NEW - Also includes HAIRestart treatment
PRP - Platelet-Rich Plasma
NEWS - We also include the Fotona laser protocol HAIRestart in the treatment at no extra cost.
Platelet Rich Plasma – often abbreviated to PRP – is an effective treatment for hair loss.
The Norwegian medical name is actually platelet-enriched plasma, abbreviated PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma), and has been used in traditional medical treatments for many decades, but is now increasingly used in cosmetic treatments due to its cell regenerating effect.
Here we see PRP being injected into a specific area. The capillary blood flow increases and the hair follicles are "revived." The treatment does not take long to perform. We recommend 1 to 3 treatments, depending on your needs.
How does PHP treatment work?
Our blood consists mainly of two main components – red blood cells and plasma.
Plasma is full of white blood cells (leukocytes) and growth factors (Wikipedia link). Both, but especially growth factors, are essential for increasing cell renewal, preventing degradation (aging) of the body's organs, and for the production of new capillaries (blood circulation).
Blood circulation around the hair follicles deteriorates
The reason for hair loss can largely be explained by the fact that blood circulation around the hair follicles deteriorates. As the small blood vessels (capillary circulation) around the hair follicles diminish, they will produce thinner and thinner hairs, until production stops completely and the hair follicle stops producing hair.
Hormones, and especially the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone), play an important role in hair loss. Researchers have concluded that DHT is the main cause of hereditary hair loss in men. The hormone restricts blood flow to the hair follicles, causing them to die.
There are several medications that reduce DHT production, of which Propecia is the best known and most commonly used in the treatment of male pattern baldness. PRP does not reduce DHT, it only "fixes" the damage caused by DHT, allowing the hair follicles to produce hair again.
Stop and reverse hair loss with PRP
With the help of PRP, we can now stop hair loss and, to some extent, reverse early hair loss.
It has been clinically proven that injecting PRP into a specific area increases capillary blood flow, which in turn means that the hair follicles are "awakened" to life again.
Hair follicles that have only produced thin hairs will, thanks to PRP, produce thick hairs again.
Hair follicles that have completely stopped producing hair strands are a little more difficult, but it has been proven that hair follicles that do not produce hair can remain "dormant" for 5 years without dying completely.
This means that with the help of increased blood circulation, these follicles will be able to produce hair again. In fact, clinical studies have shown that PRP increased the number of producing hair follicles by 22% in an area of 1 cm2.
Now, 22% may not sound like much, but these were hair follicles that did not produce hair before the patient was treated with PRP. The study also showed that the thickness of producing hair follicles increased by 70%.
Who can be treated with RPR?
All types of alopecia can be treated with PRP, but alopecia androgenica (hereditary hair loss) and alopecia areata are the types for which most clinical studies with PRP have been conducted. Areas where the hair is completely gone are difficult to treat. So-called diffuse hair loss (spread hair loss, where the hair becomes thinner) is easy to treat and gives the best results.
Unfortunately, people who have been completely bald for a long time cannot be treated, as the hair follicles are probably no longer active.
How many treatments are necessary?
Although a single treatment may be enough to stop hair loss, a course of 3 treatments over 3 months is always recommended.
Link: Clinical study –The effect of PRP on hair loss
FAQ - Frequently asked questions
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1. Are there any risks or side effects associated with PRP treatment?
- We only use the Arthrex ACP double-syringe system to ensure the safest and fastest preparation for extracting autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP).
- Since we do NOT add anything to your PRP, there is no risk of allergic reactions. You only get your own PRP back without any additives that other kits use, such as autocoagulants, hyaluronic acid, vitamins, etc.
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2. How is PRP treatment performed?
- The area will be cleaned before treatment.
- We will then take a "blood sample." Only 15 ml will be extracted.
- The sample will be centrifuged immediately and plasma will be extracted.
- We usually use a mesogun (an injector with compressed air that injects at the correct level and delivers PRP in exact doses over the area). This means virtually painless treatment for you, as there is no need for anesthesia.
- It is of course also possible to inject with a sharp needle, but this will be more painful.
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3. Can I combine medications (oral) or topical medications when receiving PRP?
Yes. Medications such as Propecia, Avodart, or Rogain (minoxidil) for hair loss can of course be combined with PRP, which can provide faster and sometimes better results than PRP alone.
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4. Can I combine hair transplantation and PRP treatment?
Yes. Hair transplants are becoming increasingly common, and many of our patients have undergone this treatment in combination with the actual operation and are encouraged by their doctor to continue with PRP after surgery. In some cases, it is also recommended before surgery. We therefore request clarification in advance when PRP is recommended after surgery by the surgeon, as most patients receive this immediately after hair follicle transplantation. The timing will therefore vary from clinic to clinic, but most recommend it no later than 4 weeks after surgery.
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5. What should I consider before undergoing PRP treatment?
We recommend that you come to your treatment with freshly washed hair without any products such as hair wax, gel, etc.
- Please bring a clean cap with you, as you will not be able to wash your hair for at least 6 hours after treatment.
- Eat healthy food and stay hydrated before treatment; fatty foods and dehydration will result in poorer PRP. This will be immediately apparent in the PRP result, which is centrifuged.
