How many PRP treatments should I have?

The body of evidence for platelet rich plasma (PRP) as an alternative treatment for hair loss in men and women of varying causes has continued to increase over the past year. It is widely accepted that PRP can achieve positive results in the fight against male and female pattern hair loss (androgenic alopecia) as well as in the treatment of alopecia  areata. An advance preview of a paper due to be published in the Aesthetic Surgery Journal by Dr Semsarzadeh and Dr Khetarpal, based at the Department of Dermatology, Cleveland Clinic Foundation, Cleveland, Ohio, reinforces this. 

PRP is known to act as a chemical messenger and results in the release of a multitude of cytokines. Cytokines are defined as substances that are released by cells of the immune system and have a subsequent effect on other cells. These cytokines include a number of growth factors including the following: PDGF, TGF, VEGF, HGF, Insulin-like GF, IL-1. 

These cytokines help to stimulate the stem cells found within the bulge area of individual hair follicles. When these are stimulated they activate and prolong the Anagen phase (growth phase) of the hair cycle. It is well recognised that in male and female pattern hair loss, for reasons still not fully understood, individual hair follicles undergo a process of miniaturisation. This occurs as a result of the anagen phase (growth phase) of the hair follicles getting shorter and the telogen phase (resting phase) of the hair follicles getting longer. The net result of this is that hairs grow less and hence get subsequently smaller and smaller until they finally disappear. 

Cytokines are also responsible for increase in angiogenesis – the formation of new blood vessels – within the scalp. A deterioration in the blood supply to the scalp has been shown to be another contributing factor to most types of hair loss. A richer blood supply means a healthier scalp and slower hair loss. 

A large number of studies have been published to date demonstrating that PRP does in fact have a positive effect on hair loss. However, all these studies have presented a wide variety of techniques and protocols. 

Recent studies have compared different PRP treatment regimens to assess what works best and which provides the best gains. Researchers compared increases in hair density and thickness amongst patients who received 3 treatments over 3 months with a booster session at 6 months versus patients who received 2 treatments that were 3 months apart. Those patients who received 3 intensive treatments initially demonstrated greater gains in hair density and thickness as compared to those who had 2 treatments over 6 months. They also saw these results much quicker.

Follow-up studies have demonstrated relapse with hair fall coming back 12 months after the last PRP treatment. Researchers have also demonstrated that the longer one has been suffering with androgenic alopecia (male/female pattern hair loss), the less impact PRP tends to have. This is especially true for those males with Stage IV to VI Norwood pattern hair loss. 

According to Semsarzadeh and Khetarpal the recommended protocol for PRP for hair loss should be as follows:

  • 1 treatment every month for 3 months
  • 4th treatment 6 months after last treatment
  • Maintenance treatment every 12 months

At Rejuvence Clinic we use Magellan TruPRP and recommend the same protocol as shown above. For further information on PRP treatments for hair loss at Rejuvence Clinic,  have a look at our section on PRP for hair loss.

If you are serious about getting PRP treatment for hair loss make sure you give us a call on: 0207 531 6600.

Alternatively book a free consultation through our online booking portal

References:

  1. Semsarzadeh, Khetarpal. Platelet Rich Plasma and Stem Cells for Hair Growth: A Review of the Literature. Aesthet Surg J. 2019 May 20. pii: sjz146. doi: 10.1093/asj/sjz146. [Epub ahead of print]

COVID-19 SAFETY GUIDELINES

We are in the midst of a pandemic and it is essential that we maintain the safety of our patients as staff above all else. Before attending Rejuvence Clinic for your appointment please review the following safety guidelines. 

SYMPTOMS

If you have tested positive for COVID-19 or have symptoms, or if you live with someone with COVID-19 or someone with symptoms, please notify us immediately.

 

If you or someone you live with has any symptoms such as fever, dry cough, sore throat, fever, chills, shaking, muscle pain, headache, new loss of taste or smell, you MUST NOT attend. Please call us immediately and we will reschedule your appointment.

CHECK IN

Once you arrive at clinic, please press the intercom. Upon answering you will be asked to come into the building and wait in the lobby. You will be met by one of our staff. 

Everyone must have a wellness check prior to coming in:

  • You must wear a face mask at all times
  • We will check your temperature with a no-touch wall mounted thermometer. If you have a high temperature you will be asked to leave and we will reschedule your appointment. 
  • Please do not bring anyone else with you to your appointment. This is to minimise risk to both staff and patients.
  • Please sanitise your hands using the wall mounted alcohol no-touch sanitiser. 
  • Please wear shoe covers before entering. 

BY APPOINTMENT ONLY

Only patients with scheduled appointments will be allowed into the clinic.  You must come alone – no guests, family, or and friends can come with you into our clinic at this time.

No walk-ins are allowed, only scheduled appointments. Please call us on 0207 531 6600 or Whatsapp us on 07504 552772 with any questions or to purchase products.

STAFF WELLNESS

All staff, and anyone entering our clinic will be wearing masks. Depending on your treatment, clinicians may also wear goggles and face shields. Our staff will have daily wellness checks including temperature readings and symptom monitoring.

We appreciate you abiding by our safety guidelines to keep our staff, other patients, and our community healthy.

HIGH RISK

Vulnerable people at high risk of severe illness from COVID-19 should only leave home for medical care and essential activities. Virtual consultations are available with Rejuvence Clinic. Please contact us directly at 0207 531 6600 or Whatsapp on 07504 552772 to schedule your virtual consultation.

 

We appreciate you abiding by our safety guidelines to keep our staff, other patients, and our community healthy.

Need Help? Chat with us