There has been a lot of talk in recent years about Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP). It seems unlikely that a substance extracted from our own blood could be effective at healing wounds and damaged joints, rejuvenating our skin, and even growing hair. Surprisingly, many of these claims are supported by a lot of scientific evidence.
To treat coagulation problems associated with platelet deficiencies, PRP was originally developed for transfusion therapy. Blood clotting is initiated by platelets, which are subcellular particles found in circulating blood serum. The cells also produce a variety of chemical transmitters called cytokines and growth factors, which are crucial for inflammation, cell proliferation, and growth.
In essence, platelets are microfactories that pump out these crucial chemical signals that are distributed throughout the body. The science behind the power of PRP is primarily within the wonder of human biology, and primarily because man has invented gel media that separate out unwanted blood cells, leaving behind plasma, rich in platelets, and with high concentrations of chemical substances that they produce.
It has become widely used in sports medicine, regenerative medicine and aesthetics. This powerful autologous material has a variety of useful applications in modern medicine. In aesthetic medicine, PRP is commonly used to promote wound healing, restore and rejuvenate the skin, and enhance the results of autologous fat grafting.
Androgenetic alopecia, which is hormone-induced, is the most common type of hair loss faced by people in the U.S., with millions of both men and women affected. Though it can start early on, it is more prevalent among people over 50, where more than half experience some degree of thinning. Mild to moderate cases can be improved with PRP treatment, as studies have shown that it increases hair quality and density.
By stimulating the proliferation of blood vessels, prolonging the survival and proliferation of dermal papillary hair follicle cells, prolonging the growth phase of hair follicles, and protecting hair follicles from premature dormancy or even death, PRP achieves these benefits.
The good news is that this can all be achieved through easy treatments with hardly any repercussions. These in-office treatments take less than an hour. We will draw some of your peripheral blood, spinning it in a special medium and after that separating the PRP from the other elements to use in syringes. The affected areas of your scalp will get injected at multiple locations. Most individuals only need an ice pack to handle the discomfort; if more anesthesia is needed, I can provide nitrous oxide (laughing gas). There is no recovery time and side effects are minimal, usually consisting of a minor headache for some hours after treatment and potentially slight swelling for 24-48 hours afterwards.
It usually takes three treatments, approximately one month apart, followed by maintenance treatments every three to six months. In my practice, patients usually experience a noticeable reduction in hair shedding and improved hair thickness and density after only two treatments. Prices generally range from $500-$1,000 per treatment.
The benefits of PRP and other emerging regenerative therapies are just now being realized by modern medicine. For a consultation with a board-certified plastic surgeon or dermatologist if you suffer from thinning hair and would like to pursue PRP therapy.
A graduate of the University of Miami, Miller School of Medicine, Dr. Polo is a board-certified Plastic Surgeon and partner at Miami Plastic Surgery with over 20 years in practice. He is committed to safety and education, leading to his election into leadership positions including past-president of The Miami Society of Plastic Surgeons and president-elect of the Florida Society of Plastic Surgeons. An expert in Cosmetic Surgery of the face, neck, breasts and body, renowned for breast augmentation & mommy makeovers, he also provides a full range of non-invasive treatments such as Botox, fillers, CoolSculpting, ultrasound, lasers & radio-frequency. As an active member of medical staffs at Baptist & South Miami Hospitals he continues to act with integrity.
A few of Dr. Polo’s favorite spots on the island include Crandon Park golf course, Cape Florida Light beach, and The Spa and Rum Bar at the Ritz Carlton.
Website: https://miamiplasticsurgery.com/
