What is PRP therapy?

Some in the medical community think that PRP injections trigger natural hair growth and
maintain it by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle and increasing the thickness of the hair
shaft. Sometimes this approach is combined with other hair loss procedures or medications.
PRP therapy has been in use since the 1980s. It’s been used for problems such as healing
injured tendons ligaments, and muscles. More recent studies have shown benefits for PRP
along with minoxidil and biotin for some forms of hair loss.

PRP therapy process:

PRP therapy is a three-step process. Most PRP therapy requires at least three treatments 4–6
weeks apart. Maintenance treatments are required every 4–6 months.

Step 1: Your blood is drawn — typically from your arm — and put into a centrifuge (a machine that spins
rapidly to separate fluids of different densities.)
Step 2: After about 10 minutes in the centrifuge, your blood will have separated into in three layers:

• platelet-poor plasma
• platelet-rich plasma
• red blood cells

Step 3: The platelet-rich plasma is drawn up into a syringe and then injected into areas of the scalp that
need increased hair growth.

PRP for hair loss side effects:

Because PRP therapy involves injecting your own blood into your scalp, you aren’t at risk for
getting a communicable disease.

Still, any therapy that involves injections always carries a risk of side effects such as:

• injury to blood vessels or nerves
• Infection

Most patients tolerated the treatment very well and can continue with their activities of
daily life on the same day as the treatment. We ask that you maintain hydration by
drinking plenty of water prior to the procedure.

Pre-Care Guidelines for PRP Treatments:

Avoid an Prior to receiving PRP treatments, most esthetic providers require you to undergo an initial
consultation. This is to determine if PRP therapy for hair loss can benefit your hair and if you’re
qualified to receive treatment. Patients with blood disorders, platelet abnormalities, scalp infections, and
other conditions affecting their blood cells and hair growth factors that can affect treatment may not be
allowed to receive PRP.

If your blood sample is healthy and has a normal concentration of platelets, you may be qualified to
receive hair loss treatments, your provider should give you guidelines on how to prepare for your
treatment.

What to Avoid Before Your Treatment

Here are some things to avoid at least several days before your treatment:

• At least a week (or preferably 2 weeks) before your treatment, avoid taking blood thinners, bloodthinning medication, and vitamins and nutritional supplements that contain these blood-thinning
  substances. If you have a prescription that requires it, discuss this with your provider as you may
  not be qualified for PRP.
• Drink plenty of water
• Vitamin A
• Gingko
• Garlic
• Flax
• Cod Liver Oil
• Omega 3 Fatty Acids
• Multivitamins
• Plavix
• Coumadin
• Heparin
• Anti-inflammatory medications such as Advil, Motrin, and Voltaren (Alternatively, you can take
  Tylenol for pain)
• Propranolol
• Any prescription medication for heart and blood pressure medication
• Avoid prolonged sun exposure at least 7 days before the treatment. This can dry out the natural
  oils in your hair and scalp and make it dry and brittle.
• Avoid drinking any alcoholic beverages at least 3 days before your treatment. Alcohol is a blood
  thinner and can also make your scalp more sensitive to microneedling and injections. It can also
  make the blood draw process more painful.
• Avoid having hair treatments done like coloring and styling at least one week before your
  treatment.

Getting Ready on the Day of Your Treatment:

On the day of your treatment, here’s what you should do:

• Stay hydrated and maintain a healthy intake of fluid. Have a normal breakfast routine to help with
  your blood circulation and ensure your body is functioning at its best. Two hours before your
  treatment, drink at least 4 glasses of water.
• Shower and wash your hair thoroughly. This can get rid of all the dirt, oils, and other particles in
  your hair and scalp that could cause infection during treatment. Use your regular shampoo; avoid
  using new shampoos on the day of your treatment to adverse reaction. Towel or air-dry your hair,
  and then avoid using any styling or hair care products.
• If you wear hair extensions, remove them before showering. Don’t wear hair systems like wigs or
  toupees over your hair after showering as these can trap dirt and other particles on your newly washed hair.

Post-Care Guidelines for PRP Treatments:

Here’s what you should avoid and practice following your PRP treatment. Don’t forget to follow your
treatment plan and schedule your next PRP session.

What to Avoid Following Your Treatment

Your provider should also provide you with guidelines in further detail. If you’re taking blood-thinning
prescription medication, let your provider know.

• For the first 8 hours, avoid touching the treated area of your scalp. This can cause bruising as well
  as increase the risk of bacterial infection.
• Avoid NSAID pain relievers for at least 2 weeks after treatment. PRP treatments rely on
  inflammation to promote stimulation, and NSAIDs can minimize the effects. If you have to take
  pain relievers, take those with Acetaminophen.
• For hair care, avoid wetting your hair for at least 3 hours and then applying any hair care or hair
  styling products for at least 6 hours.
• For the first 2 days after your treatment, avoid strenuous exercises as these can promote blood
  flow and increase the risk of bruising. Also, avoid saunas, steam rooms, and swimming pools. On
  top of the increased risk of bruising, these areas may make the treated part of the scalp prone to
  infections.
• Avoid alcohol and highly caffeinated beverages for at least 3 days after treatment. These can have
  blood-thinning effects and promote bruising in the treatment area. Increase your water intake for
  a week to improve the effects of PRP.
• Avoid smoking for at least 3 days. Smokers can consume unhealthy substances that hinder the
  wound healing process, affect healing time and healing factors, and cause issues with cell repair
  and regeneration.

Managing Side Effects:

After your treatment, you may experience minor side effects like mild pain, swelling, bruising, redness,
and inflammation. These usually subside after several days on their own. If these symptoms are
uncomfortable, you can use home remedies like ice packs and non-NSAID pain relievers to manage your
symptoms.

Getting PRP is a relatively safe procedure. If you’re getting your treatment from a qualified professional,
the risk of adverse effects is low. However, if you experience any of these side effects, see a doctor
immediately:

• Pus-like discharge
• Increased warmth around the treatment area
• High fever
• Severe pain that can’t be managed with pain relievers
• Side effects that last longer than 2 weeks