Hair Prp : what is it?

PRP treatment is a technique proposed to remedy hair loss. This method consists of using the patient’s own platelet-rich plasma (PRP) to stop the onset of baldness and promote hair growth. This modern cosmetic surgery can effectively treat early hair loss and restore good hair density. Here is what you need to know about this technique: its indications, its principle, and how the operation is performed.

What is a PRP treatment?

PRP is a procedure that involves injections, with platelet-rich plasma being taken directly from the patient. This plasma contains active factors that promotes the growth of hair follicles.

The plasma is injected directly into the scalp, which stimulates the hair follicles, resulting in a dense and aesthetically pleasing head of hair.

PRP is an effective remedy to prevent androgenic alopecia (baldness) in both men and women.

This technique is now offered as an alternative to standard hair transplantation, such as FUE, and can prevent hair loss without surgery or scarring.

Who are PRP patients?

All over the world, many men suffer from baldness and hair loss; this situation also affects many women, who find themselves with a bald head.

Many factors can cause hair loss, such as skin diseases, hereditary factors which is the most common cause, poor lifestyle and stress.

During the first consultation with the specialist, he or she will assess the condition of your hair, determine the cause of the hair loss and decide whether or not PRP is suitable for you.

Hair PRP: what you need to know before the operation:

You will need 3 or 4 sessions of PRP treatment in order to achieve a satisfactory result. These sessions will need to be spaced out over several months (usually 3 months), as you need to wait about 2 weeks between each session.

During the first consultation with the specialist, and after a thorough examination of the condition of your hair, it will be possible to confirm the number of sessions you will need. The specialist will also give you various recommendations to prepare you for the procedure. This consultation will allow the specialist to assess your needs and expectations, and to inform you about the post-operative process, the results and the procedures to follow after the treatment.

In addition to the various medical examinations and analyses that you will have to provide (blood tests, health check-up, etc.), you must not have any contraindications to the operation, such as serious illnesses or allergies.

How is a PRP hair transplantation procedure carried out?

The procedure is performed under local anaesthetic and lasts on average 60 minutes.

First, a small amount of blood will be taken from the patient who is to undergo the procedure; this blood will then be centrifuged and prepared in the laboratory in order to collect the platelet-rich plasma. Once the necessary preparations have been made, the plasma will be injected directly into the patient’s scalp with a fine needle.

Several sessions will be necessary to maintain the hair and to keep the same result over time.

After-effects of the PRP treatment

Usually there is no pain after the operation, and during the procedure the area of the skull operated will be anaesthetised, the patient will feel almost nothing either during or after the operation.

The patient who has undergone this operation will not need a recovery period and will be able to return to work and sport quickly.

Since the platelet-rich plasma is collected directly from the same patient who will perform the operation, there is no risk of rejection. There are virtually no side effects following the operation, as the procedure is safe and the injected plasma is biocompatible, because it is already present in the patient’s body.

Some of the predictable side effects of the procedure include some swelling in the operated area (which will eventually diminish in the weeks following the operation) and some inflammation, but nothing that cannot be easily treated.

Recommendations to follow after PRP treatment

Once you have had your PRP treatment, you will need to return to the clinic once a year to repeat the procedure and to ensure that the result lasts as long as possible. This means that you will have to repeat the same procedure each time you return to the clinic.

You will have to wait a few days before you can wash your hair. The first few washes after the operation should be done with a mild shampoo, and you should avoid rubbing your hair, especially when drying, to avoid altering the results of the operation.

After a PRP treatment, the patient benefits from a natural hair regeneration process and the entire scalp will be evenly covered with dense hair again.

When can I see the results?

After the first treatment, you will have to wait a few weeks before you can see the results of the PRP treatment. However, for the regrowth to be truly optimal, it is necessary to wait for the results of the third session (which will take place after a few weeks of the first treatment). The patient then benefits from a better hair density, and the hair has an aesthetically pleasing appearance and a good distribution on the whole scalp.