Hair loss is one of the most unfortunate – and often unavoidable – effects of ageing. Men and women suffering from thinning and lost hair may be struggling with self-confidence or embarrassment in social situations.
Once considered to be purely in the realm of science fiction, regenerative medicine is now becoming a reality that benefits many patients. The field of cosmetic surgery is at the vanguard of change in this emerging technique, which uses the body’s own cells to encourage and support healing. One such method, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, is already being used with exciting results in both hair restoration and skin rejuvenation.
At the Toronto Hair Transplant Center, we now offer PRP as a proactive, non-surgical therapeutic option for both men and women who are seeking options for hair growth stimulation.
What Is PRP Therapy?
As we continue to advance in both medicine and technology, we have gained a new understanding of how the healing process works. PRP is one method doctors can now use to stimulate the hair, scalp and skin.
The PRP procedure is backed by more than two decades of research and published medical studies around the world. Many doctors have used PRP successfully for skin and wound healing, and it has also been a well-established success in medical specialities such as oral surgery, neurosurgery, sports medicine and orthopaedics. PRP therapy is on the cutting edge of treatment options for hair loss and has emerged as one of the biggest breakthroughs in hair loss technology in recent years.
PRP is a simple, scientifically proven technique to promote growth and healing in your scalp and hair follicles. The outpatient procedure takes about a half-hour, and we perform it in the comfort of our Ontario clinic. In PRP therapy for hair growth, we will first draw a small amount of your blood and run it through a centrifuge at high speed to separate platelets and other blood components, which creates the PRP. Using an ultra-fine needle, the doctor or nurse then injects the PRP into your scalp at 1-centimetre intervals.
Why Is PRP An Effective Treatment for Hair Growth?
Platelets release growth hormones that not only have many healing properties but can also enrich your scalp and hair follicles for increased hair fullness and thickness. Additionally, PRP treatments can encourage inactive or newly implanted hair follicles to enter a more active growing phase. Since platelet-rich plasma is derived from your own blood, there is never any need to worry about compatibility, infections, allergic reactions or other complications.
At our clinic, we can perform PRP as a standalone treatment, or alongside the follicular unit extraction hair transplant procedure. Because semiannual or regular therapy may prompt hair growth, we advise patients to schedule one PRP treatment per month for four months, then once every four to six months thereafter. After a year, we will assess the results, and if you are satisfied with your appearance, we recommend a maintenance regimen of two to three treatments every year.
The Advantages of PRP Therapy
There are many advantages of PRP therapy for patients who want to address their hair loss:
- All-natural, painless, non-surgical remedy for hair loss
- Short, outpatient procedure that can be done on your lunch hour
- Safe, reliable and produces excellent results
- Requires no downtime for recovery
The Science of PRP
PRP is so effective because it both recreates and kick-starts your body’s natural healing process. Our blood is made of two main components: red blood cells and plasma. The plasma contains white blood cells and platelets, which are rich in growth factors. When you are injured, your body responds by sending platelets to the injured area to start repairing the damaged tissue and generating new, healthy tissue.
Researchers who study how platelets work often refer to them as your body’s “super-healers.” PRP therapy mimics the healing process that takes place in the human body, which is why it is a completely safe way to stimulate your tissue and hair to repair itself.
Who Is a Good Candidate for PRP Therapy?
Anyone suffering from thinning hair, decreased hair volume, loss of scalp coverage or increased shedding is a good candidate for PRP hair regeneration therapy. However, the decision to get PRP treatment or any type of hair restoration procedure is a highly personal one, and you should only make it after careful consideration and research on all the different options that are available to you.
If you are considering PRP therapy on its own or alongside hair transplant procedures, Dr. Jones will also meet with you for a private, complimentary consultation to discuss your medical history and the outcomes you are expecting in regards to improved hair growth and appearance.
Who Is Not a Good Candidate for PRP Therapy?
Patients with existing or uncured cancer or melanoma should not get PRP. The treatment is also not recommended for patients undergoing chemotherapy, steroid therapy or anticoagulation therapy, who take a regular regimen of aspirin or anti-inflammatory drugs, or who have blood disorders and platelet abnormalities. Patients with a history of heavy tobacco, drug and alcohol use are also not good candidates for PRP treatments.
If you are pregnant or nursing, you should not get PRP therapy. We also ask clients to stop taking Vitamin E or fish oil supplements at least two weeks prior to their treatment, as these supplements can have a thinning effect on your blood.
How Much Does PRP Hair Restoration Treatment Cost?
Each patient seeking hair restoration treatments has different needs and goals. When you come in for a one-on-one consultation at our Ontario hair restoration clinic, we can discuss the pricing of various treatment options, including PRP. We will also answer all your questions and respond to your concerns about PRP hair restoration, on its own or as a complementary procedure alongside other hair restoration treatments. We’re here to provide you with all the information you need to improve your appearance and restore your self-confidence.
PRP hair restoration can help you re-grow healthy, fuller hair. Contact us today to schedule your consultation for PRP hair restoration.
