Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), also known as autologous conditioned plasma, is a concentration of platelet-rich plasma protein that is derived from an individual’s blood. The blood is centrifuged to remove red blood cells and separate plasma. This concentrated blood plasma contains several growth factors and cytokines that stimulate the healing of soft tissues. In dermatology, it is effectively said to treat androgenic alopecia. PRP for hair loss is being hyped today due to its high PRP hair treatment success rate. PRP injections are said to trigger natural hair growth and maintain growth by increasing blood supply to the hair follicle. In the same light, we’ll discuss whether or not PRP hair treatment is a permanent solution.
Is PRP Hair Loss Treatment Permanent?
PRP treatment is not a permanent cure for hair loss; instead, it’s a treatment that helps to slow the progression of hair loss and promote the growth of new hair. No doubt it prevents hair loss, but an individual may need multiple PRP sessions for hair growth and maintenance. It temporarily restores the ability of hair follicles to grow, and with multiple sessions, one can keep up the same rate.
Hence, PRP cannot be considered a permanent or one-time solution. It does provide better results than minoxidil and, thus, can be considered a better alternative. The results of PRP treatment last for 1-3 years, depending on the individual’s condition.
The platelet-rich plasma is drawn up into a syringe and then injected into the client’s scalp. This leads to increased hair growth.
The growth factor mechanism of PRP therapy:
Platelet granules release growth hormones like,
- Transforming growth factor (TGF): Assists the development of the matrix between cells
- Platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF): stimulates skin and blood vessel growth
- Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF): helps the formation of blood vessels
- Epidermal growth factor (EGF): increases cell growth and formation of blood vessels
- Insulin-like growth factor (IGF): regulates healthy and normal cell physiology
- Fibroblast growth factor (FGF): helps specialised cell formation
