Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) means “abundant platelets that are concentrated into a small volume of plasma”.
How does it act?
PRP contains abundant platelets. These platelets are natural source of large number of growth factors like VEGF,FGF, TGF, PDGF etc. So when activated PRP is injected into skin, large amount of growth factors are released which stimulate a healing like response or stimulate cells to produce new tissue. For hairs it causes growth of the hair follicles by stimulating the stem cells located in the dermal papilla as well as other structures of the hair follicles.
Procedure
It is prepared from patient own blood. Blood is taken in special vials and then centrifuged and PRP component is extracted. It takes 30-45 min for complete procedure and patient can go home immediately.
Uses of PRP
Androgenetic alopecia- it especially helpful to patients with diffuse thinning and active hair fall. Also it is very useful in female pattern alopecia. Usually 3 to 4 sessions are performed at 1monthly intervals. Besides this it can be used alongwith hair transplant for better and faster growth of grafted hairs.Other uses are skin rejuvenation, treatment of acne scars, wounds, striae etc.
Does PRP has any side effects?
As PRP is prepared from patient own blood, it is very safe.