Platelet-rich Plasma

In men we know that hair loss follows a very specific, progressive pattern that is passed on through heredity and is triggered by hormone–specifically dihydrotestosterone or DHT. An estimated 60 million Indian men are suffering with male pattern hair loss. As hair follicles miniaturize and weaken, coverage of the scalp diminishes leaving thinning or balding areas.

The first step for anyone with a hair or scalp problem is to visit a full-time, credentialed hair restoration physician with experience and expertise in accurate diagnosis, successful treatment and long-term follow-up required in the medical management of hair loss patients. A medical hair loss "work up" starts with a detailed medical history, including family history, history of medical illness, poor nutrition, current medications, hair care regimen, recent surgeries and a detailed history of the hair loss situation. A scalp biopsy, blood work or other testing (like a HairDX genetic test) may be performed if indicated by the history and physical symptoms.

Physical exam would include evaluation of the scalp for signs and symptoms of hair loss and any concurrent problems, such as inflammation. Master HairCheck with German technology Trichoscan is used to measure Hair growth (Anagen Phase), falling (telogen Phase) and vellus (weak) hairs density in the relatively permanent areas of the scalp compared to the non-permanent or at-risk areas. Video dermoscopy with a Hair Cam device is used to determine if there is decreased numbers of follicles in the affected areas, a decreased caliber of follicles in the affected areas, or a combination of both.

PRP treatment for hair loss is non-invasive hair regrowth treatment. A small amount of blood is obtained from your body from which platelet-rich plasma is isolated using centrifugation technology.

PRP thus obtained has special growth factors and cytokines responsible for stimulating hair growth and strength. It can also be combined with Extracellular Matrix such as ACell or BioD for healthy and shiny hair.

The surgeon injects PRP into the affected area of the scalp delivering platelet-derived growth factors into the skin. This process invigorates lifeless hair follicles and boosts hair growth significantly. The entire procedure lasts for an hour or so.

At VCare, we focus on two types of hair loss patients when it comes to PRP treatments: patients with areas of "weak quality" hair growth on the scalp, where functioning hair follicles can still be observed, and patients with small areas of alopecia areata. In our experience, these are the patients who appear to have the greatest success with PRP hair regrowth treatments.

Typically, we can measure improvements in Hair Mass Index using Hair Check months before the results are visible to the naked eye. Increases in Hair Mass Index using the Hair Check device predict how much visual improvement the patient is likely to see in the months to come. It takes six to twelve months to judge the results of PRP "visually" in the mirror or with standardized photos.

Measurements are taken every three months, so the plateau phase of improvement can be tracked. When Hair Mass Index starts to decline, the patient's next PRP is planned. With the exception of alopecia areata, the average hereditary hair loss patient can expect to need PRP with ECM on an annual basis.

Hair Mass Index, HMI or Hair Score is the unit of measure obtained from the Hair Check tool. It is a numerical representation of the cross sectional area of a bundle of hair that grows from a 2cm x 2cm area of scalp. Consider for a moment the thickness of a ponytail of hair. This thickness is a product of the amount of hair fibers within the bundle as well as the thickness of each individual hair fiber.

Therefore, Hair Mass Index or HMI is a highly accurate and sensitive measurement of the amount and quality of hair growing from the scalp in any given area. Doctors and others can learn how to accurately perform HMI measurements with Hair Check through the Hair Coach training and certification program.

PRP is a comfortable, in-office, non-surgical procedure that takes about an hour start-to-finish, and most of that time is spent in the preparation phase… meaning you, the patient, is just relaxing! Most patients notice a brief period of inflammation during which their scalp remains somewhat pink and numb for a few hours. Swelling is rare (about 15% of the time) and if it occurs is noticeable in the forehead or around the eye area on the next day.

Any swelling takes about a day or two to resolve. Hair growth improvements can typically be measured in about three months, but it takes six to twelve months to visually "see" the difference in photos and in the mirror.

According to published reports, "plain" PRP (without ECM) tends to improve hair caliber and hair growth for about four to six weeks, requiring multiple repeated treatments as often as every other month. When using combination with clinical treatments like BioCell, Follitreat therapy, the effects of PRP have been reported to be stronger and last longer.

In our hands, at VCare, we have noticed that Hair Mass Index (aka HairScore) measurements performed with Hair Check cross sectional hair bundle trichometry can improve and plateau for up to two years* when PRP is combined with Cliinical treatments Biocell/Follitreat." On average, however, most patients will require their repeat PRP treatment after an average of one year in order to maintain the hair growth effects.

There is no activity restriction after a PRP treatment. Patients may shower/shampoo/condition their hair normally just several hours after the treatment and resume normal daily and athletic activities. As mentioned previously, some brief mild inflammation noticeable as redness/pinkness and numbness of the scalp may be present for several hours. No harsh chemical coloring or perming treatments should be performed for at least 72 hours. Use of topical hair growth treatments like hair growth serum (stem cells) or similar can resume the next day. Laser therapy treatments can also be resumed the next day.

People with poor hair growth and weak hair are ideal candidates for PRP treatment for hair loss. PRP can also be beneficial for those suffering from alopecia areata.