PRP For Skin & Hair Rejuvenation
Platelet-rich plasma commonly known as PRP had been around for a few years already and has gained much popularity because of its natural characteristics. Since PRP is derived from a person's own blood cells, it can be used to address both medical and cosmetic issues. However, in recent years, it has been employed cosmetically as a means to treat hair loss, enhance scalp health, and stimulate collagen growth in addition to rejuvenating skin, minimising fine lines, wrinkles, and hyperpigmentation, plumping up sagging skin and treating acne scars.
Platelet-rich plasma is incredibly beneficial as it contains several growth elements necessary for hair growth and skin rejuvenation such as Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF), Fibroblast Growth Factor (FGF), Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF), Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF), and various others.
What is PRP?
PRP is a promising non-surgical three-step medical treatment (Extracting- Centrifuging-Processing) in which the patient’s own blood sample is taken, which is then put into a centrifuge, that separates the PRP from other components of the blood. This filtered blood contains a high concentration of platelets which is injected into your face or scalp, using a syringe or micro-needling (pricking the skin with tiny sterilized needles). Since this can be a mildly painful treatment, so generally topical anesthesia is used to avoid any discomfort.
How does PRP Rejuvenate the Skin?
PRP for Skin also known as Vampire or Dracula therapy is one of the most loved celebrity treatments.
The goal of PRP therapy for skin is to stimulate the body to produce new and healthy cells, and also to accelerate healing when injected into damaged tissues. PRP also promotes the generation of collagen, which improves skin texture and vitality by minimising wrinkles and fine lines. Results can take three to four weeks to manifest, and the majority of patients might require multiple sessions (three or more) with a gap of four to six weeks to achieve their aesthetic objectives.
How does PRP help in Hair Growth?
When injected on the scalp, PRP injections increase blood flow to the hair follicle to promote and sustain natural hair growth. This procedure is generally used in combination with other hair loss treatments and medications to be effective. An individual might require multiple sessions roughly at 6 weeks intervals for optimal results. Within 4 to 6 weeks of receiving the initial therapy, patients start to notice hair growth.
Are there any side effects of PRP treatment?
Whether you take PRP therapy for the face or hair, it is entirely safe and natural as it contains your own blood. Though you might notice redness, bruising, and swelling afterwards which tends to go away within few days.
How long does the result lasts?
The effect of PRP is typically quite long-lasting. An individual who took PRP for hair can see results that may last upto 2 years & PRP of skin that may last upto 3 years, considering the maintenance sessions at a certain gap as being recommended.
Who can be benefitted from PRP of Skin?
PRP therapy is gender-neutral, so both men and women can take advantage of it and enjoy a more youthful and natural appearance. It is beneficial for any individual who is witnessing visible signs of aging such as wrinkles, fine lines, hyperpigmentation, scars, and uneven skin tone.
Though it is not recommended for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Who can be benefitted from PRP of Hair?
PRP can’t be considered as the first line of treatment and is effective when used in combination with other therapies/ treatments. It can be done in patients suffering from male or female pattern baldness, Alopecia Areata, or for hair growth after hair transplantation.
Additionally, PRP therapy for hair works best when hair loss is detected early. Since PRP also has its limitations, it won't be able to completely restore the hair from areas where most of the hair has already fallen out due to factors like traction alopecia, autoimmune diseases, or any other chronic conditions.
PRP Vs GFC: Which is ideal for you?
GFC, Growth Factor Concentrate, is an outcome of medical advancements,the results of which are more lasting. Like PRP, GFC treatment is also derived from the patient’s blood but the only difference is that in GFC only high concentrations of growth factors are derived from platelet activation due to which there is no platelet wastage, its contamination free, and risk of pain and inflammation is negligible. Additionally, the number of sittings required with this cutting-edge and modern, face rejuvenation & hair growth therapy is comparatively less than PRP, thereby reducing the treatment duration.
Takeaway
In the modern era, where hair loss, pigmentation, acne scar, etc are prevalent problems for most people, both PRP and GFC treatment can be effective. After comparing your medical history with your present symptoms, your medical practitioner will be able to decide which of these is best for you.
These procedures are considered safe and give reliable results when performed by a board-certified dermatologist. Therefore, if you're considering PRP, make sure that it is performed in a certified centre or clinic and that the professionals performing the procedure have enough expertise & knowledge.
