PRP, PRF & Growth Factors
Regenerative medicine in hair loss aims to repair, restore & maintain hair follicular density, numbers & volume. These interventions stimulate hair growth by targeting growth factors, cell proliferation, localised vascularisation & angiogenesis. This is an innovative and rapidly evolving field with many different protocols of variable efficacy.
PRP and PRF are natural regenerative treatments available for the treatment of alopecia (hair loss), surgical, musculoskeletal, dental & dermatological conditions. They are minimally invasive, autologous i.e. originating from your body, blood-based therapeutic interventions that have been shown to be effective in tissue healing & stimulating hair growth. PRF is the latest innovation in plasma growth factor technology & the scientific evolution of PRP. The procedure is minimally invasive and does not involve any surgical incisions, making it a convenient option for many individuals.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) is a concentrate rich in platelets & growth factors in a plasma serum. PRP is created by drawing a small amount of venous blood from the patient, using a special vacutainer tube, then centrifuging via a specific protocol & specialised centrifuge to separate the platelets from the other blood cells. The platelet rich layer is then collected using a sterile syringe and is rich in growth factors & cytokines.
Not all PRP is the same and their efficacy may differ subject to the protocol used, i.e. the type & angle of centrifuge, the PRP system, the speed or revolutions used (RPM) & time which cause variation in the platelet’s & growth factor concentrations obtained. Furthermore the skill & knowledge of the injector may also play a role, approaching at the right depth & frequency.
Platelet Rich Fibrin (PRF)
PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) is the latest innovation in plasma growth factor technology & the scientific evolution of PRP. This cutting edge technology is used in optimising & augmenting bone grafting, plastic surgery, dental implant surgery, wound healing, musculoskeletal injuries, aesthetics & recently hair growth.
The latest literature is prolific with research studies which demonstrate its benefits, many of which demonstrate superiority over PRP. However there is a significant variation in efficacy subject to the protocol being used. Variations in terms of the type of centrifuge (fixed vs horizontal), the relative centrifugal force (RCF), the time, the type of vacutainer used & the chemicals added can make a huge difference in the success of the procedure.
In addition the skill, experience & knowledge of the doctor performing the procedure plays a large role.
PRF is a specialised blood product that is rich in platelets, fibrin, and growth factors. PRF is created also by drawing a small amount of blood from the patient, into a specialised PRF vial with no additives and then processing it in a specialised centrifuge & protocol. This allows the platelets to clump together and form fibrin.
In addition the skill, experience & knowledge of the doctor performing the procedure plays a large role.
PRF theoretically has a more sustained release of growth factors due to the presence of the fibrin matrix, believed to provide a scaffold for growth factors to attach to and thus prolonged stimulation to the hair follicles. Studies are In their infancy however the data is very promising.
If you are considering PRP or PRF treatment for hair loss, it is important to talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of each treatment. Your doctor can help you decide which treatment is right for you.
At Hair Restoration Doctors we have our own unique protocol for PRP & PRF coupled with effective adjuvant therapies which produce the best synergistic outcomes.
All medical procedures may have possible side effects, in particular when it involves blood & injections. This is minimised by seeking treatment by a qualified & experienced medical practitioner who can advise you on which precautions to take and who will perform the procedure with the relevant knowledge, safety, sterility & experience
Recovery time: The recovery time for PRP and PRF is typically short. However, some people may experience bruising or swelling at the injection site.
Side effects: The side effects of PRP and PRF are usually mild and go away on their own. However, some people may experience allergic reactions, infections or hyperpigmentation.
Growth Factors
Growth factor injections have emerged as a promising therapeutic intervention for hair loss. These injections utilise an autologous concentration of growth factors and other bioactive proteins that play a crucial role in stimulating hair follicle growth, improving hair density, and promoting overall hair health.
The growth factors include platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), insulin-like growth factor (IGF), epidermal growth factor (EGF), transforming growth factor b (TGF-b) & vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF).
This is a natural, regenerative treatment that is low risk. It promotes the regenerative healing cascade and stimulates blood circulation in the scalp, nourishing existing & dormant hair follicles, which may lead to improvement in hair thickness, regrowth, longevity & overall health.
This procedure is also minimally invasive and does not involve any surgical incisions, making it a convenient option for many individuals.
