Concept Medical is very pleased to be able to offer our clients an innovative procedure called PRP. This new PRP technology is a safe, effective way to treat male and female pattern balding.
As we get older, many cells in our body begin to work less effectively. Our hair cells are also affected by aging and we may notice our hair looking thinner over time. For many people, this is a normal part of the aging process. However, others may experience significant hair thinning that can become a significant cosmetic issue. For these men and women in Ottawa with hair loss, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatments may be a hair loss treatment option.
Platelet-Rich Plasma has been used for several years to treat pain in tendons and joints, however scientists and physicians have begun to realize the benefits of using PRP for stimulating new hair growth and the treatment of aging skin.
Platelets have a high concentration of growth factors therefore the process of placing PRP into the hair follicles stimulates the growth of cells that support the hair follicles. It is very similar to ‘fertilizing the grass’. By adding nutrients back into the scalp, more dormant hair follicles can be reinvigorated to produce more healthy hair.
There are many different components to blood. One of the components of our blood is plasma, a yellow liquid that contains a variety of growth factors, nutrients, and proteins. Platelets, red, and white blood cells make up the remainder. The plasma and platelets contain the essential and specific growth factors that assist in tissue regeneration and hair follicle stimulation.
Do how does PRP work? First, a small vial of your own blood is drawn from your arm using a tiny needle. The blood is then spun in a centrifuge and the PRP is separated and removed from the rest of the blood. The PRP is placed directly into the scalp using a microneedling technique from Switzerland. Since the microneedle moves very fast, and is very small, there is very little to no discomfort during the procedure.
PRP contains over 20 growth factors that can then go to work to stimulate the hair follicle. PRP is natural and very safe because the procedure concentrates the beneficial growth factors and cells from your body and places them directly back into the area where it is needed. Other than potentially some mild bruising, there are very few other risks to PRP. No numbing or any medication is needed prior to treatment and the full PRP treatment time is approximately 45-60 minutes. Best of all, you can return to your normal daily activity right after the treatment.
Most patients will require 4 treatments about one month apart for optimal results. PRP results typically begin 3-6 months after initial treatment and can last up to 1-2 years or more. PRP is not a total cure for thinning but does offers the opportunity for hair growth for those patients who are not candidates for surgery or those patients wanting a nonsurgical approach to treatment. As with any treatment, a small number of patients may not respond well to PRP.
Platelet-Rich Plasma can also be used on other areas of the body, mainly the skin on the face and neck. PRP may also be known as a ‘vampire facial’ which was recently popularized in the media. PRP stimulates the skin’s healing and recovery abilities with the
production of new collagen and elastin. Therefore, PRP may also be an option for skin rejuvenation, improving fine lines and wrinkles. Placing PRP into the skin promotes regeneration, improved elasticity, and hydration and can be used alone or in conjunction with other non-surgical cosmetic treatments.
At Concept Medical in Ottawa, you will be in the expert care of our physicians and nurse for your PRP treatments. Whether you are seeking PRP treatments for skin rejuvenation or hair loss, the skilled team at Concept Medical can help. For more information about how Platelet-Rich Plasma treatments can help promote hair regrowth, please contact us for your individualized consultation today.