Eclipse 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.

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.

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.

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.

Since PRP uses your own blood there is virtually no risk of allergic reaction or rejection from the body.

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.

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.

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.

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.