Eclipse PRP for Hair Restoration
Eclipse PRP is the latest innovation in hair restoration. Eclipse PRP High Concentration is intended for the safe and rapid preparation of autologous platelet-rich plasma (PRP) from a small sample of blood at the patient point of care.
What is PRP?
Platelet-Rich Plasma, PRP, is your own harvested platelets in a small volume of plasma which releases growth factors when applied to the patient.
How Are My Platelets Harvested?
At our office in San Antonio, we will utilize a specialized blood collection tube and draw a small amount of blood from your body. This process takes no more than a few minutes and is similar to what occurs with a basic lab test. Once that blood is drawn the tube is placed in a centrifuge for 10 minutes. This separates the blood and the platelets. Once these platelets are concentrated in the plasma they are able to be applied back to the body to encourage growth and signal proteins in that area.
Who is the ideal candidate for PRP hair restoration?
PRP hair restoration typically achieves good results when treatment begins in the early stages of hair loss. The process is more likely to produce desirable results when there are detectable hair follicles. Detectable hair follicles are usually located in areas where the hair is noticeably thinner or more sparse than surrounding areas of the scalp. An exception is the treatment of alopecia areata. Adults with this skin condition may respond well to PRP injections if the affected area or areas are small.
What side effects are associated with using PRP for hair restoration?
There are very few side effects associated with PRP injections for hair restoration. Patients may resume normal activities right away and may wash their hair the day of treatment. The minor side effects that could occur include swelling, redness, and tenderness where injections have been administered.
Is PRP Safe?
Since PRP uses your own blood there is virtually no risk of allergic reaction or rejection from the body.
What is the success rate of PRP hair restoration?
Early studies do show that platelet-rich plasma may be effective in reducing hair loss and supporting healthy hair growth. In one small-scale study, researchers identified a significant reduction in hair loss after participants received PRP injections every 2 weeks for a total of 4 sessions. On average, hair count increased from 71 hair follicles to 93 hair follicles, suggesting a mean gain of about 22.09 follicular units per square centimeter. Patient satisfaction overall was high with an average satisfaction rating of 7.0 on a scale of 1 to 10. In another study, research indicated that PRP injections could improve hair density and follicular activity with the potential to regrow up to 40% of the hair that had been lost.
How to prepare for PRP injections
It may be necessary to follow a few pre-treatment recommendations. The point of these steps is to increase the effectiveness of the process, keeping in mind that PRP relies on the body’s natural regenerative capacity to work well. Some ways that patients may prepare for their treatment include:
- Eat nutrient-rich meals with lean protein, fresh fruits and vegetables, and whole grains.
- Stay hydrated with 8 to 10 glasses of water a day.
- Keep the scalp clean. If necessary, use a special shampoo for dryness or itching.
- Avoid taking anti-inflammatory medication in the weeks before treatment. Tylenol CAN be taken if needed.
- Avoid taking medications and supplements that are considered blood-thinners. Examples include vitamin E, essential fatty acids, and aspirin.
- Avoid sun exposure on the scalp.
- Do not color hair in the week before treatment.
- Limit the consumption of alcoholic beverages; they thin the blood.
How Does Eclipse PRP Increase Hair Growth?
Once your platelets are separated and concentrated in plasma they are able to be reapplied to the body. These platelets encourage growth, allowing tissues to regenerate and continue to multiply.
Is PRP Painful?
PRP is not an incredibly painful procedure, but there could be some irritation in the area upon application. It is not likely that there will be burning or stinging as the pH levels are not extreme, but redness in the area is not uncommon.
How Many Treatments Will I Need To Restore My Hair?
It is likely that you will need between 2-4 treatments scheduled one month apart. Some patients may require more treatments to see optimal results. A treatment plan will be discussed during your consultation.
Recovery Time After PRP Injections
There is no downtime after this procedure. You can shower as normal the night of the procedure but should refrain from any dyes or harsh chemicals for at least 48 hours.
Before and After PRP for Hair Loss
PRP Facial with the Eclipse MircoPen
PRP isn’t only for hair restoration! Check out the MicroPen to reduce signs of aging as well as reduce acne, scars and more.
PRP vs Minoxidil and Finasteride
These three common treatments for hair loss each work differently. Minoxidil® is a topical medication that increases blood flow around hair follicles. This is believed to increase hair follicle diameter and also lengthen the hair growth phase in which follicles are actively producing hair. Finasteride inhibits the production of 5-alpha reductase, a chemical involved in converting testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). Studies indicate that DHT makes hair thinner and weaker. Where these medications stimulate hair growth through increased circulation and decreased DHT conversion, PRP stimulates growth via the release of important growth factors and the formation of new blood vessels in the treatment area.
Should you use Minoxidil and/or Finasteride alongside PRP injections?
Research suggests that combining PRP with other hair restoration treatments like Minoxidil and/or Finasteride can improve patient outcomes. It is safe to combine these therapies, though studies indicate that Finasteride can cause side effects. Patients should speak with their doctor at the time of treatment to determine if a multi-pronged approach is right for them.
Schedule a Consultation
This treatment is available at both locations! For more information or to schedule a consultation with Dr. Bhandari, please contact our office at 210.370.9995.