Hair loss and PRP injections
Platelet-rich plasma or PRP is a substance obtained from blood with anti-inflammatory and regenerative properties and can be used for cosmetic purposes.
To obtain PRP, a small amount of your blood is drawn from your arm and spun in a centrifuge to separate the plasma and other blood components including the platelets. Plasma with a high concentration of platelets is then isolated and kept aside in a sterile syringe to be injected. The plasma has 5 to 10 times the concentration of growth factors found in normal blood and may improve chronic tendon injuries, rejuvenate the skin and hair loss.
Indications
Male and female pattern hair loss
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may be used to treat male and female pattern hair loss. A recent review article in the Journal of Dermatology 2022, rated PRP as one of the most effective treatments for male pattern hair loss. It has also been used in scarring hair loss and alopecia areata.
- For the procedure, PRP is injected into the affected areas of the scalp. Treatments are recommended monthly for 3 consecutive months. The results are usually noticeable after 3 treatments.
Facial Rejuvenation and PRP
- To improve fine lines and wrinkles, the skin is thoroughly cleaned and numbed with a topical anaesthetic. Your nurse then uses super fine needles to introduce PRP into the superficial layers of the skin.
- Alternatively, a procedure called micro-needling may be performed which uses a hand-held instrument with multiple fine needles of precise depth. The instrument is glided over the skin creating micro-punctures. PRP is then applied topically and penetrates the skin through the micro punctures. A natural healing process is triggered by the production of collagen and elastin, proteins that help repair and smooth the skin.
- The effects of treatment become apparent in about 2-4 weeks. For optimal results, you will require 3-6 treatments 4-6 weeks apart.
Under Eye Dark Circles
- The skin under the eyes may lose volume and develop a sunken or baggy appearance with dark circles.
- The release of growth factors from PRP may stimulates the production of new cells and collagen to enhance healing and treat volume loss under the eyes. The entire procedure takes about 20 minutes.
- Two to three treatments about 3-4 months apart may be necessary for ideal results. The effects last up to 18 months. PRP may be combined with the use of dermal fillers for more lasting results.
Risks and Complications
As PRP therapy uses the patient’s own blood, it is not usually associated with complications. However, there is the possibility of slight bruising and appearance of pinkness or redness of the skin, which usually fades away after a week or so.
Cost per procedure $400
Cost for 3 PRP treatments $1100