected into multiple areas of hair loss across your scalp. The usual treatment plan involves three sessions, approximately one month apart, followed by maintenance sessions every three to six months to keep up the results.
PRP for Face
Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy: “The Vampire Facial”
The skin rejuvenation treatment Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy is often called a “Vampire Facial,” not because it turns a patient pale and sparkly à la Twilight, but because it uses the patient’s own blood. Platelets found in plasma are removed from a sample of the patient’s blood, then injected into areas of the face to augment healing.
Platelets are cells found in the bloodstream that allow blood to clot. When a clot is formed, platelets emit enzymes that boost healing and aid in tissue regeneration by drawing stem cells to the area to help repair damage.
A Vampire Facial begins when the clinician withdraws a sample of the patient’s blood. The PRP is removed from it. Then this plasma is injected into key areas of the patient’s face using micro-needling technology.
These injections spur the production of collagen and the creation of new skin cells rich with human growth elements, which allow skin to heal and renew itself, creating younger, firmer, and more supple skin.
The Vampire Facial gives new life to the patient’s skin with little downtime.
How Does the Vampire Facial Work?
Using the microneedling device, the Vampire Facial allows our clinicians to rejuvenate skin without any invasive techniques. The device generates microchannels into key areas of the face, into which the clinician injects the platelet-rich plasma.
You will have a detailed consultation with our clinician here at DripTime, at which you can discuss your medical history and your objectives and expectations for the Vampire Facial. Your treatment can occur on the same day as your consultation, but regardless, the treatment will involve these steps:
Preparation: The treatment area of your face is carefully cleaned and prepared
Drawing Blood: The clinician draws about 2 teaspoons of blood from a vein in your arm
Separating Plasma from Blood: The blood is set in a centrifuge for about 10 minutes, which rotates the blood at a high speed. This causes the platelet-rich plasma, which is lighter than the rest of the blood, to rise to the top, allowing it to be easily removed
Anesthetic: If needed or requested, the clinician may apply a topical anesthetic to your treatment area to allow for greater comfort during the procedure
Treatment: The clinician will use the dermapen for a microneedling treatment, then apply the platelet-rich plasma to the treatment area. The dermapen generates micro-channels that produce direct passages to the deepest skin layers to spur healing
Best Results: Most patients will see the best results after 3 treatments, a month apart, although one treatment can be adequate for some patients.
Patience Is Required: Platelet-rich plasma contains growth factors that prompt the skin to release stem cells. These cells heal the area as they would a wound, by creating new cells, including new collagen and blood vessels. It takes 30 days for the new collagen to regenerate itself. This process takes time for your skin will revitalize itself.