Growth Factor Injection (PRP)

Platelets contain an abundance of growth factors (such of PDGF, TGF, VEGF, EGF, FGF, CTGF), which are crucial for tissue rebuilding and repair. It also contains molecules important for cell migration and proliferation, along with numerous cytokines, anti-microbial peptides, and anti-inflammatory molecules. When injected into scalp, it acts by a variety of mechanisms, including enhancing proliferation and survival of hair follicles. It also acts to increase blood flow to your hair follicles, bringing more nutrients.

Platelet rich plasma offers an additional way to stimulate hair growth, especially in people who does not tolerate other forms of treatment. For example, it may be useful if someone is not a candidate for a hair transplant, cannot use finasteride, or has developed contact allergy to topical solution.

• Early stage of male- or female-pattern baldness (androgenic alopecia)
• Sudden hair loss with development of one or more oval bald patches (alopecia areata)
• Generalized thinning of scalp
• Someone who has been on other types of medical treatments such as minoxidil and is looking for other ways to stimulate hair growth

New hair growth and better hair health can be seen as early as 4 months after completion of treatment. Noticeable results are typically evident between 6-9 months after the treatment and will continue to improve for up to a year. Rarely some patients may experience temporary hair shedding at the beginning of the treatment but this usually self-resolve.

Annual top-up injections are recommended to sustain the hair restoration benefits. Younger patients and patients with more recent hair loss will have better result.

• Avoid medications that can cause bruising like Aspirin, fish oil, Vitamin E, herbal medications, etc., for a week prior to the treatment.
• Discontinue any non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medication such as Nurofen, Ibuprofen, Celebrex for 2 days prior until 10 days after the PRP therapy.
• Minimal alcohol, caffeine, fatty food and ideally a healthy diet.
• Try to have a good night’s sleep prior to the day of the procedure as it may assist platelet yield

• Wash your hair in the morning of the procedure and do not apply any hair product
• Topical numbing gel will be applied over the scalp to provide adequate analgesia prior to the injection
• Small volume of blood (15-30ml) is collected in the same way as a standard blood test and PRP are separated from whole blood using a special separating device
• Concentrated PRP is then injected into superficial scalp using very fine and short needle

• It is recommended not to wash your hair for at least 6 hours post-procedure
• You may resume your normal activities, however, avoid any strenuous exercise for at least 12 hours
• If you require pain relief, please use Panadol based medication
• You will not be able to take any anti-inflammatory for 10 days after the procedure.
• Avoid using any topical scalp product or medicated solution for at least 3 days after the injection