Website Update! Please take note…
Portland PRP is part of FoRM Health, a functional and regenerative medicine clinic based in the Sellwood neighborhood of southeast Portland. We are consolidating our websites and as a result all links on this page will take you to the appropriate content on FoRM’s website. Please contact us with any questions, and we look forward to working with you!
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) is a revolutionary treatment used to regenerate hair growth. PRP is blood that has been concentrated with platelets. These concentrated platelets contain proteins and growth factors which help increase circulation to the hair follicles, stimulate the follicles to grow, and even thicken the hair shaft. It is believed that the introduction of platelets and white blood cells through platelet rich plasma can actually stimulate the growth of follicles, thereby reversing hair miniaturization seen in androgenetic alopecia and even preventing hair loss.
After a small amount of blood is taken from the patient to produce the PRP, the scalp is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic. PRP is injected via syringe and in some cases applied topically in tandem with a dermaroller or microneedling device. The dermaroller creates microscopic channels that allow the PRP to penetrate deep into the skin on the scalp where it stimulates the growth of hair follicles and creates new blood vessels.
Safety, Complications, Contraindications to Use of PRP
PRP is immunologically neutral and poses no danger of allergic, hypersensitivity or foreign-body reactions.
A brief period of inflammation at wound sites may be experienced by a patient after application of PRP. Inflammation may be associated with release of platelet-associated factors at the wound site. In addition, the scalp is usually tender for several days after the procedure.
Is everyone a right candidate for this procedure?
PRP Hair Treatment is a safe choice for many patients with hair loss. However, patients with active infection on the scalp, history of shingles on the scalp, diabetes, coagulation disease, or on blood thinning and/or immunosuppressive medications are not right candidates. If the hair follicles are entirely lost, the treatment will not work. Patients who have lost their hair follicles require hair transplant surgery.
What is the cost involved?
$850 covers a consultation and the PRP treatment. Discounts are offered for multiple treatments paid in advance. Contact Dr. Herman at 503-232-5653 for more information.
How many treatments do I need?
Initially, two treatments spaced out by 3 months are recommended for rapid regrowth. For some patients, maintenance treatment may become necessary every year or so.
How much science does this procedure have behind?
Although PRP has sufficient theoretical scientific basis to support its use in hair restoration, hair restoration using PRP is still at its infancy. Clinical evidence is still weak. However, many of our patients report excellent results. Considering its excellent safety profile and relatively low cost, PRP hair treatment is a promising treatment option for patients with thinning hair. Researchers have reported that PRP promotes hair growth from follicles by the action of platelet growth factors on hair follicle stem cells. The platelet growth factors induce follicle stem cells to shift from a dormant state to an active state that starts the process of hair production. While researchers have reported such activity, no advertised claims of PRP efficacy in promoting hair growth can be made because there has been no FDA approval that would allow such claims to be made.
Interview with Dr. Greco on PRP therapy.
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503-232-5653