An increasing number of people are opting for hair transplants. According to studies, 7.5% of men will opt for this treatment in their lifetime. This is mainly due to hair restoration treatment efficacy and technological advancements [1].
Although a hair transplant is an efficient way to fill out bald spots and replace your hairline, it does not help us know why hair loss happens to us in the first place.
To fix this issue, hair transplantation experts suggest that people undergo platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy after they have gone through a hair transplant to encourage the retention of their hair growth.
What is PRP treatment?
Your blood plays a vital role in PRP therapy. It uses your body’s platelets to increase blood supply to your hair follicles, activating natural hair growth [2].
PRP includes three stages:
Doctors draw blood from your arm and place it in a centrifuge, a machine that separates the substances of specific liquids based on their, size, density, and shape, among others.
After that, the drawn blood is rotated for 10 minutes to split into red blood cells, platelet-rich plasma (PRP), and platelet-poor plasma. Doctors draw PRP into a syringe and inject it into the specific portions of your scalp where you are losing hair [3].
The entire treatment takes fewer than 30 minutes, and no downtime is required. People can feel their hair density improving after one treatment, but most need at least three treatments with a gap of 4 to 6 months to achieve the best possible results. Though PRP is effective as a standalone treatment, it is more efficient when used in combination with a hair transplant.
Benefits of getting PRP after a hair transplant
Hair transplants are cosmetic procedures that allow hair to grow thicker and fuller. In this treatment, hair follicles are removed from the scalp, where they are growing healthily, and placed in areas where the patient is losing hair.
After a hair transplant, hair grows richly and densely, an effect that could last throughout life.
When you get a hair transplant together with PRP, it is a comprehensive solution for hair restoration as it strengthens existing hair follicles and grafts of the new donor. When you cultivate your hair follicles with a strong blood supply, it encourages the healing process and intensifies optimal hair regrowth [4].
With this, the graft rate of relocated hair can be increased, and the possibility of scarring will be reduced considerably [5].
Many patients shed hair after undergoing hair transplants, which is normal and a brief process. But when you undergo PRP therapy after a hair transplant, your hair shedding is reduced, and you benefit from quicker results.
Wait duration for PRP after hair transplant
After you undergo a hair transplant, it’s suggested that you wait for three weeks before you go in for a PRP treatment, as it allows the swelling to decline and your tissues to restore.
PRP comprises proteins that naturally occur and aid in cell regeneration. It advances the healing process by increasing cell growth, repairing tissue, and regenerating collagen.
Conclusion
Hair loss can depress a lot of people, as it lowers their self-esteem, which is why hair transplantation is popular. If you combine both hair transplants and PRP, you benefit by having a healthier hairline.
While hair transplants are cosmetic procedures, PRP uses blood to strongly continue hair growth. Combine the two to restore your hair for life.
References for the blog:
- Hair Doc, San Francisco, CA – https://www.hairdoc.com/blog/prp-injections-after-a-hair-transplant-why-and-when-you-should-have-them.
- REGENERATIVE HAIR LOSS CLINIC & MUSCULOSKELETAL INJECTION THERAPY UK – https://www.dynamicregenmedicine.co.uk/post/prp-treatment-after-hair-transplant-dynamic-regenerative-medicine.
- PRPMed – https://prpmed.de/en/blog/news/prp-treatment-after-hair-transplantation.
- LMC – Laser Medical Clinic – https://lasermedicalclinic.com/prp-hair-transplant/.
- Mollie Elise Aesthetics – https://mollieeliseaesthetics.com/pro-after-hair-transplant/.