Your blood contains an array of powerful healing and growth factors that science has only recently started to understand. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) harnesses and concentrates many of these restorative factors. PRP” has a wide variety of benefits, including as a treatment for hair loss
What is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?
PRP treatment begins with a small tube of your blood. A centrifuge spins this tube to separate the blood into layers. One layer, the clear plasma, contains concentrated platelets. This platelet-rich plasma layer concentrates the healing factors that circulate in the blood. Platelets are the body’s first responders to an injury and trigger the repair and healing response.
What are the Benefits of Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)?
PRP has become increasingly widely applied as research reveals more about its regenerative properties. More and more providers use it to treat joint and muscle injuries and other conditions. At the Langdon Center, PRP brings its impressive abilities to rejuvenate both hair and skin. Benefits of PRP include:
- Minimally invasive treatment option
- Performed with your own blood, therefore very low risk of infection
- Concentrates the body’s natural healing ability
- Little to no downtime after treatment
- Speeds the healing process
- Stimulates cellular activity
- Enhances the results of other treatments
How is Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Used?
The Langdon Center offers two platelet-rich plasma treatments. Both take advantage of PRP’s healing and regenerative abilities.
PRP Hair Restoration
We recommend PRP hair restoration as a non-surgical option with no medications or side effects. This treatment works by stimulating the hair follicles while improving blood flow to nourish the hair follicle cells. PRP awakens dormant hair follicles in androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss in both men and women), and triggers them to begin growing hair again. As a result, you see thicker, fuller hair. We may recommend a different treatment if you have extensive hair loss.
PRP Microneedling
Microneedling uses tiny needles that penetrate a few millimeters into the skin. These areas of microdamage trigger collagen production and cell turnover, resulting in firmer, smoother skin. This treatment, while very effective in improving the appearance of your skin, can require a few days of healing. PRP boosts your microneedling results and speeds the healing process for less downtime.
Is There Any Downtime With PRP?
You can return to your usual activities after a PRP treatment, but you should follow some precautions. After PRP hair restoration, you may have some swelling and sensitivity that lasts a few days. Protect your scalp and use gentle products during this time. In the case of microneedling, PRP reduces downtime and helps redness and sensitivity fade faster.
Am I a Good Candidate for PRP?
Because PRP is natural and derived from your own blood, most people are good candidates for PRP treatment. PRP may not be the best treatment option if you want to restore lost hair but have large areas with no active follicles. Most people who make good candidates for microneedling can have PRP added to this treatment.
I had 3 treatments with the PicoSure laser to remove 2 black ink tattoos. The tattoos are 20 years old and located on my ankle and lower back. I previously had 12 treatments with a qswitch laser at Cornell and almost gave up as the results were poor in my case. The PicoSure laser at Dr. Langdon’s office was the exact opposite experience. There is much less pain and discomfort with a much quicker recovery time than my Cornell qswitch experience. I hardly noticed any pain after the procedure and even the next day there was no need to address a wound like I did with the Cornell qswitch treatments. The results are unbelievable and the tattoos are now greatly diminished. I anticipate 2 more treatments to completely remove the visible elements of the ink. I also feel the treatment price is fair due to the high cost of this cutting edge laser. It has been a wonderful experience and I would recommend the Langdon center to anyone removing an unwanted tattoo. I was getting very discouraged in the past and the PicoSure laser treatments gave me faith that I will finally be able to remove my tattoos.
Take the Next Step
If you have further questions about PRP, we encourage you to schedule a consultation at The Langdon Center in Guilford, CT. Call us at 203-453-8625 or fill out our convenient online contact form.