Platelet rich plasma has many potential health benefits, many of which are likely still waiting to be discovered. Among the many possible uses for PRP therapy is to reverse hair loss. It involves taking a sample of your own blood, concentrating the platelets, and then using small injections to instill the PRP into your scalp where it promotes growth of new hair by stimulating the existing follicles.
The risks associated with PRP treatment for hair regrowth are relatively small. The product is derived from your own blood so there is no risk of allergic reaction, and it is nonsurgical so the risk of post procedure complications is extremely low. However, as with any procedure, there are guidelines that you need to follow both before and after the treatment to prevent complications and help ensure success.
Before the Treatment
What you should do prior to a PRP hair regrowth treatment falls into three categories: what to avoid, what to continue, and what to increase.
- Things To Avoid
Inflammation is one of the mechanisms by which PRP treatment works. Therefore, you should avoid taking any anti-inflammatory medications for three to seven days prior to receiving treatment. Certain supplements, such as flax, garlic, and vitamins A and E, have blood-thinning qualities. You should discontinue these at least a week before treatment, along with multivitamins.
Avoid tobacco and alcohol for at least three days prior to the treatment. If this is not possible, at least limit your intake.
- Things To Continue
Continue taking supplements of iron and vitamin D. You can color your hair three days before the treatment and wash your hair on the morning thereof, although you should avoid using hair products other than shampoo. If you’re using other hair loss treatments, you can continue them uninterrupted.
- Things To Increase
Since PRP is non-surgical, there is no need to limit food intake. In fact, since the treatment involves drawing blood, you should be sure to eat at least one full meal beforehand. You should also increase your fluid intake on the day before and the day of your treatment.
After the Treatment
Many of the same guidelines that apply before the procedure apply afterwards. You will have to wait at least 12 hours before washing your hair, but it should be fine to do so the day after treatment. You can resume medications, supplements, alcohol, etc. within three to seven days following your session and color your hair three days thereafter, if desired.
Most people are probably not aware of PRP treatment and what it entails. Please do not hesitate to contact a doctor about PRP for hair loss, like Dr. Robin Unger, with any questions.
