Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP has been used for years to promise glowing, supple skin by way of the popular vampire facial. The same technology is now being co-opted to improve one of the most challenging aspects in dermatology: boosting hair growth and improving scalp health. We spoke to a dermatologist about the therapy to give you a low-down before you bring it up to your doctor.

Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is an extract of concentrated platelets from your own blood, says cosmetic physician and skincare expert Dr Jamuna Pai. Platelets contain packets of growth hormones and cytokines that increase the rebuilding of tissues to enhance healing. When PRP is injected into the area to be treated it restores blood flow, new cell growth, and tissue regeneration, says Dr Pai. Platelets, when injected deep into the scalp, may stimulate a specialised population of cells named dermal papilla cells, which play an important role in hair growth. The plasma promotes growth as it contains white blood cells and platelets, which can kickstart follicular activity and result in new hair growth. Not only has it been proven to improve the quantity, but it also affects the quality of hair increasing the thickness of the hair fibre.

This process involves drawing of blood from the patient, which is then put into a centrifuge to separate the protein-rich plasma. This platelet-rich plasma is then re-injected in the areas required, which in the case of hair loss is the scalp. A minimum of three sessions in an interval of four weeks is required to see appreciable results. One can continue the treatment up to six to nine sessions.You have to wait for eight to 12 weeks to see results. One can continue with sessions for maintenance even after the initial required number of sessions are over, and these sessions can be repeated once every two months for six to ninesessions, says Dr Pai. If the thought of multiple injections into the scalp sounds excruciating, Dr Pai says that pain management with PRP includes topical anaesthesia and icing. Since the injections are on the scalp and scalp is a dense tissue, there is a minimal amount of pain, although its quite bearable, she assures.

In cases of extreme hair loss, the underlying cause has to be detected and treated, which can range from hormonal disorders, stress, or vitamin and mineral deficiencies.Simultaneous PRP injections would help to restore the existing hair and also help the other hair roots to grow. It is always better to start early than late in cases of extreme hair fall because only a limited amount of hair can be restored. Therefore, time is of prime importance here, reminds Dr Pai. Once you begin the treatment, initial signs that tell you if it's working include reduction in hair fall and improvement in the health of the scalp skin.

While it may sound scary, there are no major side-effects to this therapy. Mild discomfort during the therapy and slight pain during the injection can be present. Side effects on the skin with PRP injections apart from the above mentioned can include mild bruising and swelling, Dr Pai says. The average width of the hair improves with PRP, which improves overall hair thickness. For the client to really see results, it takes three to four sessions but small hair starts growing as early as after the second session. The efficacy is 60 to 70 per cent improvement on an average, says Dr Pai.

Could your hormones be the reason behind your premature hair loss?

Would you roll tiny needles on your face if it gave you perfect skin?

7 ways you can increase skin collagen production

Read the original post:
Could platelet-rich plasma therapy be the answer to your hair loss? - VOGUE India