PRP TREATMENTS

Service Description

Research for the different applications of PRP is promising and rapidly growing. Although the equipment used to produce PRP and the injections themselves have been cleared by the FDA, this procedure is considered investigational and has not been officially approved by the FDA for most uses. Since PRP is a substance derived from one’s own blood, it is not considered a drug. FDA clearance means that doctors can prescribe and administer PRP if they believe it’s in the best interest of the patient. However, lack of the FDA approval means that PRP treatments may not be covered by insurance. PRP is not ‘FDA-approved’, it can be legally offered in the clinic ‘off-label’ in the USA for a myriad of musculoskeletal indications. PRP is a costly treatment not covered by insurance, and clinical trials have not demonstrated definitive efficacy, we recommend informing patients when providing PRP ‘off-label’. How does PRP Treatment work? Each PRP hair treatment for hair loss is usually carried out over the course of 4-6 weeks, with three treatments. Between 4 and 6 months after, a number of maintenance treatments may also be offered to maximize hair regrowth. If you were to take a blood sample, the largest component in this would be plasma. Plasma is a mixture of water and protein and offers a home to other components of your blood (such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets). Platelets are wound-healing blood cells that cause your blood to clot! Both plasma and platelets are fundamental to PRP therapy. During the treatment, a small amount of your own blood is taken (typically 20-30ml) and is then put into a machine called a centrifuge. The centrifuge spins your blood around at high speeds separating all the different components from your blood. Having separated your blood, the plasma part is then taken and injected back into the areas of hair loss of your scalp. The “healing” part of your own body is used to treat hair thinning! Why get PRP Hair Treatment? PRP hair treatments are designed for patients concerned with the thickness of their hair. If you, like many, are suffering from the effects of hair thinning or early pattern hair loss, PRP can help you maintain your hair density and promote new hair growth. Platelet rich plasma therapy is also useful for those unable to go through surgery. This treatment is less invasive than most hair transplantation methods.