Platelet Rich Plasma for Hair Restoration

• Cancer sufferers
• Those undergoing chemotherapy treatment
• Those with a skin disease (eg. SLE, porphyria or allergies)
• Those with severe metabolic or systemic disorders
• Smokers, drug and heavy alcohol users
• Those with abnormal platelet function (ie. blood disorders)
• Those undergoing anticoagulant and antiplatelet therapy, such as those being treated with aspirin, Warfarin, Dipyridamole or Clopidogril
• Those with Sepsis (acute or chronic infection)

It is widely known that the platelets in the blood perform many roles. They also contain very large quantities of bio-active proteins, which themselves include important growth factors assisting with the following processes in the body:

• Blood vessel growth
• Collagen production
• Transportation of other cells to injury sites to aid healing
• Bone mineralization, resulting in healthier bones
• Cell differentiation, ensuring the stimulation of the various cells that are needed in rejuvenation are stimulated
• Extra cellular matrix formation. This is the connective tissue that holds the body together, giving it shape and form
• Tissue adhesion (notably in skin flaps, bone grafts and trauma), meaning that the tissues stick together, resulting in strength

The PRP procedure begins with the drawing of the patient’s own blood into special blood-test tubes. These test tubes are immediately centrifuged for 5 to 8 minutes. The action of spinning the blood separates the red blood cells from the plasma, resulting in a golden yellow serum. This is the PRP. The PRP in its turn is placed in a syringe and then injected into the deep dermis or fat layer of the skin by employing very fine needles.

The procedure typically takes from 45 to 90 minutes depending upon the size of the treatment area. However. Results of the treatment will not begin to become visible for several weeks and, for optimal results, an initial course of 3 to 4 treatments for rejuvenation and 4-5 treatments for hairrestoration, at intervals of 2 to 6 weeks is advised.

The proteins contained in the PRP gradually increase the formation of collagen and connective tissue, promoting tightening and overall skin rejuvenation.

Results of the treatment vary depending on the age, genetic makeup and overall health and condition of a patient’s skin. Improvement of skin tone and texture are typically noticeable within 3 weeks. Full collagen regeneration will be completed within about 3 months.

The tissue that has been regenerated and remodelled in the treatment is permanent. However the aging process can not be stopped, and as we continue to age, the problem areas will eventually reappear. For this reason, in order to maintain the results, touch-up treatments are recommended at an interval of 6 to 24 months depending upon the patient’s age and condition of skin.

PRP therapy Treatment requires almost no down time and there is no need for a stay in hospital. The following effects can be expected following the procedure:

• Minimal swelling, bruising to a varying degree and some redness lasting 12 to 24 hours. Swelling and bruising can be minimised by applying cold compresses, maintaining the head elevated, and using arnica cream.
• Some patients may experience headache.
• Some patients may feel faint.
• A bruise at the site from where the blood has been taken may be visible for 2 to 3 days.