If your dreams of reclaiming a long and lustrous head of hair seem to be fading as the years go on, you should talk to a doctor about PRP therapy. This relatively new hair restoration process is helping people with mild to moderate hair loss due to genetics regrow hair. The process does not call for surgery of any kind and instead uses what’s in your own body to help resurrect dead hair follicles. If you’re wondering what the recovery period is after the treatment, check out some of what you can expect below.
Non-Invasive Means No Abrasions or Incisions to Heal
PRP is relatively non-invasive. Unlike Follicle Unit Transplantation where a strip of scalp is harvested from your head to move follicles to bald areas, PRP uses just a needle and your own body’s cells. There is a low risk of infection since there is not much exposure to the outside world. The only source of discomfort is typically the injection sites, which can be numerous depending on how widespread the thinning and baldness is.
Redness and Inflammation Are Common
The most common complaint following any PRP treatment is soreness and redness where the cells were injected. You may also notice some bumps or swelling appearing. You may apply an ice pack or take over the counter medication if your doctor advises you it’s acceptable to treat the injection-site pain.
Resumption of Activities
It is quite common to resume all normal activities within the first few hours following treatment. You can go back to work, go to the gym, kick around a soccer ball – whatever it is you would typically do. You can even take a shower and use your regular shampoo. Make sure you check with your doctor on the chemical interaction that may occur with some hair-growth shampoos and conditioners. They can typically still be utilized during your PRP treatment, but your doctor may want to monitor the situation the first month or so.
Watch Out for These Signs
After undergoing treatment, especially your first, you may want to be on the lookout for the following signs of reaction:
- Fever
- Blistering
- Hives or difficulty breathing
- Vomiting
While it is unlikely you are reacting to the treatment itself – it is your own body’s platelets – you may be reacting to the anesthesia or injections themselves. Call your doctor immediately or go to the emergency room if you don’t feel right. The risk of this may be low, but it can happen from time to time. If this occurs after the first treatment, your doctor may likely terminate your follow-up appointments.
PRP is not a quick fix but requires continued treatment. Schedule a consultation with a hair transplant surgeon, like Dr. Robin Unger, to see if you qualify.