PRF Hair Loss Treatment

PRF HAIR LOSS TREATMENT PRE- AND POST CARE 

While both PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) and PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) are used for hair loss treatment, PRF is generally considered more potent, offering potentially longer-lasting results due to its higher concentration of growth factors, stem cells, and fibrin matrix which allows for a slower, sustained release of healing components compared to PRP's immediate release.

PRF involves drawing a patient’s blood sample, spinning it in a centrifuge to separate growth-factor rich fibrin from the rest of the sample. This PRF is then injected into the scalp throughout the area of concern to help stimulate hair growth. Response to PRF treatment will vary from person to person, depending upon the cause and the degree of hair loss. But the sooner PRF is started after hair loss begins, the better the results. The success of the treatment may vary based on factors such as the patient’s age, overall health, and the severity of Alopecia. 

Pre-Treatment Instructions

Four weeks before: 

1. Avoid corticosteroid injections up to one month before scheduling PRF therapy.

2. If you have just had a fever or serious illness, we recommend that you wait for at least 60 days and recover completely before coming in for PRF therapy

The week before:

1. Discontinue blood thinning agents such as supplemental vitamin A, Ginkgo, Garlic, Flax, Cod Liver Oil, Omega 3 Fatty Acids, and multivitamins for a minimum of 7 days prior to treatment.

2. If you use anticoagulants, such as Coumadin, Warfarin, Plavix, or Pradaxa, or you use oral/injectable steroids, please ask your prescribing doctor whether you can safely stop prior to your procedure.

4. Discontinue all anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen, naproxen, aspirin, celebrex, arnica at least 7 days before your procedure.

5. Minimize or avoid alcohol and smoking 3 days prior to treatment.

6. Hydrate well the week before and the 24hrs prior to the procedure for ease of blood draw. 

8. Please inform the clinic if you have any known allergies or sensitivities to anesthetics (e.g novocaine used at the dentist), have particularly difficult veins for blood draws, or suffer from  anxiety or panic attacks due to a needle phobia.

9. Avoid hair coloring 

10. You may continue any hair loss treatments up until the day of treatment and during the treatment series, including Minoxidil 

Treatment Day: 

1.  PRF treatment is highly dependent on your level of hydration. Drink plenty of fluids in the 72 hrs prior to being seen as well as drink and eat something within 2-3 hours of your treatment. Do NOT come fasting. 

2. You may take pain tylenol beforehand if desired.

During Procedure: 

1. "Before" pictures taken

2. Topical anesthetic may be applied to the treatment area for 20 minutes prior to treatment

3. Blood is drawn and PRF is processed. 

4. PRF will be injected or microneedled into the areas of concern.

Post-Treatment Instructions: 

1. Do not wash your hair or use direct shower pressure to scalp for 24 hours. After 24 hours you may gently wash your hair with a pH balanced shampoo for the first 72 hours. 

2. Do not touch the injection sites or wear hats, headbands, or ponytails for 3 days. 

3. Do not swim or undertake any strenuous exercise for 3 days. 

4. Avoid sun exposure or extreme hot or cold temperatures for 3 days.

5. It is normal to experience bruising, redness, itching, swelling and/or soreness that may last from 2-5 days following your treatment. 6. Stay well hydrated the week following treatment. 

7. You can resume hair coloring, Minoxidil, and/or Rogaine 3 days after treatment.

8. For 3 days post PRF injections avoid alcohol and nicotine. Smoking and alcohol delay healing and increase risk of complications. 

9. Avoid exfoliation or picking at scabs until skin has healed, approximately 7 days.

10. Do not ice the area or take NSAIDs as this may inhibit PRF activity. 

11. Please contact us right away if any of the following occur: drainage that looks pus-like, green, or foul-smelling, increased warmth at or around the treated area, fever of 101.5 or greater, severe pain that is unresponsive to over-the-counter pain relievers.

What to Expect:

1. Both PRF and topical minoxidil can be helpful in the treatment of hair loss.  Studies indicate that a combination approach is most effective.  

2. New hair growth is typically noticeable after the 3rd treatment, with maximum effect occurring 6-12 months following completion of series. More treatments may be necessary if hair loss is severe or you want to increase the speed of hair growth. Rate of hair loss declines while receiving treatments and for an average of 6-12 months following the last procedure 

3. During the first few months of treatment some hair shedding is common as older hair falls out and are replaced by newer hair.

4. Hair stimulation through daily home care is a lifelong commitment and PRF is not a one-time solution.
 

Treatment Recommendations:

1. We recommend PRF hair restoration every 4-6 weeks for 3-6 sessions.  Maintenance treatments should be done every 6- 12 months.  We recommend patients apply Minoxidil once to twice daily on their own as well.

2. Wash hair 1-2 x a week with ketoconazole shampoo

3. Consider a hair growth serum with caffeine

4. Consider a hair stamping protocol (inquire with Gather for more guidance)

5. Minoxidil Application: apply once or twice daily, as recommended by the healthcare provider with twice daily being the preferred option. Minoxidil can cause itching and redness.This is normal, unless it becomes intolerable. Some people can experience abnormal hair growth on the body while using high concentrations of a minoxidil.

6. Consider taking a hair and nail vitamin with collagen