Four Do’s and Don’ts of PRP Therapy for Hair Loss
PRP therapy is one of the most innovative hair restoration methods that’s emerged in recent years. It’s a minimally invasive method that’s been used for a decade, but many people still have questions about it. If you’re interested but have lingering concerns, check out these do’s and don’ts to get the answers.
How PRP Therapy Works
PRP therapy has grown popular largely because it doesn’t involve a full surgical procedure like hair transplantation does. Instead, it uses blood plasma’s known properties for helping the body heal and grow. Patients have their blood drawn and placed into a centrifuge where the plasma is separate out. The plasma is then injected into the scalp, where it’s said to:
- Increase blood supply to hair follicles
- Thicken the hair shaft
- Improve the quality of the hair growth cycle
Benefits over other procedures include a minimal recovery time. But there are still some things you need to know if you’d like to give it a try.
Don’t Expect Same-Day Results
Unlike hair transplantation, PRP therapy is not an instant fix. That’s because hair isn’t being moved. Rather, the procedure is designed to stimulate hair to grow. Doctors say it can take multiple sessions over the course of several months to see results.
Do Wait to Wash Your Hair
Once you’ve had the procedure, it may be tempting to hop in the shower and rinse your scalp. But doctors say it’s a good idea to wait a few hours before disturbing your scalp. They advise waiting about 12 hours as a good rule of thumb before exposing your sensitive scalp to shampoos.
Don’t Skip Your Sessions
PRP therapy is gradual and works over time. That means you will need to commit to multiple sessions of plasma injection to see consistent results. Your doctor will determine how many shots you need, how often. But in general, plan on setting aside a bit of time and money for the injections at least once a month, for a few months minimum.
Do Avoid Taking Anti-Inflammatories
Inflammation is believed to be one of the mechanisms that encourages the body’s healing properties. Those properties are what makes PRP therapy work! So most doctors will tell you to avoid things like aspirin right before your session.
If going under the knife for hair restoration is too intimidating, PRP may be a good option for you. Consult with a PRP therapy hair loss specialist to see if your type of hair loss makes you an ideal patient.
Resources:
Wikipedia, Hair Treatment
