Alopecia is a condition that affects millions of people around the world, causing hair loss and often leading to feelings of embarrassment and anxiety. While there are a number of treatments available for alopecia, including medications and hair transplants, one treatment that has recently gained attention is PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy.
Activated plasma in PRP (platelet-rich plasma) refers to the platelet-rich plasma that has been processed and concentrated to release growth factors, which are proteins that help stimulate cell growth and healing. In PRP therapy, a small amount of the patient's own blood is drawn and placed in a centrifuge to separate the platelets from the other blood components. The resulting plasma, which is rich in platelets and growth factors, is then activated by adding calcium chloride or another activating agent to initiate the release of growth factors.
The activated plasma is then injected into the patient's scalp in the areas affected by hair loss. The growth factors in the activated plasma promote the growth of new hair follicles, improve hair thickness and density, and strengthen hair follicles.
Here are some of the benefits of activated plasma in the treatment of alopecia:
1. Non-Invasive Treatment
Activated plasma is a non-invasive treatment option for alopecia, meaning there is no surgery involved. This makes it a more attractive option for those who are not interested in undergoing surgery.
2. Safe and Effective
Activated plasma has been shown to be a safe and effective treatment for alopecia. Because it uses your own blood, there is no risk of an allergic reaction. Additionally, because the treatment is minimally invasive, there is little to no downtime and few side effects.
3. Stimulates Hair Growth
Activated plasma contains growth factors that can help stimulate hair growth. When injected into the scalp, the growth factors promote the growth of new hair follicles, which can lead to increased hair density and thickness.
4. Improves Hair Health
In addition to stimulating hair growth, activated plasma can also improve the overall health of your hair. The growth factors in activated plasma can help strengthen your hair follicles, leading to stronger, healthier hair.
5. Cost-Effective
Compared to other hair restoration treatments, activated plasma is a cost-effective option. While the cost of the treatment can vary depending on the number of treatments needed, it is generally less expensive than hair transplant surgery or other surgical treatments.
6. Customizable Treatment
Activated plasma treatments can be customized to meet the unique needs of each patient. The concentration of platelets can be adjusted depending on the severity of the hair loss and the desired results.
So, does PRP therapy actually work for alopecia? The answer appears to be yes, at least for some patients. Several studies have shown that PRP therapy can lead to an improvement in hair density and thickness in people with androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness.
For example, a 2019 study published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology found that PRP therapy led to a significant increase in hair density and thickness in men and women with androgenetic alopecia. The study involved 30 patients who received three PRP treatments over the course of three months. At the end of the study, the researchers found that 77% of patients had a significant improvement in hair density and thickness.
Another study, published in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery in 2018, found similar results. In this study, 60 patients with androgenetic alopecia received PRP therapy, and the researchers found that 57% of patients had a significant improvement in hair growth after six months.
While these studies are promising, it's important to note that PRP therapy is not a miracle cure for alopecia. It may not work for everyone, and the results can vary depending on a number of factors, including the severity of the alopecia, the patient's age and overall health, and the technique used to administer the PRP therapy.
In addition, PRP therapy is not a one-time treatment. Patients typically need to undergo multiple sessions of PRP therapy in order to see results, and the effects may not be permanent. Some patients may need to continue with maintenance treatments in order to maintain their results. Despite these limitations, PRP therapy is an attractive option for many patients with alopecia because it is minimally invasive and has few side effects. The most common side effect is mild scalp irritation, which typically goes away within a few days.
In conclusion, activated plasma (PRP) therapy is a safe and effective treatment for alopecia that offers a number of benefits, including hair growth stimulation, improved hair health, and cost-effectiveness.