A new technique in vogue to counter the loss of hair density, the PRP technique (or platelet mesotherapy) promises to regrow hair. In which cases is it possible? What results to expect? A doctor tells all about these anti-hair loss injections.
The problems of hair loss are much more common than you might think. They affect an average of 45% of men and 34% of women, sometimes from a very young age, according to René Furterer, hair health expert. It is therefore not surprising to see a craze for products, techniques and tips aimed at countering hair loss and recovering the hair density of yesteryear. Lately, among them is the Platelet Rich Plasma or PRPalso called platelet mesotherapy in medical jargon, which arouses the interest of people affected by this hair problem.
Using our own blood to stimulate regrowth of our hair on sparse areas, this treatment performed on the scalp is very promising. However, it is far from possible in all cases. We interviewed Dr. Christina Shanouda, expert doctor in anti-aging & dermatological treatments for Lazeo who offers these anti-hair loss injections to know everything about the technique.
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What is hair mesotherapy?
It is a treatment that allows “boost hair regrowth, cell regeneration and the formation of new blood vessels by using the plasma and platelets present in the blood” explains Dr. Christina Shanouda. The injections thus stimulate the stem cells of the hair follicles of the scalp to give rise to new hair.
After how long can we see the results?
What is particularly interesting with these injections carried out on the scalp, it is that one can obtain results from the first session where the hair first appears “shinier, silkier and thicker” as the expert Lazeo points out.
If you respect the number of sessions recommended by your doctor, you are therefore guaranteed to have results with this treatment. “The PRP treatment will have improved your capillary capacity” says the doctor, who specifies that “the result is progressive and is seen as the sessions progress, and more blatantly at the end of the protocol”.
Good to know : to “preserving the effects” of these injections, it is then recommended to do one to two maintenance sessions per year.
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Anti-hair loss PRP: in which cases is it really effective?
Offering good results, these injections on the scalp are however not suitable for all hair loss. They are perfectly indicated in case ofalopecia mild to moderateof thinning hair or partially bald, or further to a post pregnancy hair loss in women to regain thick hair.
On the other hand, and unfortunately, it is not not possible if the baldness is no longer installed. In this case, injections of platelet-rich blood plasma are more complicated, and sometimes even impossible. “PRP stimulation can only be done in the presence of an already existing bulb” emphasizes Dr. Christina Shanouda to explain the impossibility of using this technique.
When the lack of hair is so important, it is sometimes possible to turn to hair micro-grafting, then to complete it with a PRP treatment to stimulate the growth of the grafts, but you cannot resort to platelet mesotherapy alone.
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Contraindications to hair PRP
This is not the only case where you will not be able to do PRP. If platelet mesotherapy is recommended in case of hair loss after pregnancy, it is not possible during pregnancy or during breastfeeding for that matter. Dr. Christina Shanouda also wishes to recall that a patient “suffering from an infectious disease, cutaneous, platelet, blood” or who “is following an anti-coagulant, aggregating treatment” cannot claim this treatment. Diabetes, cancer and autoimmune diseases are also incompatible with PRP.
Anti-hair loss injections: how is the treatment carried out?
Getting platelet-rich plasma injected into the scalp is a simple and fairly quick procedure. First of all, you will have to make an initial consultation with your doctor in order to review the possible contraindications to the treatment. If the doctor approves the injections, you will then have to take a standard blood sample which you will then entrust to the center in which you are going to give your injections. The blood is then centrifuged to separate the plasma and platelets from the other blood components before being injected directly into the scalp, in several places on the skull.
How many sessions are needed?
Expect on average to do “5 sessions spaced a month apart” to achieve optimal and long-lasting results on your hair.
PRP hair injection, what pain to expect?
The good news is that this injection technique is not painful. It remains, however, ratherunpleasant” as described by the doctor to take into account the sensitivity of each. If you fear this feeling, know that it is possible to ask your doctor to apply an anesthetic cream before the injections in order to make the treatment more comfortable.
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How much does a PRP session cost?
The price of a PRP protocol can vary depending on the establishment where you have it performed and according to your specific needs, depending on the extent of the hair loss. Count at least 350€ per session.
Above all, do not be tempted by prices that are too advantageous to be honest. PRP should only be performed by professional doctors and it comes at a cost. Any price well below the norm should alert you.
What are the possible side effects ?
“You may possibly observe some redness and slight bruising after the intervention, which resolves very quickly” warns Lazeo’s doctor. Also note that it is not recommended to dye or use aggressive products for the hair and scalp in the days following the PRP session.
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