Drawing platelet-rich plasma from the patient’s own blood and then reinjecting it into the scalp is a method of promoting hair growth that harnesses the body’s own natural cells to counteract the hair loss process. Thinning hair is a source of embarrassment for many adults, both men, and women alike, and it can be difficult to decide which treatment option is best for you. At Hair Toronto, we pride ourselves on going above and beyond in our commitment to producing truly natural-looking results. At the same time, other physicians may be content with an automated, mechanical process that leaves your hairline looking unnaturally even.
The Science Behind Platelet Rich Plasma
The human body is equipped with a complex system for repairing injuries and replacing old and dying tissue. Our blood contains stem cells that can develop into connective tissues as needed and essential and specific growth factors that promote growth, regeneration, and healing. When blood is separated in a centrifuge to isolate the platelet-rich plasma (PRP), these factors are present in higher concentrations.
Although the use of PRP in treating hair loss is a relatively recent development, its efficacy has yet to be thoroughly studied.
PRP therapies have been used for decades in addressing skin regeneration and wound healing. They have also been shown to be effective in various fields, including:
- Plastic surgery
- Oral surgery
- Neurosurgery
- Orthopedics
- Sports medicine
The idea of using PRP to treat hair loss is that the growth-stimulating properties of the plasma may induce activity in previously inactive hair follicles, jump-starting the body’s natural methodology of producing hair.
Because the use of PRP in treating hair loss is such a recent development, few substantiated claims can be made regarding its efficacy. However, early data suggests that as many as 50% of patients treated using PRP may experience some positive benefit.
