One of the most popular treatments available today is PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy, a well-known method to improve hair regrowth. This unique treatment procedure involves the extraction of your own blood, and the separation of the plasma and its re-injection into the scalp. It aims to stimulate a regrowth in the hair follicles and increase the hair density.
PRP being a non-surgical method, is chosen by many. However, the first question that comes into your mind is, how many PRP sessions are needed to get the desired results? And what is the PRP treatment cost?
A clear understanding of the full scope of PRP therapy, the recommended number of sessions and the expected treatment outcomes, is crucial before actually undergoing the treatment. Delve into this blog, to understand these aspects and to get a clear insight on if your decision to undergo a PRP injection is right or not.
What is PRP and how does it work?
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) is a procedure in which your own blood is withdrawn and is processed in a centrifuge machine to separate the platelets and plasma. The separated platelets are concentrated and are directly injected into your scalp. As the PRP rich plasma is rich in growth factors and proteins it plays a crucial role in healing and the regeneration of tissues. When injected into the scalp, it will rejuvenate the hair follicles, and promotes a thicker and healthier hair growth. Thus, it is considered one of the effective treatments for those dealing with severe hair thinning and baldness.
The role of PRP in hair growth
The main function of PRP in hair growth lies in its ability to enhance the overall cell division and growth, and to further repair the damaged tissues. Growth factors in PRP will stimulate the dormant hair follicles, and produce new hair strands to prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle. Growth factors such as the platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) and others are involved in enhancing growth.
PRP therapy also improves the blood circulation in the scalp, and ensures that the hair follicles receive sufficient amount of nutrients for their growth. The hair follicles become more active and you can get to see a significant improvement in regaining a full head of hair.
PRP sessions requirement
The number of PRP sessions required for you, depends on various factors, such as the extent of baldness, the over all response to treatment and other factors, which are discussed further in this blog.
PRP injections are given in different phases at regular intervals.
Initial phase-
In most cases, the PRP injections are given in three to four sessions, in regular intervals, spanning over 4 to 6 months. This initial treatment phase is critical as it sets the foundation for stimulating hair follicles and encouraging new hair growth. Each session typically lasts for about an hour, including the preparation of the patient for PRP and the administration of injection across the scalp.
During this phase, patients might experience slight tenderness and redness at the injection site, which reduces a few hours after the session. Results during this phase may not be immediately seen, as hair growth is a gradual process and follicles require time to respond to the treatment.
Maintenance phase
This is followed by the initial treatment phase, during which the injections are given primarily to sustain the hair growth. Usually, these maintenance sessions are scheduled for every three to four months. The main goal of this phase of treatment is to reinforce the stimulation provided with the PRP injections in the initial phase and to support the ongoing hair growth.
It is highly important to take the injections during the maintenance phase to get the desired results. Studies have shown individuals who have taken the PRP injections as per the doctor advise have started to experience sustained results post-transplant.
Customised PRP treatment plan
Our body’s response to any treatment, including that of PRP varies among individuals. Factors such as genetics, hereditary, general health and the severity of hair loss, all of these have an influence on the hair growth in response to PRP.
One of the main advantages is the flexibility it offers, allowing the doctors to customise the treatment plan as per your specific needs. Doctors design a specific PRP treatment plan as per your expectations, goals and the overall health conditions.
Doctors adjust the frequency of injections, by taking into consideration all the different factors affecting the patient’s recovery post PRP. Some individuals might require fewer sessions, while others may need a greater number of injections to achieve the desired result. Your doctor will design the treatment plan and modify it as per your body’s response.
PRP therapy has shown to provide you with the best possible results. By gaining a clearer understanding of the principles behind PRP, you can get a clarity on the number of sessions required for hair growth. It is always important to get your treatment done through experienced healthcare providers to gain a safe and effective treatment plan according to your individual needs.
Factors Influencing the Number of PRP Sessions
The following are factors determine the number of PRP sessions required for an individual’s hair re-growth:
· Age & severity of hair loss-
Age is a key factor which impacts the number of PRP sessions required for you. As individuals age, the ability of the hair follicles to regrow reduces significantly. Higher is your age, more is the time taken for you to regenerate the hair, so younger individuals gain more better results with PRP injections.
If you have just started to experience the hair loss or hair thinning, you will require fewer sessions of treatment with PRP. While those of your experiencing advanced hair loss needs a more intensive treatment plan with additional PRP sessions to gain more effective results.
· Genetics and lifestyle-
Genetics play a key role in determining of your hair loss. If you have a family history of baldness or hair loss, there is a higher chance for it to progress further to the advanced stages. So, it is highly important to consider the hereditary patterns when planning your PRP injections.
Lifestyle choices also affect the hair growth and the effectiveness of the PRP Hair treatments. Factors such as diet, stress levels, and exposure to toxins can all influence the hair health. A nutritious diet rich in vitamins and minerals will improve the effectiveness of the PRP treatments. Alternatively, a poor lifestyle characterized by inadequate nutrition, high-stress levels, and unhealthy habits like smoking or excessive alcohol consumption may require a greater number of sessions to achieve the desired hair growth outcomes.
· Response to Treatment-
Each person's response to PRP treatment is unique. Some individuals may notice significant improvements after just a few sessions, while others may require more injections to achieve the desired results.
Some of you might experience quicker recovery with the PRP injections while some might require higher number of injections for a quicker recovery.
· Sustained Improvement-
One of the crucial goals of the treatment with PRP is to maintain and improve the hair density and the scalp health over a period of time, this is particularly important in those taking PRP injections post hair transplant treatments. Periodic maintenance sessions are required to sustain the results obtained from the PRP injections.
· Individual health factors-
Different physiological and biological factors influence one’s response to PRP treatments. Factors such as the composition of the growth factors in the plasma will have an overall impact on one’s recovery, with the PRP therapy.
