PRP, a Novel Growth Factor Therapy

PRP, otherwise known as Platelet-Rich Plasma, is a non-surgical form of treatment that has broad popularity within the medical community for over 30 years. Through rigorous international researches and studies, PRP continues to demonstrate effectiveness in accelerating healing, reducing pain from injuries, as well as anti-aging. The regenerative properties of PRP bring about numerous clinical applications such as knee osteoarthritis treatment, skin regeneration, and restoration of hair growth by injecting PRP into the scalp.

What is PRP?

Platelet-Rich Plasma is a form of minimally-invasive treatment that is produced by separating plasma from the patients’ own blood by using special tools, and injecting it into the concerned area to promote its biological healing process. When properly prepared, plasma can release high concentrations of Growth Factors (GFs).

Growth Factors (GFs) are naturally occurring protein molecules found in our body, capable of stimulating various cellular processes including growth, proliferation, and differentiation. Hence, allowing tissue healing and regeneration. As we age, we experience changes in our body due to changes occurring in our individual cells. Cells function less efficiently, respond slower to stimulants, and therefore produce less Growth Factors. The injection of Growth Factors will enhance cell functions and regeneration.

How is PRP made?

PRP is prepared by collecting the patient’s own blood (approximately 10-20 cc.) from a vein in the arm using standardised equipments. The blood will be transferred into a special PRP tube that contains an anticoagulant to prevent formation of blood clots and the subsequent activation of platelets from occurring. The blood is then processed in a special centrifugation machine to separate the different components.

After which, the Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) that has Growth Factors of usually 3-4 times more than that found in unprocessed blood, is extracted and injected back into the scalp. When injected into the scalp, PRP will stimulate the growth and differentiation of hair follicle cells, allowing the cells to regenerate and causing the hair to appear thicker and denser. The success of a PRP procedure largely depends on the expertise of the doctor, the quality and technology of the machine and tools used, to produce and extract highest concentrations of Growth Factors.

How is PRP more effective than other treatments?

The effectiveness of the use of PRP as a form of non-surgical treatment is broadly recognised by many medical publishers.

• PRP is a cellular treatment that improves the strength of hair roots, promotes hair regrowth, and increases hair diameter.

• PRP is a form of treatment that utilises the patient’s own healing factor, which means no risk of resistance or side effects. 

• PRP stimulates the growth and functions of hair follicles, inducing the hair growth cycle to be restored. This allows the cells to accelerate the healing naturally, hence reducing hair loss and thinning hair, while improving the number, thickness, and strength of hair roots.

Which type of hair is suitable for PRP?

PRP is equivalent to a supplement boost for your hair. PRP will improve the diametre of hairs, making them appear thicker and fuller. This is why PRP is more suitable for patients whose hair are fine or sheds easily but still have a good amount of active hair follicles. PRP is mainly used to treat hair conditions such as thinning hair, excessive hair loss, receding hairline that are due to weak hair roots and follicles, and patients who are in the early stages of hair loss. Patients who are acutely sensitive to chemicals or foreign substances will benefit from PRP as the procedure utilises the patients’ own healing factor, making the treatment completely safe as there is no risk of allergic reactions or infections.