The Hype of Using Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Transplant Techniques

There have been a lot of breakthroughs in the field of hair restoration since the turn of the century.But until now, androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the common type of baldness, remains to be a problem for many men and women.Hair transplant techniques are one of the conventional approaches to AGA, especially in severe cases. Although they provide the promise of a cure, they are nothing like one. These methods have their share of flaws. But there is an assistive technique that reduces these flaws. It is the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP).The Human Blood and PRPThe human blood is composed of the red blood cells, white blood cells, platelets and plasma. When activated, platelets release growth factors PDGF and VEGF and other bioactive proteins that may be beneficial in wound healing.In the initial process of clotting, platelets are necessary in healing wounds. Increasing the platelet count is said to accelerate the healing process. For this reason, platelet-rich plasma is used in the field of surgical hair restoration for wound healing and graft survival.PRP in Hair RestorationPRP contains roughly about five times the number of platelets than what normally occurs in the blood. Scientists and physicians experimented on PRP’s ability to reactivate dormant stem cells that produce hair.In a 2009 study, the use of PRP was able to prevent and reverse the process of hair loss caused by androgenetic alopecia. In hair transplant techniques, the procedure involves taking the patient’s own platelet-rich plasma and injecting it into the recipient and donor sites. This will facilitate healing of the transplanted grafts and donor areas.Recently, a new technique is drawn from the concept. Acell, a powder extracted from pigs’ bladders, is added to PRP. Scientists state that these injections will stophair lossand facilitate hair growth.Through this treatment process, the healthy hair cells are protected with a protective barrier which duplicates the surrounding tissues to invite hair-producing stem cells again.On the downside, all the hype remains unconventional. PRP is still not proven to assist in hair growth in hair transplant techniques. Still there are a number of physicians recommending the technique.