PRP is short for the term platelet rich plasma. The platelets are taken from your own blood which is drawn much like a laboratory blood test. Because this process uses your own blood, there are almost no risks of an allergic reaction or rejection to the treatment. The PRP is simply a concentrated form of the same substance that already exists in your body. The platelet rich plasma, which is full of growth and healing factors, is separated from the rest of the blood and then injected in microdroplets to the scalp. This causes trauma to your scalp which means an increase of blood flow to the scalp, and in turn, an increase of PRP being naturally brought to the area. Increased blood flow and PRP to the area of hair loss encourages hair follicles to grow strong and hopefully stimulates growth of dormant follicles at the same time. In order to catch the follicles at the different stages of growing and to ensure they get enough nutrients, we need to perform the treatments once a month for three consecutive months. We then recommend a treatment at six months then 12 months. Then depending on your growth/loss you may choose to repeat the treatments every 6-12 months. Unfortunately, hair loss is something that will never stop with age, and will need to be continually treated. PRP is not a cure, but simply meant to preserve what hair you do have left and ensure the follicles stay healthy and strong.
The decision to have PRP injections is extremely personal, and you’ll have to decide if the benefits of the procedure outweigh the risks and potential complications.
You will be asked to sign consent forms to ensure that you fully understand the procedure and any risks. It is important that you address all your questions directly with your surgeon.
Platelet rich plasma treatments are typically done in the office in a 45 minute appointment. A topical numbing cream is applied and is used to aid with discomfort of injections. It is an option to do nerve block to help with the discomfort if you find that the topical numbing cream is not enough. Then 8-16mL of blood will be drawn from you and centrifuged for eight minutes. The PRP will be extracted and then injected into the scalp as microdroplets. A fine needle is used for the injection to improve discomfort associated with the procedure. The length of your consultation will depend on the amount of questions you may have. It is recommended to do an initial booster series of three treatments one month apart, then do maintenance treatments every 6-12 months.
Most people continue their normal daily activities after PRP treatment. It is recommended to not wash out the PRP until later at night when you shower.
Because PRP injections are intended to promote healing or growth, you may not notice an immediate difference after receiving the injections. However, one of the first things patients notice is that they shed less of the hair they currently have. Most patients start to see results at 3-4 months, with full results at 6-12 months when the hair has had time to grow out.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to give us a call at (403) 800-9157 and leave a message as necessary. If you are unable to reach us, and need medical advice please call 811 to speak to a nurse, the line is free of charge and available 24 hours a day. If it is a medical emergency please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital.
PRP is unable to regrow hair follicles that have already been lost. PRP is only able to stimulate dormant hair follicles and provide nutrients to existing hair follicles.
A good candidate for the procedure is a patient who is relatively healthy and has realistic expectations for post-operative outcomes. It is also strongly advised that you be a non-smoker at the time of surgery.
If you are a smoker we recommend you quit smoking at least 3 months prior to surgery as nicotine can interfere with blood supply and potentially cause complications with healing after treatment.
Most people continue their normal daily activities after PRP treatment. It is recommended to not wash out the PRP until later at night when you shower.
Because PRP injections are intended to promote healing or growth, you may not notice an immediate difference after receiving the injections. However, one of the first things patients notice is that they shed less of the hair they currently have. Most patients start to see results at 3-4 months, with full results at 6-12 months when the hair has had time to grow out.
If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to give us a call at (403) 800-9157 and leave a message as necessary. If you are unable to reach us, and need medical advice please call 811 to speak to a nurse, the line is free of charge and available 24 hours a day. If it is a medical emergency please call 911 or go to your nearest hospital.
PRP is unable to regrow hair follicles that have already been lost. PRP is only able to stimulate dormant hair follicles and provide nutrients to existing hair follicles.
A good candidate for the procedure is a patient who is relatively healthy and has realistic expectations for post-operative outcomes. It is also strongly advised that you be a non-smoker at the time of surgery.
If you are a smoker we recommend you quit smoking at least 3 months prior to surgery as nicotine can interfere with blood supply and potentially cause complications with healing after treatment.
