PRP AND PRFM
PRP and PRFM TREATMENT FOR HAIR LOSS
Is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) or platelet-rich fibrin matrix (PRFM) treatment the best treatment for Hair Loss?
Worrying about hair loss, thinning h-air, or a receding hairline? Almost everyone wishes they could turn back the hands of time to when they had full, luscious hair. Hair loss can affect many aspects of a person’s life, including self-confidence and social interaction, causing psychological distress. Male pattern baldness affects more than 80% Of Men and nearly 50% of women experience female pattern baldness.
For decades, there have been many “solutions” that claim to prevent or reverse thinning hair, but the actual “results” have proven otherwise. For example, there were claims that shampoos and conditioners thickened hair with no significant results. Therefore, the search for more effective hair restoration treatments continued.
In 2006, researchers started considering platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment as a potential treatment for the promotion of hair growth. While the scientific research has been slow, more recently dermatologists have been offering PRP treatments with encouraging qualitative and quantitative results.
PRP is a great hair loss treatment option and it has numerous scientifically based articles showing its efficacy increasing hair count, hair thickness, and the growth phase of the hair cycle. As a result, PRP and PRFM can be used either in conjunction with hair transplantation.
What is the difference between PRP and PRFM?
PRFM is the same thing as PRP, however, the Platelets in the PRFM are bound in a Fibrin Matrix. What does this mean? Well, it means that the Platelets which usually last for about 16 hrs in PRP can actually survive the full lifespan of 7-10 days because they are protected by the fibrin matrix. As a result, the Platelets in the PRFM can elude their factors for much longer. The result is similar to receiving a PRP treatment every day for 7-10 days.
What is platelet-rich plasma treatment for hair loss?
Human blood has four main components: plasma, red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. PRP/PRFM preparations consist of plasma (including growth factors and proteins) and platelets.
FDA-approved PRP has been used for many years to treat musculoskeletal and skin conditions (via injection and microneedling procedures) and promote wound healing. Platelets play an important role in healing throughout the body and are about five times more concentrated in PRP/PRFM preparations than in whole blood.
For some types of hair loss, researchers theorized that when platelets are injected deep into the scalp, reaching the bottom of the hair follicle, it may stimulate dermal papilla cells – which play a critical role in hair growth.
Is PRP or PRFM therapy effective in promoting new hair growth?
Science is proving PRP hair restoration can produce positive results.
In 2019, A Team Of Researchers did a systematic review of the medical literature on PRP as a treatment for hair rejuvenation. Their findings were published in the journal Aesthetic Plastic Surgery. Most of the studies found that injections of PRP reduced hair loss, increased the diameter of individual hairs, and increased the density of hair growth.
Also in 2019, Another Systematic Review published in Dermatologic Surgery, reported that PRP treatments led to hair growth in both male and female patients.
Researchers In Dermatology found evidence that PRP can lead to hair regrowth. However, due to the limitations of these studies – small sample size, variation in technique and protocol among physicians, and unknown optimal platelet concentration – further research may be necessary to confirm the overall effectiveness of PRP injections.
What’s the procedure for platelet-rich plasma or PRFM treatment?
PRP/PRFM is a simple, pain-free process that does not require bandages, time off from work, or restriction of physical activity. PRP/PRFM is very different from hair transplants. Hair transplants are considered invasive surgeries requiring the physical removal and implantation of hair grafts.
The entire PRP/PRFM process takes about one hour and several sessions may be necessary based on individual needs and concerns.
Patients will be able to return to their normal activities almost immediately.
Who wouldn’t choose a pain-free process like PRP/PRFM that gets results, instead of an invasive hair transplant surgery requiring downtime?
Common step-by-step approach used for PRP treatments:
- Blood is drawn from a vein in the patient’s arm into a vial. This is the same type of blood draw vial your other doctors might order for routine blood testing.
- The vial of blood is placed in a centrifuge for processing. The blood spins at high-speed separating the blood components into layers.
- The layer of platelets and plasma is extracted from the vial automatically in the Magellin system and using a transfer tube in the SELPHYL to be administered into the scalp immediately.
- After a local anesthetic is applied to the targeted area on the scalp, either the PRP or PRFM from your blood is then injected into the areas of hair loss on your head.
What are stem cells? Can stem cells be used with PRP or PRFM?
The stem cells used to regrow hair are found in fat tissue. Fat cells are utilized due to their accessibility, ease of retrieval, and high concentration of stem cells. Researchers at Stanford School Of Medicine consider fat tissue to be the richest source of stem cells for hair restoration.
The reason stem cells are so useful is they can grow and divide into any cell type, such as the cells in the hair follicle.
Other add-ons that can be used to enrich PRP are collagen, calcium, and epidermal growth factor (EGF). EGF activates cell growth and blood vessel formation, enhancing hair restoration.
PRP/PRFM and stem cells are also used to treat hair loss caused by medical conditions such as alopecia. Androgenic alopecia, also known as androgenetic alopecia, is due to hormone imbalance and hereditary factors.
FAQ
Since PRP and PRFM injections come from the patient’s own blood components, there are few risks of adverse reactions. The procedure is well-tolerated, rarely causes skin irritation, and does not involve an extensive healing process.
Though side effects can still occur in the form of redness, swelling, and tenderness at the injection site, they are usually short-lived. PRP/PRFM is a safe, promising option.
PRP or PRFM may not be appropriate for people with a history of bleeding disorders or autoimmune diseases. Dr. Nusbaum will discuss your individual medical history, needs, and concerns before scheduling PRP or PRFM treatment.
PRP/PRFM is not a cure for hair loss. Maintenance treatments are needed overtime to maintain hair growth results. Topical medications used to promote new hair growth like minoxidil (Rogaine) and oral finasteride (Propecia) also require multiple treatments to maintain results. Some patients incorporate both PRP or PRFM and medications in their treatment plans.
PRP or PRFM usually consists of three treatments in a 4-6 week period. A doctor’s recommendations for the frequency of PRP treatments depend on the results of the initial treatment and the individual’s hair loss condition.
The price depends on your geographic location, quality of equipment, and the addition of nutritive components. One injection can cost $900 or more depending upon the quality of the PRP or PRFM obtained. Be wary of those who do not use a certified PRP or PRFM system.
PRP and PRFM can be used as a supporting measure. It improves the growth of the hair follicles after hair transplantation, accelerating and optimizing circulation in blood vessels. PRP or PRFM is performed directly after or within a few weeks of hair transplantation.
Just about anyone experiencing hair loss is a good candidate for PRP or PRFM. The best candidates are in the early stages of hair loss. The improved blood supply to the scalp caused by PRP / PRFM injections can not only help regrow hair, but prevent further hair loss – especially when started early.
Why trust PRP or PRFM Treatments with Nusbaum Medical Centers / LUXX MedSpa for your hair loss treatment?
PRP and PRFM Treatments at NMC/LUXX MedSpa is the premier destination for this procedure. Michael Jay Nusbaum, MD. FACS. FASMBS, and his well-trained, professional staff provide optimal PRP and PRFM therapies based on individual patient needs and concerns. Dr. Nusbaum is a board certified Surgeon with over 24 years of experience. He has treated countless patients and lists numerous celebrities among his happy clients. Contact us today to learn more about PRP and PRFM Treatments.
