What To Expect During a Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy Treatment
At Davis Hair Restoration in Cherry Hill, NJ, we offer cutting-edge solutions for hair loss, including platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy. This innovative treatment has recently gained popularity as a non-invasive option for those looking to improve hair thickness, density, and overall scalp health. Whether you’re considering PRP therapy as a standalone treatment or in conjunction with a hair transplant, it’s essential to understand the process and what to expect.
What is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy?
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a regenerative treatment that uses your blood to stimulate hair growth. By isolating platelets from the blood and injecting them back into targeted areas of the scalp, PRP therapy helps to accelerate the healing process and encourage hair follicles to function more effectively. Platelets are rich in growth factors that promote tissue repair, cell growth, and collagen production, making this treatment highly beneficial for hair restoration.
Initial Consultation
Your journey with PRP therapy begins with an initial consultation at Davis Hair Restoration. During this visit, a board-certified plastic surgeon, Dr. Steven Davis, will assess your scalp, review your medical history, and determine whether you’re suitable for PRP therapy. Ideal candidates for platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy are individuals with thinning hair or early stages of hair loss. Still, it can also benefit those with more advanced hair loss when combined with other treatments.
Once Dr. Davis confirms that PRP is the right choice for you, he will outline the treatment plan, including the number of sessions required and the expected results.
The PRP Therapy Process
Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of what you can expect during a platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy session:
Step 1: Blood Draw
The process begins with a simple blood draw, typically from your arm. This part of the procedure is quick and painless, like giving blood for routine lab work. The amount of blood drawn depends on the specific needs of your treatment, but it is typically only a small vial.
Step 2: Centrifugation
After your blood is drawn, it’s placed in a centrifuge. This machine spins the blood rapidly, separating it into various components. The goal is to isolate the plasma rich in platelets and growth factors. This part of the process takes about 10-15 minutes.
Step 3: PRP Preparation
Once the centrifugation is complete, the platelet-rich plasma is carefully extracted from the other blood components. Dr. Davis will then prepare the PRP for injection. It’s important to note that the PRP used during your treatment is 100% your own, which reduces the risk of allergic reactions or infections.
Step 4: Scalp Preparation
The treatment area will be cleansed thoroughly before the PRP is injected into your scalp. Dr. Davis may apply a topical numbing cream to minimize any discomfort during the injection process. Depending on your sensitivity to injections, a local anesthetic might be used in some cases.
Step 5: PRP Injections
The prepared PRP is injected into targeted areas of your scalp where hair thinning or loss is most prominent. These injections are placed directly into the hair follicles, where the growth factors in the plasma can stimulate natural hair growth. The entire injection process usually takes around 30 minutes to complete, depending on the size of the treatment area.
What to Expect After PRP Therapy
One of the most significant advantages of platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy is that it requires little to no downtime. Most patients can return to their regular activities immediately after treatment, although avoiding strenuous physical activity for the first 24 hours is recommended. You may experience mild redness, swelling, or tenderness at the injection sites, but these side effects typically subside within a day or two.
Results and Follow-Up
PRP therapy is not a one-time treatment. For optimal results, a series of sessions is recommended. At Davis Hair Restoration, we usually suggest 3-4 treatments spaced about 4-6 weeks apart. Maintenance treatments may be necessary every 4-6 months to sustain hair growth.
You won’t see immediate results from platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy, as hair growth takes time. Most patients notice hair thickness and density improvements after the second or third session, with full results becoming apparent after several months. Being patient and following Dr. Davis’s recommendations is essential to achieving the best possible outcome.
Benefits of PRP Therapy
There are several reasons why platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a popular choice for hair restoration:
- Minimally Invasive: PRP therapy involves no surgery or incisions, making it an ideal option for those seeking a non-invasive hair restoration solution.
- Natural Results: Since PRP uses your blood, the results are natural, with no risk of scarring or unnatural hair growth.
- Quick Recovery: With minimal downtime, you can return to your routine immediately after each session.
- Safe and Effective: PRP therapy has been used for years in various medical fields and is considered safe and effective for hair restoration.
Is PRP Therapy Right for You?
If you’re struggling with hair thinning or early-stage hair loss, platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy may be the solution you’ve been looking for. Dr. Steven Davis offers personalized care and expert guidance at Davis Hair Restoration to help you achieve your hair restoration goals.
Contact our Cherry Hill office today to learn more about platelet rich plasma (PRP) therapy or to schedule a consultation. Let us help you regain your confidence with fuller, healthier hair!