Hair PRP

PRE-TREATMENT:

​

Treatment:

PRP therapy for hair is a treatment that involves withdrawing a patient's own blood, processing it so only the enriched cells (platelet-rich plasma) remain, and injecting it into the scalp. PRP contains essential proteins that stimulate natural hair growth. Due to the natural variation in quality of platelet-rich plasma, results can and will vary between individuals. Patients may require multiple sessions to obtain desired outcomes. 

​

Contraindications:

You should NOT have PRP treatment done if you have any of the following conditions: 

• Impaired immune system due to immunosuppressive diseases (HIV, HTV, or immunosuppressive medications)

• Skin conditions/diseases: facial cancer (existing or uncured), squamous cell carcinoma, basal cell carcinoma, melanoma, systemic cancer, and chemotherapy. 

• Steroid therapy, dermatological diseases affecting the face (Porphyria), communicable diseases, blood disorders and platelet abnormalities, anticoagulation therapy (Warfarin, Plavix, Xarelto)

• Do NOT have PRP treatment if you are pregnant. 

​​

7 days before treatment:

• Discontinue blood-thinning agents: Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Gingko, Garlic, Flax, Cod Liver Oil, and Essential Fatty Acids, and multivitamins, a minimum of 7 days (preferably 14 days) prior to treatment. It is okay to continue iron and Vitamin D. 

• Please let your provider know immediately if you are taking any blood thinners, as they may represent a contraindication to this treatment (Warfarin, Plavix, and Xarelto). 

• Avoid Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Voltaren and other anti-inflammatory medications for two weeks prior to treatment. 

• Do not take systemic steroids (Prednisone, Hydrocortisone, etc) or other topicals such as Solanpas or Voltaren Gel for at least two weeks prior to your treatment. (Please inform your provider if you've had an epidural or steroid injection of any sort within the last six weeks.)

• It is ok to color your hair up to 7 days before the procedure. 

 

We WANT inflammation to occur–this is one mechanism by which PRP works.

• You may use Tylenol (acetaminophen) as needed prior to the treatment. 

• Prescription medications (including heart and blood pressure medication) should be taken as prescribed right up to, and including, the day of and the day after your treatments. 

• If you are taking broad beta-blockers such as Inderal (Propranolol), please inform your provider as this medication may need to be changed to a select beta-blocker in advance of the treatment. 

• Avoid excessive sun or heat exposure. 

​​

3 days before treatment:

• Minimize or avoid all alcohol and caffeine consumption three days before and after treatment. 

• Avoid vigorous exercise, sun, and heat exposure.

• If possible, refrain from or minimize smoking prior to your procedure as it impacts the healing process. 

• You may continue other hair loss treatments such as laser treatment, minoxidil, or hormone blocking tablets before your procedure. If you are not sure if you should be stopping a medication, please ask. 

​​

Diet and Fluid Intake:

• Increase your intake of fluid the day before your procedure by simply drinking two glasses of water in the morning, two glasses at lunch, and two glasses at dinner, in addition to your normal intake of water. 

• Please eat normal meals prior to your procedure. Take all of your normal medications as prescribed aside from the ones listed, if possible, per your medical provider. 

​​

Day of Procedure:

• Shower the morning of your treatment and wash your hair very thoroughly using your regular shampoo. 

• Do not apply sprays, gels, or any other styling products to your hair. 

• If you wear a hair system, please remove it prior to shampooing and do not wear it before your PRP treatments. 

• Please eat a normal breakfast or lunch the day of your PRP session. 

• Drink a bottle of water (500 mL) at least two hours before your session. 

• It is strongly recommended to take a hot shower to wash your hair that evening, after the treatment, to promote the effects of PRP. 

POST-TREATMENT:

• It is normal to experience bruising, redness, itching, swelling and/or soreness that may last from 2-5 days following your treatment.

• If you experience any pain or discomfort, you may take Tylenol or other Acetaminophen-containing products as directed. 

• You may have a bruise at the blood draw site. 

• You may notice a tingling sensation while the cells are being activated. 

• Try to refrain from applying ice to the injected area as ice acts as an anti-inflammatory. Ice or cold compresses can be applied to reduce swelling if required.

• Continue increased water intake the first week after your treatment. 
   

6 hours after procedure:

• Do not use any hair products
   

12 hours after procedure:

• Do not wet your hair 

• No sunscreen

• No makeup
   

24 hours after procedure:

• You may apply make-up and resume your regular skin care regimen

• No swimming

• Avoid intentional sunlight 

• NO tanning beds.
   

2 days after procedure:

• Avoid saunas, steam rooms, swimming
   

3 days after procedure:

• For the first 3 days, use shampoo that is pH balanced

• Avoid alcohol, caffeine, and smoking (Smokers do not heal well, problems tend to recur earlier, and results may take longer)

• Avoid vigorous exercise, sun, and heat exposure

• Avoid resuming Minoxidil (Formula 82M, Rogaine®), hair coloring, and straightening
   

One week after procedure:

• Continue to avoid aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Naproxen, Voltaren and other anti-inflammatory medications

• Do not use blood thinning agents such as Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Gingko Biloba, Turmeric, Curcumin, Garlic, Flax Seed Oil, Cod Liver Oil, Essential Fatty Acids, Aspirin, Motrin, Ibuprofen, Aleve (all non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents)
   

10-14 days after procedure:

• Avoid alcohol-based toners for 10-14 days after treatment. 

 

Contact the Office Immediately if any of the Following Signs of Infection Occur:

• In rare cases, skin infection or reaction may occur, which can be easily treated with antibiotics. Please contact our office immediately if you notice unusual discomfort. 

• Drainage–looks like pus 

• Increased warmth at or around the treated area 

• Fever of 101.5 or greater 

• Severe pain that is unresponsive to over-the-counter pain relievers 

​​

Please contact your provider if you have any questions or concerns.

​

CONTRAINDICATIONS FOR HAIR PRP THERAPY:

Have a medical condition that could worsen or spread with injections, such as an active infection, a metastatic disease, or certain skin diseases

Have certain blood and bleeding disorders

Undergoing anticoagulation therapy (and cannot temporarily suspend treatment)

Anemia

Pregnant or breastfeeding

Diabetes

Neoplastic Diseases

Blood Diseases

Cancer

Speak with your primary care physician to see if you are a good candidate for PRP treatments if you have any known medical condition or are taking any medications that may have a contradiction with PRP treatments. Your primary care physician can let you know if you are a good candidate.

PRP therapy is not suitable for everyone and caution should be taken especially in patients with a history of heavy smoking, drug or alcohol use, or a medical diagnosis such as platelet dysfunction syndromes, heart disease, chronic skin diseases or cancer, metabolic and systemic disorders. In some cases, clearance by a primary care physician is required.

If considering PRP therapy, it is important to fully disclose your medical history to the specialist. For those suitable for PRP, remember results will vary between individuals and, as with any medical treatment, no specific result can be promised.

​

CONTACT THE OFFICE IMMEDIATELY IF YOU EXPERIENCE REACTIONS

Such as severe swelling, burning, redness, rash-like appearance, or severe pain

408.838.4774

​

IF YOU FEEL LIKE YOU ARE EXPERIENCING ANY LIFE-THREATENING REACTIONS

PLEASE CONTACT 911