A new hair loss treatment called Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Hair Restoration is out on the market, and this one involves using your own blood. The new treatment is a giant leap for hair loss treatments.

There is now a secondary option for those worried about adverse side-effects that come from other major hair loss treatments or want to avoid an overnight stay at a hospital. Here’s the low-down on the latest hair loss treatment.

How It Works

Vampire facials were all the rage in 2017 when stars like Kim Kardashian West popularized the procedure via social media. The vampire facial utilizes your own blood to achieve more supple, youthful skin, but now there is a similar treatment for hair loss.

Joshua Zeichner, the director of cosmetic and clinical research in dermatology at Mount Sinai Hospital in New York City, states that, “Our blood is made of two main components, red blood cells and plasma. The plasma contains white blood cells and platelets, which are rich in growth factors.”

These growth factors essentially send messages to skin cells urging them to function correctly. Zeichner goes on to say that growth factors actually stimulate the dormant hair follicles sparking hair growth.

The Procedure

“The vampire facial for your hair” starts by drawing blood from a patient’s arm. According to Zeichner, “the tube of blood is put into a machine called a centrifuge, which spins the blood tube to separate out the red blood cells from the plasma. The plasma, rich in platelets, is then injected directly into the scalp at the level of the hair follicles.”

After about ten minutes in the centrifuge, the blood separates into three layers: platelet-poor plasma, platelet-rich plasma and red blood cells. Each injection is administered every half inch over the areas that are thinning. If there is a need for down time, it is very minimal.

Zeichner suggests a warm shower, “as the hot temperature will enhance blood flow and circulation through the scalp.” However, definitely refrain from heat styling, dyeing or processing for at least two days.

The Results

For this particular procedure, treatments are typically administered once a month for three to four months. After the initial group of treatments, a procedure is then administered once every three to six months, depending on results.

Noticable results are said to occur after three months. Usually, there is first a decrease in the amount of hair being shed, then more regrowth and greater hair length.

What the Research Shows

While PRP treatments have been used for various physical ailments since as early as the 1980’s, the first uses for facial and hair loss treatments were fairly recent. A 2014 study in India selected a group of men with male-pattern baldness who were prescribed an approved hair loss medication and administered PRP treatments. The results saw 30 percent growth in thin areas after four PRP treatments.

An Italian study showed similar results when it found that male patients saw heightened thickness in previously thin areas after receiving PRP treatments. Of course, there are also sound ways to work on preventing hair loss in the first place.

The Side Effects of PRP

Since the procedure involves only your own blood, the chances of getting a communicable disease are greatly diminished but unlikely events can occur. The most common side effects include scar tissue, injury to blood vessels or nerves, infection and calcification of the injection points.

As always, consult your doctor before undergoing any procedure, as mixing medications and anesthetics can have unfortunate side effects. If you are on blood thinners or have a history of heavy smoking, alcohol consumption or drug abuse, many providers suggest opting for a non-PRP treatment.

In addition, those diagnosed with chronic diseases and platelet dysfunction syndromes may be rejected for the treatments.

Final Thoughts

While there are various options for hair loss, PRP treatments are a medically and scientifically backed choice for those suffering from the issue.

However, if you find the risks too much and would rather not undergo anesthesia, specific supplements like Hair la Vie’s Revitalizing Blend Hair Vitamins can provide the proper nutrients needed to rebuild hair proteins and follicles more naturally.