What it is
PRP, or platelet rich plasma, is an in-office, non-surgical treatment in which the patient’s own blood is used for the injection. PRP and GFC may be considered for male-pattern and female-pattern hair loss after a diagnosis. Response varies from person to person, and they are not suitable for everyone. PRP is concentrated blood plasma containing about three to five times the number of platelets found in normal circulating blood. It contains growth factors — PDGF, EGF, VEGF, TGF and FGF — which help stimulate inactive hair follicles into an active growth phase.
GFC, or growth factor concentrate, involves the precise injection of a person’s own growth factors directly into the scalp. They are extracted from the blood at a high concentration using a specially designed GFC kit, and delivered at the hair root.
What to expect
Using an aseptic technique, about 10 ml of blood is drawn. A standard PRP or GFC kit and a centrifuge separate a concentrate of platelets and plasma from the blood. The scalp is prepared with antiseptic and numbed with a topical anaesthetic. Injections are then given at different areas of the scalp, and microneedling may be performed in addition.
The whole visit takes about an hour. You may experience minimal pain, redness and pinpoint bleeding, and any swelling takes a day or two to resolve.
Afterwards
There is no restriction on activity. You may shower and shampoo normally several hours after treatment, though mild redness and numbness of the scalp may last a few hours. Do not have harsh chemical colouring or perming for at least 72 hours.
Treatment can be repeated once every four to six weeks for several months, and where there is improvement in hair growth it is generally seen from about three months. You will have to continue minoxidil and any oral medicines prescribed by your dermatologist.
Who should not have it
Because the material used is your own blood, the risk of an allergic reaction is low. PRP and GFC are not suitable if you have a blood or platelet disorder, chronic liver disease, an active severe infection, cardiovascular or haemodynamic instability, or if you are on anticoagulation therapy such as warfarin. Recent steroid treatment and smoking are relative contraindications and should be discussed with your dermatologist.
This page is being updated. The clinic is reviewing this information against current practice. Please ask the doctor at your consultation.