How Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Can Stimulate Hair Growth

Your hair is thinning. It's not thick and lush like it once was. You're experiencing patchy hair loss and need help figuring out what to do. You tried all the popular creams and oils while spending so much time at the hairdresser, but nothing has helped! At this point, you need to figure out where to turn. If this sounds like you, keep reading, as PRP Hair Restoration at MD Skin Lab is here to help! 

Ever heard about the famous "vampire facial"? The treatment became prominent over the last several years. This skin treatment draws your blood and uses it to help facilitate a radiant, youthful complexion. You may not have heard that there is a similar treatment for hair loss, which helps promote hair growth! This treatment is PRP, also known as Platelet-Rich-Plasma—this non-surgical, safe and effective solution for many. Let's get into the specifics, from how it works to the recovery and, of course, the results you can expect during the procedure.

What is Platelet-Rich Plasma therapy? 

PRP has been used for years in medical disciplines such as orthopedics, plastic surgery and sports medicine to regenerate injured tissues. It also gained interest amongst doctors and patients as an effective treatment for male and female pattern balding over the last few years. PRP therapy harnesses the robust healing properties of the patient's platelets by injecting them into the scalp; this helps stimulate new hair growth by boosting blood supply to the hair follicles, resulting in thicker and healthier hair. 

During a PRP treatment, the process starts with extracting a sample of the patient's blood which is placed in a centrifuge to spin and separate the platelets. Next, your physician injector injects the resulting platelets into thinning and balding areas of your scalp. This procedure rejuvenates the skin and stimulates follicle growth.

Many doctors worldwide use this treatment to manage the shrinking of hair follicles and hair loss associated with androgenetic alopecia for male pattern baldness and for women, to improve hair density, fullness and thickness due to various reasons like postpartum hair loss and stress.

What are the benefits of PRP Hair Restoration?

In contrast to other treatments, such as hair transplant surgery, PRP is a non-surgical and non-invasive alternative to hair loss treatment. This treatment requires no downtime. 

Additionally, plasma contains impressive benefits, such as healing and growth qualities instructing your tissue to regenerate and multiply. This will stimulate new hair growth, ultimately leaving your hair stronger and healthier. 

How do I know if I’m suffering from hair loss? 

Hair loss can affect your scalp or entire body and can be temporary or permanent. It can result from heredity, hormonal changes, medical conditions or a normal part of aging. Anyone can lose hair on their head. 

Common signs of hair loss include widening parts, chunks of hair loss during brushing or showering, thinning ponytails, bald spots or receding hairlines, which we will get into.

Why am I experiencing hair loss?

Anyone can be affected by hair loss and thinning, regardless of age or gender. Some common reasons, according to Mayo Clinic, include: 

• Family history; the most common cause of hair loss is a hereditary condition due to aging. It usually happens gradually and in predictable patterns. 

• Hormonal changes and medical conditions; can be due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and thyroid problems. Medical conditions can include alopecia areata, which is immune system related. 

• Medications and supplements; hair loss can be a side effect of certain drugs that are used for cancer, arthritis, depression, high blood pressure and more. 

• Radiation therapy, hair may not grow back the same as before.

• High-stress levels; many people can experience hair thinning due to stress; this hair loss is temporary.

• Hair styling and treatment; excessive hairstyling can cause hair loss, as well as hot oil and permanent hair treatments. 

Am I a good candidate for PRP Hair Restoration?

PRP is a revolutionary treatment that helps restore hair loss and enhance hair health. PRP treatment can be used on all types of hair; however, people who suffer from chronic illnesses or are using blood thinners, such as those with Hepatitis C, AIDS or HIV, are unsuitable for this treatment.

We highly recommend booking a consultation with our doctors at MD Skin Lab; this allows the physicians to assess your health history and hair to see if PRP therapy is suitable for you.

What are the results I can expect with PRP Hair Restoration?

After a PRP treatment, you should see improvement in hair density and fullness four to six months after your initial treatment, as long as you have some active hair follicles. However, results vary from case to case, as your physician will recommend during the initial consultation. For some, you may experience the best results three to six sessions a month apart, followed by treatments every three to four months to maintain results. With that said, your physician will curate a bespoke treatment plan just for you. 

How long does a PRP Hair Restoration treatment take? 

The procedure typically takes 45 to 60 minutes. Since PRP Hair Restoration is non-surgical and minimally invasive, you can immediately continue your normal activities.

How many PRP Hair Restoration treatments will I need to see results? 

There is no one-size-fits-all answer to this. PRP Hair Restoration may require three to six sessions to see a discernible improvement in hair thickness and fullness. 

Does PRP Hair Restoration hurt?

While everyone’s pain tolerance differs, most patients can efficiently complete their treatments. Your doctor will use a topical numbing agent to make the procedure more comfortable. Additionally, there is an option to use ProNox, laughing gas, to help with the discomfort.

Are there any risks or side effects with PRP Hair Restoration? 

PRP is a non-invasive procedure, so it is low risk and does not result in any significant side effects, as the patient's plasma is used to perform the treatment. Potential reactions that a potential can experience include swelling, scalp tenderness, mild pain and irritation, itching of the injected area, temporary bleeding of the injected area, and sometimes, headaches. However, reactions depend on the patient.

Are there any activities I should avoid doing after my PRP Hair Restoration treatment?

We advise patients to wait 24 hours after the treatment before pursuing regular physical activities. Additionally, please do not wash your hair for 24 hours, and do not use harsh chemicals or hair colour on your scalp or hair for a minimum of 72 hours, as it can irritate the injected areas. Apart from these instructions, there is typically no recovery time required after your PRP Hair Restoration treatment.

How can I start my Hair Restoration journey? 

First and foremost, you will want to book a consultation with the physicians at MD Skin Lab, as our experienced doctors will understand more about your hair loss history and take photos of your scalp to curate the right plan for your PRP Restoration Treatment. It's essential to seek out an experienced clinic with physician injectors that take the time to explain what the procedure entails thoroughly. 

We at MD Skin Lab are a Toronto-based cosmetic clinic owned and operated by physicians. Our non-surgical and minimally invasive procedures, including Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy, are delivered by a team of aesthetic physicians focused on our patient's comfort, health and safety. Our utmost priority is to offer a unique treatment approach to each individual, depending on their goals. Let's work towards your hair goals together! Book your PRP Hair Restoration appointment at our Toronto-based cosmetic clinic today.

A Word from Our Doctors

“Platelet rich plasma therapy has been an emerging treatment option for hair loss and thinning in all people.  This innovative treatment approach utilizes the body’s own natural healing mechanism to promote hair growth from recently dormant follicles, improve hair density and prevent further hair loss.  It is a promising alternative and adjunct treatment to traditional more invasive hair restoration treatments in the past such as a hair transplant. We have seen first-hand that PRP hair restoration treatments have been extremely effective with minimal to no side effects and a high degree of patient satisfaction.” Dr. Vishaal Govan, Board Certified Aesthetic Medicine Doctor

“PRP hair injections can potentially benefit anyone experiencing hair loss or thinning. We prioritize conducting a comprehensive consultation with each patient to evaluate their specific level of hair loss and identify the underlying causes. Age, genetics, hormones, pregnancy, thyroid disorders, blood diseases and pattern hair loss are among the various factors that may contribute to hair loss so it is important to assess each patient individually” Dr. Soreya Dhanji, Board Certified Aesthetic Medicine Doctor