Pattern Baldness and role of PRP
At Reforme Medical and Hair Skin PRP we get a lot of patients seeking information about the use of PRP or Platelet Rich Plasma injections in the scalp to improve Hair Thinning, Hair Growth or to support the growth of hair post Hair Transplant.
I always explain the role of PRP injections in supporting and promoting hair growth by giving the example of a Space Rocket. Just like a rocket needs a main engine and also booster engines to launch into space, Hair follicle growth needs both an ongoing medical management with Minoxidil Foam (Rogaine foam) and or Finasteride, as the main engine and PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) injections as the booster engines.
There is no one treatment in the management of Male Pattern Hair Loss or Baldness or Female Pattern Hair Loss or Baldness that can reverse the process all by itself.
What is PRP Treatment?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is synthesised using the Cellenis PRP system. We collect either 11ml or 22ml of blood and then centrifuge it to separate out the components. We then discard the top layer of platelet poor plasma and resuspend all the platelets from the sample into 3 – 6 mls of plasma giving us the platelet rich plasma.
This PRP is then injected back into the scalp with microneedles and once in situ the platelet releases hundreds of growth factors that will promote and stabilise hair growth.
PRP treatment is not just used for Hair Growth, it is also used in orthopaedics to support healing of ligaments, muscle and joints.
What are the side effects of PRP for hair loss?
Given that we are reinjecting your own platelets back (though in a concentrated form) into the scalp, the procedure is extremely safe. Common adverse effects are pain and discomfort, some degree of swelling and sometimes bruising.
Are there any contraindications for PRP treatments?
Our doctor might advise you against PRP treatments if you are a heavy smoker, are on blood thinners, or have infections, cancer, thyroid disease, low platelets. This is why we always insist on a consultation before any treatment is planned.
How much does PRP for hair loss cost in Cardiff?
We use the Cellenis system (also called Eclipse PRP in the USA) unlike other clinics which charge much less, but use inferior systems.
The Cellenis or Eclipse PRP has been consistently shown to deliver results, across many published studies.
Here are the prices for our Cellenis PRP system, It depends on if you need the 11ml or 22ml tube. The bigger the tube the more PRP we get.
Cellenis PRP 11ml Tube; £350/treatment; £330/treatment when you book 3 treatments (total package cost £975)
Cellenis PRP 22ml Tube; £400/treatment; £385/treatment when you book 3 treatments (total package cost £1155)
We charge a £50 deposit to secure your consultation slot, this is then deducted from the total treatment cost.
Is PRP hair treatment a permanent solution for hair loss?
The hair growth stimulation and support provided by a PRP injection treatment has a finite duration of effect and all patients need a treatment every month for 3 months, before going into a maintenance phase were they come in every 3 or 6 months to have injections to keep the effect going. So, one PRP injection treatment is not the permanent solution for hair loss.