Hair regrowth may seem complex, but your body holds a natural solution — your blood.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy stimulates hair growth and strengthens existing hair by using a concentrated sample of platelets. The blood is processed and then administered to your hairline to nourish dormant follicles over the following months after treatment. While this can sound complicated, it’s actually straightforward, and we’re here to help you break it down.
At Hair Doc, we are proud to provide PRP therapy to men and women in Cow Hollow, San Francisco, who want to heal their hairline for a younger-looking appearance. Read on to discover what to expect each step of the way.
Treatment is fast, simple, and pain-free. Dr. Aaron Chen answers any questions you may have and then begins treatment by drawing your blood. He inserts a small, sterile needle into your arm and collects approximately 2-4 tablespoons of blood.
Your blood is composed of red blood cells, white blood cells, plasma, and platelets. PRP focuses on using the plasma with a concentrated sample of platelets.
Your sample is placed on a centrifuge — a device that spins at high velocities to separate fluid components based on density. Dr. Chen isolates the platelets and reintroduces them into the plasma to prepare the samples for your treatment.
PRP contains up to eight times the amount of platelets as normal blood. This is the power behind PRP because platelets contain a high concentration of growth factors — proteins that play a vital role in cell regeneration and healing.
We focus treatment on the areas where you’re experiencing hair loss like the crown, the temples, and the front of your hairline. These areas of your scalp are cleaned and sometimes numbed with a local anesthetic.
Dr. Chen makes approximately 10-30 injections on your scalp, several millimeters apart, and at targeted locations to improve your hairline. Most patients describe the injections as brief and mild discomfort.
PRP injections are powerful for hair loss because they enhance blood circulation and provide vital nutrients to your scalp. This can help hair growth in three ways: by strengthening existing hair, increasing hair density, and slowing down thinning.
Most PRP treatments take about 45 minutes, and the appointments are concluded with Dr. Chen describing the aftercare process. We advise you to avoid touching the treatment site and refrain from washing your hair until 24 hours after treatment.
Keep your scalp clean, and don’t use topical hair products or hair color until 48 hours after treatment. We politely ask you to avoid exercising, sun exposure, and heat contact for 28 hours following treatment.
PRP therapy typically requires 3-4 sessions spaced about a month apart. Most patients start noticing improvements in hair in growth and thickness after about 3-6 months following treatment, with results that continue to get better with time.
Now is the best time to start treatment to combat thinning hair. Dr. Chen is here to help you replenish your hair with PRP. Call 415-907-7354 to schedule your consultation or book online.
Disclaimer: Photos used in this article are models and may or may not have had treatment.
