Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) Indications
Dr. Charkawi at Men’s Health Atlanta can help men and women who are experiencing hair loss or thinning with Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), therapy. PRP is an exciting new non-surgical, therapeutic option for patients who require stimulation of hair growth for hair loss conditions. It is normal for us to shed about 50 to 100 hairs a day; since we have about a million strands of hair on the scalp, this amount of hair loss does not matter and does not cause noticeable thinning of the hair. Also, gradual thinning is a normal part of aging. As one becomes older, the hair naturally starts to thin. However, you may become bald if the rate of shedding is more than the rate of regrowth or when the new hair is thinner than the hair that is shed.
What is PRP Therapy?
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), is a procedure that uses a patient’s own blood to assist in stimulating hair follicles so that they begin to grow and thicken. PRP is natural and contains no animal or foreign components, so the body readily accepts it. When injected just under the skin, it discharges a protein which prompts new cells to grow and spread throughout the treatment area.
Use of PRP in Transplant Patients
As part of his surgical procedure, Dr. Charkawi includes PRP therapy. The platelet-rich plasma helps the newly transplanted follicles thrive and grow.
Are you a Candidate for PRP?
Almost everyone is a candidate for PRP therapy; however, people who have a history of heavy smoking, drug, or alcohol use should not seek PRP therapy. Individuals who suffer from any of the following conditions are also advised not to undergo PRP therapy.
- Platelet dysfunction syndromes
- Thrombocytopenias
- Hypofibrinogenaemia
- Hemodynamic instability
- Sepsis
- Acute and Chronic Infections
- Chronic liver disease
- Anti-coagulation therapy
- Chronic skin diseases or cancer
- Metabolic and systemic disorders
About the Procedure
PRP is an all-natural medical procedure that is performed in Dr. Charkawi’s office. To begin the procedure, blood is drawn from a patient’s body and specially prepared by spinning down the blood cells to a high concentration. The blood is spun in a centrifuge and the PRP is separated and removed from the rest of the blood. The centrifuge is a closed sterile system where platelets are concentrated to 3X the normal blood values. The system eliminates granulocytes which hurts tissue regeneration and wound healing. Once the PRP is ready, an anesthesia block is given to nerves of the scalp so the patient does not feel any pain. The highly concentrated PRP is then injected into the scalp. The patient’s hair is then washed and the patient may drive home without any assistance. No sedation or any medication is given during the procedure to inhibit the ability to drive or use machinery. Patients generally have to receive PRP therapy multiple times before they can see any results. However, some patients may only have to receive PRP therapy once a year.
Aftercare and Recovery
Recovery after PRP treatment is relatively easy. Patients typically experience minimal discomfort following the injections which may last for up to one week. This is an expected and healthy healing response time. Most patients are able to continue with normal activities or work shortly after the injection. Pain medication is not required, so you will only experience mild swelling and bruising for a day or two. Because doctors follow a special protocol when working with blood products, the risk of infection is slight. Patients are advised not to take any anti-inflammatory medication since it may interfere in the natural healing process of PRP.
Each patient is unique; therefore, results of treatment may vary.
If you are looking for an effective solution for hair loss, contact Zack Charkawi of the Men’s Health Atlanta. Whether you are a man or woman, hair loss can be devastating. There is help available. Call us today to make an appointment for a consultation.